Mexican Bean Stew

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
A hearty, slow-simmered pinto bean stew packed with warm spices and tender vegetables.
Mexican Bean Stew recipe image

Mexican Bean Stew

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 226.6

Description

This comforting Mexican Bean Stew is the ultimate cozy weeknight meal, relying on humble pantry staples to create something extraordinary. Pinto beans provide a creamy, protein-rich base that soaks up the rich, savory flavor of low-sodium tomato sauce. The dish is elevated by a homemade Mexican spice blend featuring earthy cumin, smoky chili powder, and aromatic garlic and onion powders. As the stew simmers, carrots and zucchini soften, adding subtle sweetness and texture without overpowering the beans. It is naturally vegan, deeply satisfying, and perfect for serving over rice or with warm corn tortillas. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it even better as leftovers. Simple to prepare with minimal active time, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with the ease of a home-cooked comfort food classic.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Prepare the Mexican Spice Mix by combining cumin, chili powder, black pepper, dried minced onions, dried minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl; stir until well blended.
  2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the drained and rinsed pinto beans with the prepared Mexican Spice Mix.
  3. Add the chopped carrots, zucchini chunks, and both cans of low-sodium tomato sauce to the pot with the beans.
  4. Stir in enough water to reach your desired consistency, ensuring all ingredients are submerged but not swimming; start with about 1 cup of water.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed; stir well before serving hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 226.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.9g3%
Saturated Fat 0.3g2%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 997.9mg42%
Total Carbohydrate 43.7g15%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g55%
Sugars 11.0g
Protein 12.4g25%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: mexican stew, pinto beans, vegan dinner, bean soup, cumin recipe, chili powder, comfort food, slow cooker, healthy stew, vegetarian main, easy weeknight meal, tomato sauce stew, plant based, hearty soup, spiced beans, carrot stew, zucchini recipe, home cooked, budget friendly, make ahead meal, high fiber
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