Texas Souper Pintos – A Flavorful, Versatile Mexican Bean Dish
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and cost-effective meal that can serve multiple purposes, the Texas Souper Pintos recipe is a must-try! This delicious dish is a true family favorite that can stretch across multiple meals, making it perfect for busy days when you need a quick, satisfying meal. The versatility of this dish is one of its strongest points; you can serve it in hot dog buns, taco shells, or even as a base for tostados and burritos. Originally adapted from Southern Living magazine, this recipe is perfect for adding a rich, savory twist to any Mexican-inspired dish that calls for ground beef or beans. Not only does it deliver on taste, but it also provides an easy way to incorporate a variety of beans and protein into your meals.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried Pinto Beans | 1 cup |
| Water | 5 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 onion |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin | ½ teaspoon |
| Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Mexican-Style Stewed Tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 ounces) |
| Ground Chuck (beef) | 1 pound |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Information | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 329.8 |
| Fat Content | 8.5 grams |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3 grams |
| Cholesterol Content | 59 mg |
| Sodium Content | 532.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 34.9 grams |
| Fiber Content | 7.6 grams |
| Sugar Content | 3 grams |
| Protein Content | 28.1 grams |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 cups
How to Make Texas Souper Pintos
Making Texas Souper Pintos is surprisingly simple and quick, especially for such a hearty dish. Follow these easy steps to create a savory, satisfying meal that will feed your whole family.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the Beans
Start by placing the dried pinto beans into a Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover the beans by at least two inches. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. -
Initial Boil and Rest
Once the water reaches a boil, let it boil for about two minutes. Afterward, remove the Dutch oven from the heat and let the beans rest for one hour. This step helps to soften the beans and speed up the cooking process. -
Drain and Return to Heat
After the beans have soaked, drain the water and return the beans to the Dutch oven. This step ensures that the beans are ready to absorb the delicious flavors you’re about to add. -
Add the Water and Seasonings
Add 5 cups of water to the beans, along with the chopped onion, salt, sugar, cumin, chili powder, and the Mexican-style stewed tomatoes (including the juices). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. -
Add the Ground Chuck
Stir in the ground chuck to the boiling mixture. If you prefer, you can cook and crumble the beef separately before adding it to the beans, but adding it directly to the pot works just as well. Stir the beef until it is evenly mixed and broken up into smaller pieces. -
Simmer and Stir
Reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and allow the mixture to simmer for about one hour and thirty minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure the beans don’t stick to the bottom and the flavors blend well. -
Final Simmer and Thicken
After the first 90 minutes, uncover the pot and allow the beans and beef mixture to simmer for another 30 minutes. This helps the beans to soften further and the mixture to thicken to a perfect consistency. -
Check for Tenderness
Before serving, check to make sure the beans are tender and the flavors are well developed. If needed, let it simmer for a little longer to achieve the desired thickness and tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Texas Souper Pintos can be served in a variety of ways, making it one of the most versatile dishes for any Mexican-inspired meal:
- Hot Dogs: Top your hot dogs with a generous spoonful of souper pintos for a twist on a classic favorite.
- Taco Shells: Use the mixture as a filling for soft or hard taco shells. Add your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, or salsa for a complete meal.
- Tostados: Spread the souper pintos on a crispy tostado shell and layer with fresh veggies, cheese, and salsa for a crunchy, satisfying dish.
- Burritos: Use the souper pintos as a base for a hearty burrito. Add some shredded cheese, guacamole, and a little sour cream, and wrap it all up for an easy and delicious meal.
This dish can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd or to stretch into several meals throughout the week. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or meal prepping for busy days, Texas Souper Pintos offer a budget-friendly, flavorful solution for any occasion.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables for a meatless alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or some extra chili powder for a spicier version of this dish.
- Additional Toppings: Try adding sliced avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice to elevate the flavors even more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With a total cook time of just over an hour, this is a fast, flavorful meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive ingredients, this dish is perfect for feeding a family on a budget.
- Versatile: As a base for many different Mexican-inspired dishes, Texas Souper Pintos can be adapted to your personal tastes and preferences.
- Meal Stretcher: One pot can easily make several meals, helping you save time and effort in the kitchen.
Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or prep meals for the week ahead, Texas Souper Pintos is a simple and satisfying dish that will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.
Texas Souper Pintos truly embodies the essence of comfort food: it’s filling, flavorful, and adaptable to many different meal ideas. From tacos to tostados, this recipe proves that with just a few basic ingredients, you can create something delicious and nutritious. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying meal that will become a family favorite in no time!
