Last Updated on December 11, 2023
Del Taco beans is a delicious Mexican dish that is easy to make and will be a hit at your next dinner party. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a hearty meal, this recipe has it all.
The combination of spices, beans, and vegetables make this recipe flavorful and filling. Plus, it’s an affordable and healthy meal that can be prepared in just minutes. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, look no further than this Del Taco beans recipe.
What is Del Taco Beans?
Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. is a U.S.-based fast-food restaurant chain renowned for its expertise in American-style Mexican cuisine, along with a diverse selection of American foods.
Del Taco beans is one of their traditional Mexican dish that is typically served as a side dish or main course. It is made with a combination of pinto beans, onions, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
The beans are cooked with the vegetables and spices and then served with warm tortillas or over rice. This dish is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love this Del Taco Beans Recipe?
This Del Taco beans recipe is easy to make and is packed with flavor. The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices make it a hearty and nutritious meal.
This recipe is also very budget-friendly as it uses affordable ingredients and is an ideal way to feed a crowd. Plus, you can customize the recipe to make it unique. You can add more vegetables or even ground beef if you’d like.
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The Ingredients
2 teaspoons of fragrant ground cumin: Cumin is a staple in Mexican cuisine, offering a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor. In this recipe, it enhances the overall aroma and adds depth to the beans, giving them an authentic and rich taste.
2 cups of simmered and marinated pinto beans: Pinto beans are the heart of this dish. They provide a creamy texture and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients while offering a great source of protein and fiber.
1 cup of zesty fire-roasted salsa: The salsa brings a burst of flavor and acidity to the beans. The fire-roasted aspect adds a smoky depth, while the zesty elements provide a tangy kick that balances the dish.
2 tablespoons of aromatic chili powder: Chili powder is a blend of spices that often includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other flavors. It adds warmth, depth, and a mild heat to the dish, complementing the beans and enhancing their taste.
1/2 teaspoon of roasted garlic powder: Roasted garlic powder brings a mellow yet distinct garlic flavor. It’s less pungent than raw garlic but still contributes a savory element that complements the other spices and ingredients.
A pinch of artisanal sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Salt and pepper are fundamental for seasoning and balancing flavors. They help to bring out the natural taste of the ingredients while elevating the overall dish.
Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1 – Prepare the Pinto Beans:
Start by either cooking dried pinto beans until they are tender or draining and rinsing canned pinto beans. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and then cook them until they’re soft. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly.
STEP 2 – Combine Ingredients:
Take a medium-sized saucepan or skillet and place it on medium heat. Add the cooked and slightly cooled pinto beans to the pan.
STEP 3 – Add Seasonings:
To the beans in the pan, add the delightful flavors of ground cumin, aromatic chili powder, roasted garlic powder, a pinch of artisanal sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir gently to evenly coat the beans with these seasonings.
STEP 4 – Incorporate Salsa:
Now, introduce the vibrant zing of fire-roasted salsa into the mixture. Pour the salsa over the seasoned beans and gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
STEP 5 – Simmer and Blend Flavors:
Allow the combined mixture to simmer gently over medium heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally. This simmering process helps the flavors to meld together, allowing the beans to absorb the delicious seasonings.
STEP 6 – Adjust Consistency (Optional):
Should the mixture appear too thick for your liking, consider adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency. Simmer a bit longer if necessary to thicken the mixture or until it reaches the texture you prefer.
STEP 7 – Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste the beans and assess the flavors. If needed, make adjustments to the seasoning according to your preferences. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or any other seasonings to suit your taste.
STEP 8 – Serve:
Once the beans have cooked to your liking and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the seasoned pinto beans hot as a delightful side dish or as a delicious component in various recipes.
Notes
– To make the dish spicier, add more chili powder or diced jalapenos.
– If you’d like a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans with a fork before serving.
– To make the dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water.
– You can also add other vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
– This dish can be made in the slow cooker as well. Just add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutrition Information
– Calories: 200
– Total Fat: 3g
– Saturated Fat: 0.5g
– Cholesterol: 0mg
– Sodium: 220mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 34g
– Dietary Fiber: 10g
– Sugars: 2g
– Protein: 8g
How to Store Del Taco Beans Recipe
Leftover Del Taco beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Variations
– Vegetarian: To make the dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water.
– Spicy: To make the dish spicier, add more chili powder or diced jalapenos.
– Thick: If you’d like a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans with a fork before serving.
– Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
– Slow Cooker: This dish can be made in the slow cooker as well. Just add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of fragrant ground cumin
- 2 cups of simmered and marinated pinto beans
- 1 cup of zesty fire-roasted salsa
- 2 tablespoons of aromatic chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of roasted garlic powder
- A pinch of artisanal sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
STEP 1 – Prepare the Pinto Beans:
- If you haven’t already, simmer and marinate the pinto beans. Drain and rinse canned beans or cook dried beans until tender. Allow them to cool slightly.
STEP 2 – Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat, add the simmered and marinated pinto beans.
STEP 3 – Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the fragrant ground cumin, aromatic chili powder, roasted garlic powder, and the pinch of artisanal sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
STEP 4 – Incorporate Salsa:
- Pour in the zesty fire-roasted salsa and gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
STEP 5 – Simmer and Blend Flavors:
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and the beans to absorb the seasonings.
STEP 6 – Adjust Consistency (Optional):
- If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency. Simmer a bit longer if needed to thicken or until it reaches the desired texture.
STEP 7 – Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other seasonings to suit your preferences.
STEP 8 – Serve:
- Once the beans are cooked to your liking and the flavors have melded well, remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What type of beans is used in Del Taco beans?
A. Pinto beans are typically used to make Del Taco beans.
Q2. Is Del Taco beans a healthy meal?
A. Yes, Del Taco beans is a healthy meal as it is high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Q3. How long does it take to make Del Taco beans?
A. It takes about 40 minutes to make Del Taco beans.
Q4. Can I freeze Del Taco beans?
A. Yes, you can freeze Del Taco beans. Place the cooled beans in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q5. Can I make Del Taco beans in a slow cooker?
A. Yes, you can make Del Taco beans in a slow cooker. Just add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q6. Can I make Del Taco beans vegetarian?
A. Yes, you can make Del Taco beans vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of water.
Q7. What vegetables can I add to Del Taco beans?
A. You can add other vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms to Del Taco beans.
Conclusion
Del Taco beans is a delicious and nutritious Mexican dish that is easy to make and will be a hit at your next dinner party. The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices make it a flavorful and filling meal.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can be customized to make it unique. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal, look no further than this Del Taco beans recipe.