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Hearty Pinto Bean Stew Recipe

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4.3 from 74 reviews

This Hearty Pinto Bean Stew is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Made with tender pinto beans, fresh vegetables, and a blend of smoky and tangy seasonings, it simmers to a rich stew that pairs wonderfully with bread or rice. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this stew is easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped

Beans & Canned Goods

  • 2 (15.5 ounces) cans pinto beans
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes

Seasonings & Condiments

  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 150 ml vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the onion and bell pepper: In a small or medium-sized pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  2. Add the pinto beans and seasonings: Stir in the pinto beans, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
  3. Let the stew simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Season and serve: Add ground black pepper and give the stew a good stir. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot with your choice of bread or rice for a hearty meal.

Notes

  • Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or celery for added texture and flavor.
  • For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
  • This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
  • To make this stew vegan, ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.