Birria & Bacon Pinto Beans

Talk about a side dish that steals the show! These Birria Pinto Beans are guaranteed to be a hit for everyone who tries them. It turns out that when you combine the smoky richness of bacon with the bold, savory flavors of birria, you get some truly magical beans! Infused with the signature spices of this Mexican favorite, these Birria Pinto Beans are for any occasion. Whether you're serving them alongside tacos or simply on their own, this recipe is sure to add an irresistible depth of flavor to your table. Beans + bacon + birria mix = some bangin' bites!

Chef's Note: If you're short on time and want to opt for pre-cooked canned pinto beans, you can have these same great flavors on the table in about 30 minutes with some minor changes. Just add 2 16 oz cans of pinto beans, drained & rinsed, to the bacon/onion mix. Add 1/3 of the jar of birria mix and 1/2 cup of beef broth, and omit the chicken bouillon. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld, and serve.

• 1 jar Cookwell & Company Birria Taco Starter
• 16 oz package of pinto beans, cleaned & rinsed
• 32 oz beef broth
• 8 bacon strips, thinly sliced
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Knorr chicken boullion
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• Optional for garnish: sliced jalapeno

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon and onion together over medium heat, until bacon is browned, about 5-8 minutes. (Use about 3/4 of the onion here, to reserve some for serving).
• Add the pinto beans, Birria starter, beef broth, and chicken bouillon. Stir and cook over medium-low heat until beans are tender, 2-3 hours.
• Check seasoning and adjust if needed.
• Once beans are soft & ready, serve immediately! Garnish with the rest of the white onion, fresh cilantro, and jalapeno slices. Enjoy!