DaLynn’s Spanish Beans is a family tradition. A simple, savory stew of ground beef, stewed tomatoes, pinto beans and spices. Mildly peppery and very flavorful. I hope you love it as much as we do.
DaLynn’s Spanish Beans Recipe
DaLynn’s Spanish Beans
Equipment
- cutting board
- kitchen knife
- heavy saucepan or Dutch oven
- slotted spoon
- large ladle
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon – cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 cup onion – chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper – chopped, assorted colors
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- ½ pound ground beef – lean
- 1 tbsp chile powder – mild
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper – finely ground
- 2 cups stewed tomatoes – broken up
- 27 ounces pinto beans – one large can
Instructions
- Add bacon squares to a Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium heat.3 slices bacon
- Cook bacon until fat is fully rendered.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper.1 cup onion, 1/2 cup bell pepper
- Sauté the vegetables until tender.
- Add the chopped garlic, sauté until aromatic.2 cloves garlic
- Add the ground beef.1/2 pound ground beef
- Break up the ground beef and cook until well browned.
- Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.1 tbsp chile powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Stir to incorporate, and cook for a couple of minutes to release the oils from the chile powder and cumin.
- Add the stewed tomatoes. I'm using sauce made from garden tomatoes.2 cups stewed tomatoes
- Stir to incorporate. Cook the tomato sauce for a couple of minutes.
- Add the pinto beans.27 ounces pinto beans
- Stir to incorporate, and simmer covered on low until ready to serve.
- Serve in a bowl with a spoon.
PRIVATE NOTES
Nutrition
More Information
What is Spanish about these beans?
I’m not sure why they call these Spanish Beans, to be honest. The only thing remotely Spanish about them is the cumin. But, traditions are traditions. This is how the recipe was passed down. So, in keeping with tradition I won’t change the name.
Lot’s of Cumin
When DaLynn’s grandfather would make Spanish Beans, he would add a large spoonful of cumin. I’ve toned it down a bit in this recipe – I think 1 Tbsp is plenty of cumin. But, if you like lots of cumin, go for it.
Lean Ground Beef
Use lean ground beef. There’s plenty of fat in the dish from the bacon. Fatty ground beef would leave you with too much grease that you would need to deal with.
Rinse the Beans
If you are using canned pinto beans, empty them into a colander first, and rinse them under cool water. Once the beans have been rinsed of the canning liquid, add them to the stew. If you are using home cooked pinto beans, just strain them through a colander first. No need to rinse.
Parings
DaLynn’s Spanish Beans taste great with Cheddar Cornbread Muffins. I also like to add a dash or two of hot sauce.
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