Who doesn’t love a comforting pot of beans? Before I met my partner, Matt, I was never really enthusiastic about homemade beans, perfectly content with the convenience of canned versions. However, discovering this recipe for pinto beans, especially inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has completely changed my perspective. I’m definitely making them again and again!
Growing up in the South, you might assume beans were a staple, but in my family, they weren’t. While I enjoyed beans, the idea of making them from scratch never appealed to me. Heating up canned beans on the stovetop was our go-to. My dad, in fact, isn’t a fan at all; at Mexican restaurants, he’d always opt for double rice instead of pinto beans!
It was Matt and his parents, Tony and Paula, who introduced me to the world of genuine southern comfort food, something I realized I had been missing. In their household, pinto beans are a must-have. Whenever I visit, there’s almost always a pot of homemade beans simmering in the crock pot. Paula, a true country cook, rarely follows strict recipes. So, when I asked her for her pinto bean recipe, her instructions were… let’s just say, varied!
Eager to try, I attempted Paula’s pinto beans in a crock pot, but unfortunately, it was a kitchen mishap! The beans turned out tough, never softening properly, and with a strange color. I honestly didn’t know it was possible to ruin beans, but I managed it.
Rinsed pinto beans in a colander
Image: Dried pinto beans being rinsed in a kitchen colander, preparing them for cooking.
Determined to succeed, I turned to a trusted source: Ree Drummond’s recipe for pinto beans. Using a Dutch oven and the stovetop method, I decided to give homemade pinto beans another try, specifically the Pioneer Woman way.
Thankfully, this attempt was a triumph! The beans were absolutely delicious. Matt loved them, I loved them, and I especially appreciated how quickly they cooked – ready in just 2 hours, a stark contrast to the 8-10 hours plus overnight soaking required for a crock pot. This Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans recipe was a game-changer.
Paula, consider this a friendly challenge! These Pioneer Woman inspired beans might just rival yours! (Okay, maybe not quite, according to Matt, but they’re a very close second!). This stovetop method, adapted from Ree Drummond’s approach, delivers perfectly tender and flavorful pinto beans every time.
Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Recipe: Step-by-Step
This recipe, adapted from the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, simplifies the process of making delicious, homemade pinto beans. It’s perfect for a comforting family meal or a hearty side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 3 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (for smoky flavor)
- ¾ tsp salt, or to taste (adjust according to preference)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Water
Rinsed pinto beans in a pot
Image: Pinto beans in a stainless steel pot after being rinsed, ready for the next cooking steps.
Instructions:
- Rinse the Beans: Begin by rinsing 2 cups of dried pinto beans thoroughly in cool water using a colander. This step helps to remove any debris and ensures cleaner beans.
Pinto beans in a Dutch oven
Image: Pinto beans poured into a large Dutch oven, preparing for water to be added for cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in Pot: Pour the rinsed beans into a large pot or, ideally, a Dutch oven. A Dutch oven is excellent for even heat distribution, crucial for cooking beans to perfect tenderness.
Water covering pinto beans in Dutch oven
Image: Water being poured into a Dutch oven, covering the pinto beans by about two inches for cooking.
- Add Water: Cover the beans with water, ensuring the water level is about 2 inches above the beans. This is essential for proper cooking and prevents the beans from drying out.
Bacon added to pinto beans
Image: Slices of bacon being added to the pot of pinto beans and water for flavoring during cooking.
- Add Bacon: Add 3 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces, to the pot. The bacon infuses the beans with a wonderful smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Pinto beans brought to a boil
Image: Pinto beans in a Dutch oven brought to a rolling boil on a stovetop, starting the cooking process.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Mashing pinto beans to thicken
Image: A small cup of cooked pinto beans being mashed with a fork to thicken the broth.
- Thicken Broth (Optional): For a thicker bean broth, you can remove a cup of cooked beans, mash them with a fork, and return them to the pot. Stir to incorporate the mashed beans back into the mixture and continue to simmer.
Seasoned and thickened pinto beans
Image: A pot of cooked pinto beans, now tender and with a thickened broth, ready to be served.
- Season: Towards the end of the cooking time, when the beans are tender and the broth has thickened to your liking, add ¾ tsp of salt and 1 tsp of black pepper. Season to taste, adjusting the salt and pepper according to your preference.
Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans served over rice
Image: A serving of Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans ladled over fluffy white rice in a white bowl, ready to eat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious Pioneer Woman pinto beans hot. They are fantastic served over white rice, as pictured, or with cornbread for a classic southern meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Southern Style: Serve over white rice or alongside cornbread.
- Toppings: Enhance your pinto beans with toppings like grated cheddar cheese, chopped onions, fresh jalapenos for a kick, sour cream for creaminess, and fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness.
- Side Dish or Main Course: Enjoy as a hearty vegetarian main course or as a flavorful side dish to complement grilled meats or other southern comfort food favorites.
This Pioneer Woman pinto beans recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy homemade beans. Forget the canned versions; once you try this easy stovetop method, you’ll be making pinto beans from scratch regularly! Enjoy the comforting taste of these flavorful beans, perfect for any meal.
