Let’s talk comfort food. What is something that warms you from the inside out? What are some of my favorite Crock Pot pinto beans? Is it okay to eat canned food? Why don’t we soak beans overnight? What makes a house smell amazing? Think of it as the chili’s chill cousin, but way less fussy and just as satisfying. I want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This is the dish I make. Isn’t it versatile? Can you eat it as a main course, side, or even loaded on top of nachos? If you’re anything like me, you will be sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pot. What are the best pinto beans to make in a crock pot?
What is pinto bean in crock pot?
How do you cook pinto beans in a slow cooker? Think of them as dried pinto beans transformed into a creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying snack. What is the best way to prepare a dish with What is slow cooker cooking? What are some spices, aromatics, and a touch of savory goodness? What’s essentially “set it and forget it” cooking at its finest? What is the perfect weeknight meal to make when you’re craving something comforting and hearty? To spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. What do you end up with? Tender, creamy beans that are bursting with flavor. What are some of the best things you can get from a can? I think they’ll become a staple in your house too.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the best reasons to love this Crock Pot Pinto Beans recipe? What are some of the big ones?
- Flavor explosion: WhatThese aren’t your boring beans. They’re delicious. The combination of smoky bacon and ham hock. ), savory spices, and aromatic vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds melt. What are some of the best ice creams?
- Ridiculously easyIs this recipe foolproof? Dump everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it No pre-soaking, no constant stirring, and no babysitting required. What is the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight?
- Budget friendlyDried pinto beans are incredibly inexpensive, making this a super budget-friendly meal. How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank?
- Super Versatile:Can you serve these as a main course with cornbread? Serve them on nachos, or as a hearty side dish. What are the possibilities? What are some good side dishes to serve with a dollop of sour cream?
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s like a warm blanket on cold days. It’s simple, comforting, and always hits the spot. Plus, the aroma that fills your house while it’s cooking is absolutely heavenly! Is it true that they’re even better the next day? If you like a hearty stew, you’ll be obsessed with this. I’ve tried other bean recipes, but this one always comes out on top for its simplicity and flavor. What is the best flavor
How do I make crock pot pinto beans?
Quick Overview
How do I make pinto beans in a crock pot? How do you rinse pinto beans and toss them into a slow cooker with some chopped veggies? What’s better with bacon? ), add water or broth, and let it all simmer away until the beans are tender and creamy. Is it a hands-off process that yields incredibly flavorful results every time? What is slow cooker cooking?
Ingredients
For the Beans:
* 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed (no soaking required)
* 6 cups water or chicken broth (broth adds extra flavor, but water works great too! )
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a nice smoky depth) *
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to remove it before serving)
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is the Savory Flavor?
* 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 ham hock, for a richer flavor)
Optional Toppings
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Chopped green onions
* Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
* Diced tomatoes
* Hot sauce
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First, rinse your pinto beans under cold water. This helps remove any dirt or debris. Then, chop your onion and mince your garlic. Cook your bacon until crispy, then crumble it. If you’re using ham hock, no need to cook it beforehand.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Add the rinsed pinto beans, water or chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. How do you add cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, bay leaf, crumbled bacon, and crumbling ham hock to your slow cooker? What is the best way to give everything a good stir?
Step 3: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. If you have a slow cooker, check the beans after 6 hours and adjust the cooking time. Time as needed. I find that 7 hours on low is usually perfect.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste the beans and season with salt and pepper. Why do beans need salt?
Step 5: Mash (Optional)
If you prefer creamier beans, you can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of them. I usually mash about half of the beans. This will thicken the broth and create a creamier texture.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
What are some good toppings for crock pot pinto beans? What are some good ways to eat green onions, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to serve pinto beans in a crock pot? What are some of my favorite songs?
What is a hearty dinner? Serve them as a main course with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and some chopped green onions add a nice finishing touch.
Taco Tuesday: Use them as a filling for tacos or burritos. Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
Nacho Night: Top tortilla chips with pinto beans, shredded cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. They’re a perfect complement to any barbecue.
My family loves to have them on game night with cornbread and a big dollop of sour cream. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! I’ve even been known to just eat them straight out of the bowl as a late-night snack!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock Pot Pinto Beans
Want to take your Crock Pot Pinto Beans to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Don’t Skip the Aromatics: The onion and garlic are crucial for adding flavor to the beans. Don’t skimp on them! Sautéing them in a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker can also enhance their flavor.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapenos. For a smokier flavor, use more smoked paprika.
Add a Little Heat: A ham hock will impart a richer, smokier flavor to the beans. You can find them at most grocery stores or butcher shops.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked beans can become mushy and lose their texture. Check the beans after 6 hours and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Salt is Key: Beans need a good amount of salt to bring out their flavor. Don’t be afraid to add salt to taste. I usually add about 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon or ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
From experience, I’ve learned that adding the salt towards the end of the cooking process helps the beans to cook more evenly. Also, if you’re using a ham hock, be sure to remove it before serving and shred the meat to add back to the beans. My secret ingredient? A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens up the flavors. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Crock Pot Pinto Beans are even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend storing at room temperature for longer than 2 hours
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’ll thicken up as they sit, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the beans in freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the beans on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to thin them out. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
When freezing, I like to portion them out into individual containers for easy lunches. And a little tip: if you’re planning to freeze them, don’t add the sour cream or other toppings until after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! My go-to recipe for Crock Pot Pinto Beans. It’s a simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly weeknight dinner or a hearty side dish for a barbecue, this recipe is sure to please. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! If you’re looking for other hearty slow cooker dishes, maybe check out my slow cooker pulled pork. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I know you’ll love it as much as my family does. It’s a hug in a bowl, and we could all use a little more of that, right? Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try any fun variations, I always love hearing about them!
Crock Pot Pinto Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pinto beans
- 8 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Rinse pinto beans and place them in a slow cooker.
- Add water, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until beans are tender.
