Beans that Aren’t Quite Refries, “Winging It” Style 🌶️🥫🥩

Overview:

This recipe celebrates the delightful versatility of pinto beans! Whether you’re craving a protein-packed meal, a savory side dish, or a zesty bean dip, these beans have got you covered. While they may not boast an overpowering flavor profile on their own, the beauty lies in the endless customization options. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of flavorful beans that are anything but ordinary!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 7 cups

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient
1 cup	Dried pinto beans
1 lb	Ground beef
1	Onion
1	Green bell pepper
1 clove	Garlic
2 tbsp	Parsley
3 leaves	Sage
2 tsp	Cumin
2 tsp	Red pepper flakes
2 tsp	Black pepper
1/2 tsp	Ground mustard
–	Salt (to taste)
–	Optional add-ins*

*Optional add-ins: grated cheeses, pepper sauce, peppers, fresh chopped tomatoes, etc.

Instructions:

Prepare the Beans:
- Before diving into the cooking process, ensure to sort and rinse the pinto beans thoroughly. This step is crucial for a pleasant bean-eating experience.
Start Cooking:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it turns brown, then add the garlic and ground beef. Continue sautéing until the meat is halfway cooked.
Combine Ingredients:
- Transfer the cooked onion, garlic, and ground meat mixture into a crockpot or a medium-sized pot on the stove. Add the sorted and rinsed pinto beans, diced green bell pepper, and all the spices.
Add Water:
- Pour in 6 cups of water into the pot. Ensure that the water level covers the beans adequately. If the water level drops below the top of the beans before they are tender, add more water as needed.
Cooking Process:
- To ensure proper cooking, maintain a certain temperature throughout the process. For a crockpot, set it on high heat, or if using a stovetop pot, keep it on medium-low heat. Allow the beans to cook for 2-3 hours until they reach a tender consistency.
Season to Perfection:
- Once the beans are tender, it’s time to add salt to taste. Avoid adding salt at the beginning, as it may result in a loss of flavor. Instead, season the beans towards the end of the cooking process for maximum flavor impact.
Customize Your Beans:
- This is where the fun begins! Taste your beans and unleash your creativity by adding your favorite ingredients. Whether it’s grated cheeses, spicy pepper sauce, fresh tomatoes, or any other flavorful additions, the choice is yours!
Optional Potato Trick:
- For those intrigued by culinary legends, consider adding a peeled potato at the beginning of the cooking process. As the tale goes, the potato supposedly absorbs any “flatulating elements” from the beans, ensuring a more enjoyable dining experience.
Texture Matters:
- Depending on your preference, you can either mash the cooked beans with a potato masher for a coarser texture or transfer them to a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency.
To Refry or Not to Refry:
- While the name suggests otherwise, these beans aren’t traditionally “refried.” However, if you crave that authentic touch, you can certainly fry them up in a skillet with some lard until they achieve a golden brown hue. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Whether enjoyed as a hearty main course, a satisfying side dish, or a crowd-pleasing bean dip, these versatile beans are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. These beans also freeze well, making them a convenient meal prep option for busy days.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 403.3
Fat: 12.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.3g
Cholesterol: 44.1mg
Sodium: 54.2mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 11.4g
- Sugar: 2.6g
Protein: 26.8g

Recipe Notes:

Don’t forget to read through all the directions before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Experiment with different add-ins and seasonings to customize the flavor of your beans according to your taste preferences.
Remember, patience is key when cooking beans. Allow them to simmer gently until they reach the desired tenderness.
Feel free to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your preferred texture and equipment.
Share your culinary creations with friends and family, and spread the joy of homemade comfort food!

So, gather your ingredients, embrace your inner chef, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of these “Winging It” Style Beans that Aren’t Quite Refries! 🍲✨