How To Make Mexican Pinto Beans

To make Mexican pinto beans, you simmer dried pinto beans with onions, garlic, and a blend of traditional seasonings until they’re creamy and tender.
 
This dish is a staple in Mexican households, and once you learn how to make Mexican pinto beans the right way, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff.
 
The good news is that making Mexican pinto beans from scratch is simple, affordable, and incredibly forgiving.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make Mexican pinto beans that taste authentic and rich, this guide will walk you through every step.
 
In this post, we’ll cover what makes Mexican pinto beans so special, the ingredients you need, and how to make Mexican pinto beans that come out perfect every single time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Should Make Mexican Pinto Beans From Scratch

When you make Mexican pinto beans at home, you control everything that goes into the pot.
 
Here’s why making Mexican pinto beans from dried beans beats the canned version every time:
 

1. The Flavor Is Unmatched

When you make Mexican pinto beans from scratch, the beans soak up all the flavors of the garlic, onion, and spices as they cook low and slow.
 
The result is a pot of Mexican pinto beans that tastes deep, savory, and slightly smoky.
 
Canned beans simply can’t compete with that.
 

2. It’s Cheaper Than You Think

A one-pound bag of dried pinto beans costs just a couple of dollars and makes enough Mexican pinto beans to feed a crowd.
 
Compare that to buying several cans, and you’ll see why so many families have been making Mexican pinto beans from scratch for generations.
 

3. You Control the Sodium

When you make Mexican pinto beans yourself, you decide how much salt goes in.
 
Canned beans are loaded with sodium, but homemade Mexican pinto beans can be seasoned exactly to your taste.
 
That’s one of the biggest reasons people learn how to make Mexican pinto beans at home.
 

Ingredients for Mexican Pinto Beans

Before you make Mexican pinto beans, gather these simple ingredients:
 
– 1 pound of dried pinto beans
 
– 1 white onion, halved
 
– 4 garlic cloves, peeled
 
– 2 bay leaves
 
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
 
– Salt to taste
 
– Water or broth for cooking
 
That’s it.
 
You don’t need anything fancy to make Mexican pinto beans that taste incredible.
 

How to Make Mexican Pinto Beans Step by Step

Now let’s get into the actual process of how to make Mexican pinto beans.
 
Follow these steps, and you’ll be making Mexican pinto beans like a pro:
 

1. Rinse and Sort the Beans

Start by rinsing your dried pinto beans under cool water.
 
Pick out any stones or shriveled beans as you go.
 
This step matters when you make Mexican pinto beans because clean beans cook more evenly.
 

2. Soak the Beans Overnight

Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water.
 
Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
 
Soaking helps soften the beans so they cook faster when you make Mexican pinto beans.
 
If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans for two minutes and letting them sit for an hour.
 

3. Simmer With Aromatics

Drain the soaked beans and add them to a large pot.
 
Toss in the onion halves, garlic cloves, and bay leaves.
 
Cover everything with fresh water by about two inches.
 
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
 
This is the heart of how to make Mexican pinto beans that taste authentic.
 

4. Season and Cook Until Tender

After about an hour of simmering, add your cumin and salt.
 
Keep simmering until the beans are soft and creamy, which usually takes another 30 to 60 minutes.
 
When you make Mexican pinto beans, patience is your friend.
 
The longer they simmer, the better they taste.
 

5. Adjust and Serve

Once the beans are tender, taste them and adjust the salt if needed.
 
Remove the onion, garlic, and bay leaves before serving.
 
Now you’ve officially learned how to make Mexican pinto beans from scratch.
 

Tips for the Best Mexican Pinto Beans

Want to make Mexican pinto beans that taste like they came from abuela’s kitchen?
 
Keep these tips in mind:
 
– Don’t add salt at the beginning, as it can toughen the beans while you make Mexican pinto beans.
 
– Stir occasionally so the beans cook evenly and don’t stick.
 
– Add a spoonful of lard or bacon fat if you want your Mexican pinto beans to have that classic rich flavor.
 
– Mash a few beans against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.
 
These small tricks make a big difference when you make Mexican pinto beans at home.
 

So, How Do You Make Mexican Pinto Beans?

You make Mexican pinto beans by simmering dried pinto beans with onion, garlic, cumin, and bay leaves until they’re soft, creamy, and full of flavor.
 
The process takes a little time, but making Mexican pinto beans from scratch is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can cook.
 
Once you know how to make Mexican pinto beans, you’ll have a versatile side dish that pairs with tacos, rice, eggs, or just a warm tortilla.
 
So grab a bag of dried pinto beans and make Mexican pinto beans this week.