This delicious Mexican Pinto Bean Spice comes together in about 15 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: This is where the magic begins! Adds that classic Southwest kick you crave.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Oh, the warm, earthy flavor of cumin makes your taste buds dance!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because, let’s face it, garlic makes everything better.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: It’s like a flavor shortcut, bringing in that sweet onion goodness without the chopping!
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoky and sweet, this spice is essential for depth.
- Salt to taste: A couple pinches here make a world of difference.
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans or refried beans: Use what you’ve got! Canned works perfectly for quick meals.
You know, you can definitely play around with this recipe! Have some black beans instead of pinto? Use ’em! No smoked paprika? Just toss in some regular paprika or even a dash of hot sauce. Seriously, this recipe is super flexible!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a couple pinches of salt. Stir until well combined! You want everything to be evenly distributed; it makes a huge difference in flavor!Season the Beans
Grab your cooked pinto beans (or refried beans if that’s what you have). Sprinkle the spice mixture over the beans and stir to combine, ensuring every bean is coated. The aroma will start to blow your mind! You’ll want to cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s all warmed through and fragrant.Serve and Enjoy
And voilà! Your flavorful, spiced beans are ready to be served. You can use these beans in so many ways, serve as a side dish, mix them into a burrito, or pile them on top of nachos for a cheesy, decadent treat. Yum!
If you loved this Easy Mexican Pinto Bean Spice, be sure to check out my Mexican Chicken and Corn Stew or my Mexican Pork Pozole.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 15 minutes! Seriously, who doesn’t love a meal that’s ready in a flash? Ideal for those busy evenings when everyone’s hungry, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
One Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup required! Everything is completed in one pot, which means less scrubbing later. Who has time for more dishes? Not me, that’s for sure!
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients! These pantry staples are typically stuff you already have hanging out at home. You can whip this up whenever without making a special trip to the store!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have! If you don’t have pinto beans? Substitute with black beans or even chickpeas! Make it truly your own.
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor! You’ll get that warm, cozy feeling with every bite. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel like you’re getting a hug from your grandma, warm, comforting, and oh so satisfying!
Serving & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
These spiced beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
- Tortillas for tacos or burritos.
- Nacho chips for a fun snack.
- Rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
- Pair them with a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
The leftover spiced beans can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure they’re in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat in the microwave for a quick meal.
Freezer Friendly?
Oh yes! You can freeze them. Portion them out into freezer-safe containers and they’ll last about 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Perfect for those days when you need something fast!
And there you have it! A quick and easy Mexican Pinto Bean Spice that’s not only perfect for busy weeknight dinners, but also gives you tons of flavor, flexibility, and satisfaction. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it in rotation!
Oh! And if you’re ever short on time or inspiration, just whip up this back-pocket recipe. I can’t wait for you to give it a go. Trust me; your family will love it! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Remember: Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as mixing spices and warming up beans for a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like home. Now get in that kitchen, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Mexican Pinto Bean Spice
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious, one-pot meal that comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans or refried beans
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until well combined.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the cooked pinto beans and stir to combine, ensuring every bean is coated.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through and fragrant.
- Serve your flavorful spiced beans as a side dish or use in tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Notes
Feel free to customize with whatever beans you have on hand. Can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg