How To Cook Mexican Style Pinto Beans

You can cook Mexican style pinto beans by simmering them slowly with onions, garlic, and flavorful seasonings until they’re creamy and tender.
 
This traditional dish is a staple in Mexican households, and once you learn how to cook Mexican style pinto beans, you’ll wonder why you ever bought canned beans.
 
The key is patience and simple ingredients that let the beans shine.
 
Whether you’re making a big pot for a family gathering or meal prepping for the week, knowing how to cook Mexican style pinto beans gives you a versatile side dish that pairs with just about anything.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook Mexican style pinto beans, from choosing the right beans to getting that perfectly creamy texture.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How To Cook Mexican Style Pinto Beans The Right Way

Cooking Mexican style pinto beans isn’t complicated, but there are a few things you need to get right.
 
Here’s what makes this method work:
 

1. Start With Dried Beans, Not Canned

If you really want to learn how to cook Mexican style pinto beans properly, you need to start with dried beans.
 
Canned beans are convenient, sure, but they can’t match the flavor and creamy texture you get from cooking dried pinto beans from scratch.
 
Dried beans absorb all the flavors of the onion, garlic, and seasonings you add to the pot.
 
Plus, they’re way cheaper and you get way more bang for your buck.
 

2. Soak Your Beans Overnight

Soaking pinto beans overnight is a step you don’t want to skip when cooking Mexican style pinto beans.
 
It softens the beans and helps them cook more evenly.
 
Just cover them with plenty of water and let them sit for at least 8 hours or overnight.
 
If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for a few minutes and letting them sit for an hour.
 
But honestly, the overnight soak gives you the best results when you cook Mexican style pinto beans.
 

3. Use Simple, Authentic Seasonings

When you cook Mexican style pinto beans, the seasoning is where the magic happens.
 
You don’t need a dozen spices.
 
Just onion, garlic, cumin, and maybe a little oregano.
 
Some people add a jalapeño or serrano pepper for a bit of heat.
 
Others throw in a bay leaf or two.
 
The goal is to enhance the natural flavor of the beans, not mask it.
 
And don’t forget the salt, but add it toward the end.
 
Salting too early can make the beans tough when you cook Mexican style pinto beans.
 

4. Simmer Low and Slow

The secret to perfectly cooked Mexican style pinto beans is a low and slow simmer.
 
Once your beans are soaked and ready, add them to a pot with fresh water, onions, and garlic.
 
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
 
Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
 
You’ll know your Mexican style pinto beans are done when they’re soft and creamy but still hold their shape.
 

5. Mash Some for Creaminess

Here’s a little trick that takes Mexican style pinto beans to the next level.
 
Once they’re tender, scoop out about a cup of beans and mash them with a fork or potato masher.
 
Stir the mashed beans back into the pot.
 
This thickens the broth and gives you that creamy consistency you get at authentic Mexican restaurants.
 
It’s a small step that makes a big difference when you cook Mexican style pinto beans.
 

Tips For The Best Mexican Style Pinto Beans

Want to nail how to cook Mexican style pinto beans every single time?
 
Keep these tips in mind:
 

1. Don’t Add Acid Too Early

Ingredients like tomatoes, lime juice, or vinegar can prevent beans from softening if added at the beginning.
 
Wait until your Mexican style pinto beans are fully cooked before adding any acidic ingredients.
 

2. Use Enough Water

Beans absorb a lot of liquid as they cook.
 
Make sure your Mexican style pinto beans are always covered with at least an inch of water.
 
Check them every 30 minutes and top off as needed.
 

3. Taste As You Go

Every batch of Mexican style pinto beans is a little different.
 
Taste them as they cook and adjust your seasonings accordingly.
 
You might find you want more cumin or garlic, depending on your preference.
 

4. Let Them Rest Before Serving

Once your Mexican style pinto beans are done cooking, let them sit for about 15 minutes off the heat.
 
This allows the flavors to meld together and the broth to thicken slightly.
 

Serving Your Mexican Style Pinto Beans

Now that you know how to cook Mexican style pinto beans, let’s talk about how to serve them.
 
These beans are incredibly versatile.
 
Serve them as a side dish with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meat.
 
Spoon them over rice for a hearty meal.
 
Or just eat them in a bowl with some warm tortillas and call it a day.
 
You can also mash them up and use them as a filling for burritos or tostadas.
 
Top your Mexican style pinto beans with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
 
And if you have leftovers, they taste even better the next day.
 
Store them in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze them for up to three months.
 

So, How Do You Cook Mexican Style Pinto Beans?

You cook Mexican style pinto beans by soaking dried beans overnight, simmering them low and slow with onions, garlic, and cumin, and mashing some of them for that creamy texture.
 
It’s a simple process that rewards you with a pot of beans that taste like they came straight from abuela’s kitchen.
 
Remember, the key is patience and keeping the seasoning simple.
 
Now that you know how to cook Mexican style pinto beans, grab a bag of dried pinto beans and get started.
 
Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.