This easy brown beans recipe is total comfort food. These creamy refried beans draw inspiration from both Mexican and Southern recipes and are so easy to make. Plus, they taste even more delicious the next day!
Why You'll Love it
Ok y'all, let me tell you about this easy brown beans recipe!
If you're like me and you want something comforting, easy, and oh-so-satisfying, you're going to love this creamy pinto beans recipe.
It’s one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell amazing, and it’s perfect for when you need something quick but hearty.
We’re talking pinto beans that are fall apart tender, soak up all that chicken broth goodness, and are seasoned with cumin and garlic for a little warm spice kick. Plus, the onions get all soft and buttery, practically melting into the beans during the cooking process.
Since we're using canned beans, this recipe takes just 30-40 minutes, but they taste like they’ve been simmering all day long. (Full disclosure, I always make this recipe on the stovetop so I haven't tried making these refried beans in an instant pot, pressure cooker, or crockpot but I don't see why it wouldn't work using one of these kitchen tools.)
These pinto beans work great as a side, or even as the main event with some cornbread and ham or in burrito bowls with a little lime juice, coconut rice, sour cream and cilantro.
Plus, it’s a super versatile recipe—add a few spoonfuls to tortilla chips, top it with cheese, pop it under the broiler and finish with some hot sauce. Or keep it simple and make some easy bean burritos to let the flavors do all the talking.
You’re going to love this easy brown beans recipe because it’s low effort but BIG on flavor. This is the kind of recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen - just like it did in ours!
ingredients & Substitutions
All you need is a few simple ingredients to make a perfect pot of beans.
- Olive Oil: If you don't want to use olive oil, you can use bacon grease rendered from a little bit of bacon. Both fats lead to the most flavorful beans ever but the bacon grease definitely adds a richer smoky flavor.
- Onions: I recommend using sweet onions but you could use white onion, yellow onion, or red onion.
- Garlic Powder: You could also use fresh garlic but dried garlic powder is easiest in this homemade pinto beans recipe.
- Cumin: Cumin adds smoky flavor but if you wanted to add a smoked ham hock, salt pork or a smoked turkey wing, you could also do that.
- Pinto Beans: For ease and convenience, I opted for canned beans over dry beans dried beans. However, if you're using dry pinto beans, you can do a quick soak method. If you're using a can of beans, just make sure to rinse them with fresh water in a strainer beforehand. This recipe also works for navy beans, black beans, and kidney beans.
- Chicken Broth: If you're not into chicken or vegetable broth you could swap it for a few cups of water. But in my opinion, chicken broth adds so much flavor and really makes these the best southern pinto beans recipe.
- Optional Additions: For even more added flavor, try adding a pinch of chili powder, mexican oregano or black pepper. If you want a little sweetness, try adding brown sugar or maple syrup.
How to Make it
This easy recipe for brown beans is a breeze! Here's how you do it:
- Saute Veggies: Add chopped onion, olive oil to a large pot (a heavy bottomed dutch oven) over medium heat on the stove top. Stir and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Toast Spices: Add cumin and garlic and stir. Let the spices toast for about 2 minutes.
- Add Beans & Simmer: Next, stir in rinsed pinto beans and add broth and kosher salt and bring to a gentle simmer over medium low heat. If you're using meaty ham hocks, you can add them at this point. The best thing about using canned beans is that the total cooking time is about 30-40 minutes - compared to dried beans which have a long cook time.
- Season & Serve: Taste this delicious side dish and add more salt if needed.
- Save Leftovers: You can place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What to serve with brown beans
This brown bean recipe is so versatile. If I were pairing it with southern dishes, I'd make:
- Easy Yellow Squash & Zucchini Recipe (Simple Southern Side)
- Southern Tomato Gravy (My Grandma's Old-Fashioned Recipe)
- Sauteed Cabbage with Onions (The Best Easy Southern Recipe)
- Meme's Southern Fried Corn Recipe (The Best Skillet Recipe!)
And if i was pairing it with Mexican inspired dishes, I'd choose:
- Mexican Street Corn Soup
- Chicken Tinga -Perfectly Spicy Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe for Tacos, Quesadillas & Salads
- Cottage Cheese Walking Taco Lettuce Wraps
- Steak Picado - Perfect for Tacos, Rice Bowls & More!
Recipe
Easy Brown Beans Recipe (The Best Pinto Beans)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 medium sized Sweet Onions finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 2 30 oz cans Pinto Beans drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt plus more for finishing
- 1 quart Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Add onions and olive oil to a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Stir and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Add cumin and garlic and stir to toast spices for 2 more minutes.
- Stir in pinto beans then add broth and salt and bring to a simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes depending on the consistency you're going for. If you want more jammy beans, go for 40 minutes. If you want them more whole, simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste and season with more salt if needed before serving.
