Spicy Mexican Pinto Bean Chili Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Spicing up your weeknight dinner, this hearty Mexican pinto bean chili promises comfort in every savory spoonful.

Beans packed with protein create a robust meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Cumin and chili powder dance together, bringing warmth to your kitchen.

Rich, aromatic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating layers of complex flavor.

Slow-simmered goodness transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Colorful vegetables and tender beans make this chili both nutritious and delicious.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-warming dish into bowls and savor each delectable bite.

What Makes Pinto Bean Chili a Hit

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein-rich pinto beans and colorful vegetables, this chili delivers a powerhouse of essential nutrients for a balanced meal.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows you to add or swap ingredients like corn, jalapeños, or different spices to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Simple one-pot cooking method means minimal prep and cleanup, perfect for busy families wanting a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Hearty and warming Mexican-inspired chili brings everyone together, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Pinto Bean Chili Ingredients to Know

• Pinto Beans: The hearty and protein-rich base of this delicious chili.
• Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy foundation for the chili's flavor profile.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that helps blend all ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients build a deep and savory flavor foundation.
• Bell Peppers, Jalapeno: Add fresh, spicy, and colorful dimensions to the chili.
• Corn Kernels: Bring a sweet and textural element to the dish.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: These spices create a complex and authentic Mexican-style seasoning blend.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, fresh citrus note to finish the chili.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and helps create a rich, thick chili consistency.
• Fresh Cilantro: A traditional garnish that provides a fresh, herbal finish.

Steps to Prepare Pinto Bean Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your delicious chili.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Add diced onion and gently cook for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Introduce minced garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeno (if you want an extra kick). Let these ingredients dance together for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Pinto beans
• Vegetable broth

Pour everything into the pot and mix well.

Step 5: Spice It Up

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Depth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let the chili bubble softly for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Add Sweet Corn Surprise

Toss in corn kernels and cook for an additional 5 minutes, adding a pop of sweetness and texture.

Step 8: Final Flavor Boost

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili and taste.

Adjust seasonings as needed for perfect balance.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Your Mexican Pinto Bean Chili is ready to impress!

Helpful Hints for Chili Cooking

• Soak dried pinto beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity or remove seeds to manage heat intensity for different taste preferences.
• Toast cumin and chili powder briefly in the pot before adding liquids to release richer, more complex flavors.
• Add quinoa or extra beans to increase protein content for a more substantial meal.
• This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld and develop in the refrigerator.

Fun Takes on Pinto Bean Chili

• Slow Cooker Chili: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after sautéing vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavors and tender beans.
• Meat Lover's Version: Brown ground beef or turkey before adding vegetables, creating a protein-packed chili with rich meaty undertones.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Replace vegetable broth with black bean broth and add quinoa or extra firm tofu cubes for additional protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap beans with diced zucchini and cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic chili flavor profile.

Favorite Sides for Pinto Bean Chili

• Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the chili's spicy and hearty flavors, cutting through the richness with a refreshing, light beer.
• Bake a skillet of golden, slightly sweet cornbread to soak up the chili's robust sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast with its crumbly, tender crumb.
• Layer fresh, buttery avocado wedges on top to add a cool, smooth element that balances the chili's heat and provides a delightful creamy counterpoint.

Keeping Pinto Bean Chili Fresh

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remains good for up to 4 months when properly sealed.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of vegetable broth to prevent sticking, and warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Are pinto beans healthy?

Pinto beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. They support heart health, aid digestion, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Can I use canned pinto beans?

Yes, canned pinto beans work great and save cooking time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the chili to reduce sodium content.

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeño. Remove seeds for mild flavor or add more for extra kick. You can control spiciness by adjusting pepper quantity.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Add ground turkey, lean beef, or plant-based protein like tempeh or additional beans to increase protein content and make the chili more filling.

Mexican Pinto Bean Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican pinto bean chili brings bold southwestern flavors dancing across your palate with robust spices and rich, smoky notes. Warm comfort and zesty complexity invite friends and family to gather around this soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional for spice)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature.
2. Introduce diced onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, colorful bell peppers, and spicy jalapeño, allowing flavors to meld for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in robust diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, hearty pinto beans, and vegetable broth.
5. Sprinkle aromatic cumin, vibrant chili powder, smoky paprika, earthy oregano, along with salt and pepper for depth of flavor.
6. Elevate mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let flavors develop for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
7. Fold in sweet corn kernels during the final 5 minutes of cooking for added texture and brightness.
8. Finish with a zesty splash of fresh lime juice, tasting and adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
9. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh, chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Boost flavor by toasting whole spices before grinding for an intense, deeper taste profile.
• For a protein-packed vegetarian version, add quinoa or extra beans during simmering stage.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium vegetable broth and controlling salt amount during cooking.
• Create a creamy texture by mashing some beans against pot’s side while stirring, which naturally thickens chili without extra ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg