Hello there, fellow food enthusiasts! Welcome to RecipeArt, the ultimate destination for authentic recipes. In this session, I am going to share with you a healthy and tasty meal idea with Pinto Beans and Ground Beef Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting meal, this pinto beans and ground beef recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Preparation Time:
Approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Recipe Yield:
Approximately 4 to 6 servings, depending on portion sizes.
Nutritional Information:
According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
Calories | 350 |
Total Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Cholesterol | 60mg |
Sodium | 600mg |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 8g |
Sugar | 4g |
Protein | 25g |
**Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used in your preparation.
Ingredients:
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Ground beef | 1 pound |
Dried pinto beans | 1 cup |
Diced onion | 1 |
Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
Diced tomatoes | 1 can |
Chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
Cumin | 1 tablespoon |
Salt and pepper | As per taste |
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream | As per taste |
Note: Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your preferences and the number of servings you wish to make.
Step by Step Instruction:
Step 1
First, you have to prepare the pinto beans for cooking. Wash the beans with cold water, place them in a pot, and cover them with water. Boil the water over a high heat; later, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer until they are tender. This will take about one hour. After that, drain the cooked beans and set them aside for later use.

Step 2
In a separate skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. As the beef cooks, break it up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3
Return the skillet with the cooked ground beef to the stove and set it to medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté them until they are fragrant and the onion turns translucent. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes (un-drained) and stir well to combine.

Step 4
Now it’s time to introduce our star ingredient: the cooked pinto beans. Add the drained beans to the skillet, along with the chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and blend harmoniously. If desired, you can cover the skillet partially to prevent too much moisture from evaporating.

Step 6
Once the cooking time is up, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your pinto beans and ground beef dish hot, garnishing it with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. This hearty meal pairs perfectly with warm tortillas or a side of fluffy rice.
And there you have it, my friends – a scrumptious recipe that brings together the humble pinto beans and savory ground beef. This delightful combination will surely please your palate and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the delightful journey of cooking this pinto beans and ground beef dish.
Printable recipe:

Pinto Beans and Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground beef 1 pound
- Dried pinto beans 1 cup
- Diced onion 1
- Minced garlic 2 cloves
- Diced tomatoes 1 can
- Chili powder 1 tablespoon
- Cumin 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper As per taste
Instructions
- First, you have to prepare the pinto beans for cooking. Wash the beans with cold water, place them in a pot, and cover them with water. Boil the water over a high heat; later, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer until they are tender. This will take about one hour. After that, drain the cooked beans and set them aside for later use.
- In a separate skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. As the beef cooks, break it up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Return the skillet with the cooked ground beef to the stove and set it to medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté them until they are fragrant and the onion turns translucent. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes (un-drained) and stir well to combine.
- Now it’s time to introduce our star ingredient: the cooked pinto beans. Add the drained beans to the skillet, along with the chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and blend harmoniously. If desired, you can cover the skillet partially to prevent too much moisture from evaporating.
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your pinto beans and ground beef dish hot, garnishing it with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. This hearty meal pairs perfectly with warm tortillas or a side of fluffy rice.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans as a time-saving alternative. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time for the beans will be reduced since they are already cooked.
Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking durations.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and increase the amount of pinto beans or add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture. For a vegan adaptation, ensure that all ingredients, including toppings, are free from animal products, such as using vegan shredded cheese and sour cream alternatives.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.