This easy and comforting brown beans recipe is perfect for a hearty meal or a flavorful side dish. Slow-simmered with simple pantry staples, these tender pinto beans soak up rich, smoky flavors. Enjoy them as a standalone dish, in tacos, or alongside rice for a filling and nutritious meal that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying!
Recipe Ingredients:
- 4 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black peppe
How To Make Basic Brown Beans Recipe?
- Prepare the beans: Place the dried pinto beans in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about 5cm / 2 inches.
- Season and bring to a boil: Add the chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for about 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the beans are tender, serve them as part of a taco bar, alongside rice, or as a hearty side dish.

Recipe Tips:
- Soak for Faster Cooking: If you’re short on time, soak the beans overnight. This helps them cook faster and makes them easier to digest.
- Don’t Add Salt Too Early: Adding salt at the beginning can make the beans tough. Wait until they are halfway cooked before seasoning.
- Keep the Water Level Right: Beans absorb a lot of water. Always keep them covered with liquid to prevent them from drying out.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking time can vary. Test a few beans by smashing them with a spoon—if they’re soft and creamy inside, they’re ready!
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a bay leaf, onion, or garlic while cooking for extra depth of flavor without extra effort.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: First, let the leftover brown beans cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Once cooled, place the beans in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Place the beans in a pot over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed. Stir occasionally and heat for 5–10 minutes until hot.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Potassium: 1,200mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 15g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 15g
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Basic Brown Beans Recipe
Description
This easy and comforting brown beans recipe is perfect for a hearty meal or a flavorful side dish. Slow-simmered with simple pantry staples, these tender pinto beans soak up rich, smoky flavors. Enjoy them as a standalone dish, in tacos, or alongside rice for a filling and nutritious meal that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: Place the dried pinto beans in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about 5cm / 2 inches.
- Season and bring to a boil: Add the chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for about 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the beans are tender, serve them as part of a taco bar, alongside rice, or as a hearty side dish.
Notes
- Soak for Faster Cooking: If you’re short on time, soak the beans overnight. This helps them cook faster and makes them easier to digest.
- Don’t Add Salt Too Early: Adding salt at the beginning can make the beans tough. Wait until they are halfway cooked before seasoning.
- Keep the Water Level Right: Beans absorb a lot of water. Always keep them covered with liquid to prevent them from drying out.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking time can vary. Test a few beans by smashing them with a spoon—if they’re soft and creamy inside, they’re ready!
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a bay leaf, onion, or garlic while cooking for extra depth of flavor without extra effort.
Basic Brown Beans Recipe