This crock pot pinto beans recipe combine tender beans, broth, and aromatic spices to create an easy, delicious pot of beans with less work and more flavor than any bean recipe you've ever made.
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Beans are an incredibly versatile food. They're often eaten as a main course, but most people use recipes like baked beans as hearty side dishes. You'll also find them in classic main courses like red beans and rice.
Crock Pot Pinto Beans
Making pinto beans in a crock pot is the best way to prepare them because it allows the beans to cook slowly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the spices and broth. There’s also no need to soak the beans beforehand, and unlike traditional simmering, it's a completely hands-off method of making the beans.
Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot Pinto Beans
- Convenient: Because they're made in the crock pot, these beans don't have to be watched or stirred. Just mix and let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Budget-Friendly: Every ingredient in this recipe is affordable. Beans, in particular, are incredibly cost-effective.
- Versatile: Serve these beans as a main or side dish, or add them to your favorite Mexican recipes like tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls.
Crock Pot Pinto Beans Ingredients
You'll find everything you need to make these beans in your kitchen or at your local grocery store. All the ingredients are listed here, but you can find their exact amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Dry Pinto Beans - Adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Yellow Onion and Garlic - This combination adds a savory, aromatic base that complements the beans perfectly.
- Jalapeno - Jalapeno adds a kick of hot, earthy flavor.
- Seasonings - Salt enhances the dish's overall flavor, while bay leaves add an earthy and herbal note. Ground cumin and oregano add a fragrant, classic Mexican flavor.
- Cooking Liquid - Low-sodium chicken broth and water form the base of the cooking liquid, adding a savory and rich flavor to the dish while keeping it moist and tender.
How to Make This Crock Pot Pinto Beans Recipe
This is an incredibly easy crock pot recipe. Just add everything to the slow cooker and come back for beans later! The recipe highlights are listed here, but check the recipe card at the end of the post for the specific instructions.
- Rinse the Beans: Rinse the beans, removing any damaged beans or dirt.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to your crock pot.
- Cook: Cook until the beans are fork tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because the beans cook for so long on low heat, soaking them isn't required. However, soaking them does help them cook faster and more evenly. It doesn't hurt to soak them if you have time.
Yes, you can. Black, kidney, and Great Northern beans all work well for this recipe.
Cooking beans on low delivers the most flavor and creamy tenderness. However, cooking on high works almost as well. It's a matter of personal preference.
Try adding diced ham or bacon for more flavor and a touch of meat in every bite. Adding fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving also kicks the beans up nicely. Finally, for a smokier heat, try using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
The better question is what aren't they good with. Pinto beans are perfect paired with or used in all kinds of Mexican dishes or paired with classic Americana dishes like steaks, chops, chicken, burgers, or dogs.
Bean recipes like these crock pot pinto beans are excellent for making ahead of time. Cook the beans up to 24 hours in advance and reheat them in the crock pot. You can freeze them for meal prep, too.
Serve With
This crock pot pinto beans recipe makes a great vegetarian main course, but you can also pair it with a variety of main courses to make a complete meat. Try it with:
Storage
Refrigerate these beans as soon as they've cooled for maximum flavor and freshness. They can be frozen for longer storage, as well.
To reheat the beans, place them in your cock pot with a little broth or water and heat on low or high until warmed through.
Refrigerator: Store for up to five days in an air-tight container.
Freezer: Store for up to three months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Defrost the beans overnight before reheating them.
More Easy Bean Recipes
If you're a fan of the musical fruit, then check out these other delicious bean recipes.
Crock Pot Pinto Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dry Pinto Beans
- ¾ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp jalapeno (cored, seeded, and finely chopped)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- First, rinse the dry pinto beans thoroughly in a colander to remove any dirt or impurities. Check for any damaged beans or debris in the package and discard them. Next, transfer the cleaned beans to a 6-quart crock pot.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the crock pot. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove bay leave and sprinkle with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Hunter A
Super yummy. I add in some sausage and put it over some rice!! Even my 4 year old eats it.
Ryan Allen
Thanks, it would be so yummy with some sausage in it.
Deb
I'm making this for the second time in 2 weeks. I added diced ham and have to say, best flavored ham & beans recipe I've used! Definitely a keeper!!
Ryan Allen
I am glad you think it is a keeper.