Perfect Pinto Beans

By AzGrannie3

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds pinto beans
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 3 thick-cut slices of bacon, cut into thirds
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Put the beans in a large bowl, cover with cold water and let soak overnight.

Drain and rinse the beans, then put them in a large pot. Cover the beans with water and add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, bacon, garlic, bay leaves, onion, bell pepper and some salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook until the beans are tender, 2 to 3 1/2 hours.