Best Easy Frijoles con Carne Seca Recipe

Beans cooked with dried, seasoned beef for a deeply savory, protein-rich stew. This carnivore-friendly family dish combines two Mexican pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Cook 180 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#protein-rich #family meal #Mexican stew #carnivore friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • dried pinto beans 2 cups
  • carne seca (dried beef), shredded 8 oz
  • white onion, diced 1 pieces
  • Roma tomatoes, chopped 2 pieces
  • jalapeño, seeded and minced 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves, minced 3 cloves
  • bay leaf 1 pieces
  • water 8 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 45%
Protein 24 g 28%
Fat 9 g 27%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse and soak the dried pinto beans in plenty of cold water overnight (8 hours minimum) to ensure even cooking.

  2. 2

    Drain beans. In a large heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent, then add garlic, jalapeño, and tomatoes; sauté for another 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in the drained beans, shredded carne seca, bay leaf, cumin, and oregano. Pour in the water and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to low to maintain a steady simmer. Cover and cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensuring beans cook evenly.

  5. 5

    In the final 20 minutes, add salt and pepper to taste, removing the lid partially to allow the stew to reduce slightly and intensify flavors. Discard bay leaf before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Frijoles con Carne Seca Recipe?
The star ingredients are dried pinto beans and carne seca (dried, seasoned beef). The beans provide a soft, hearty base, while the carne seca infuses the stew with deeply savory meatiness that defines the meal’s flavor and satisfying texture.
Q. What’s the most important cooking tip for this recipe?
A gentle simmer over low heat (step 4) is critical. It ensures the beans become fully tender without breaking apart and allows flavors to meld. Stirring occasionally prevents beans from sticking and helps maintain the stew’s creamy texture.
Q. How can I avoid mushy or undercooked beans?
Soaking the beans overnight is essential for even cooking. Also, resist adding salt too early; salt is added in the final 20 minutes to prevent toughening. Monitor the simmer—too high heat may break the beans, while too low will undercook.
Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving?
Each 350g serving contains approximately 340 kcal, with 24g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. Protein makes up about 28% of total calories, contributing to the recipe’s hearty, satisfying nature.
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