Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe

Are you a fan of healthy and easy-to-make meals that don’t require spending endless hours in the kitchen? Look no further than pinto beans cooked in a slow cooker. This simple and nutritious dish is perfect for beginners in the kitchen or anyone who wants to save time and energy without compromising on flavor.

Pinto beans are a versatile legume that can be used in various recipes. They are packed with protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. When cooked in a crock pot, pinto beans become even more delicious and tender, creating a perfect base for soups, stews, and dips. Follow these easy steps to make a hearty and satisfying meal that your taste buds and your body will thank you for.

Section: How to Make Pinto Beans in a Crock Pot

1. Soak the Beans Overnight

Before starting with the recipe, it is important to soak the pinto beans overnight. This helps in reducing the cooking time and also makes the beans more digestible. Take a bowl of pinto beans and add enough water to cover them completely. Allow them to soak for at least eight hours or overnight.

2. Rinse the Beans Thoroughly

After soaking, rinse the beans under cold running water to remove excess starch and dirt. Make sure that you rinse them thoroughly to avoid any residue in your dish.

3. Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients you will need to prepare your pinto beans in a crock pot. These ingredients include pinto beans, bacon, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, water, and seasonings like cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook the Bacon

Begin by cooking the bacon until it is crispy in a skillet on medium heat. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on a paper towel.

5. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Using the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened. Then, transfer the mixture to your crock pot.

6. Add the Beans to the Crock Pot

Add the rinsed pinto beans, cooked bacon, tomato sauce, water, and seasonings to the crock pot. Mix everything together to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed.

7. Cook on Low Heat for 8 to 10 hours

Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for around 8 to 10 hours until the beans are tender and fully cooked. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to avoid sticking at the bottom.

8. Check the Seasoning

Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as per your preference. You can add more chili powder, cumin, or salt if needed.

9. Serve the Pinto Beans

Your delicious pinto beans are now ready. Serve them with rice, tortillas, or any of your favorite sides.

10. Store the Leftover Beans

If you have some leftover pinto beans, store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator or freeze them in portions for future use. You can reheat them in a microwave or on the stovetop.

Ingredients for making Pinto Beans in a Crock Pot

If you are wondering how to make pinto beans in a crock pot, then worry no more because we have got you covered. First and foremost, you need to gather the ingredients that you need to make this delicious dish. Some of the essentials include:

1. Pinto Beans: 2 cups.
2. Water: 8 cups.
3. Salt: 1 teaspoon.
4. Garlic: 2 cloves minced.
5. Onion: 1 medium-sized.
6. Ham hock: 1 pound.
7. Red pepper: 1 chopped.
8. Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon.
9. Jalapeno pepper: 1 chopped (optional).
10. Bay leaves: 2.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can begin preparing the beans.

Preparing the Pinto Beans

Before you can start cooking, you need to prepare the beans. This involves cleaning and soaking them overnight. Rinse the beans in a colander under cool running water and then place them in a large bowl or pot. Cover the beans with enough water and let them soak overnight. Soaking pinto beans can reduce cooking time, make them easier to digest, and eliminate the risks of getting gastric problems.

Drain the beans

After soaking the beans, you should drain them and rinse them under running water before placing them in the crockpot.

Prepping the ingredients

Next, you need to prep the ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, and red pepper. It is also important to deseed and chop the jalapeno pepper if you are using it.

Adding the ingredients to the Crock Pot

Now, you are ready to add all the ingredients into the crock pot. Begin by adding the soaked beans, minced garlic, chopped onion, red pepper, ham hock, cumin, bay leaves, and salt. If you prefer a spicy taste, you can also add the chopped jalapeno pepper.

Cooking the Pinto Beans

Set your crock pot at low heat. Cover the pot and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours or until the beans are cooked and tender.

Mixing and Adjusting the Flavor

Once the beans are cooked to your desired texture, use a spoon to give the beans a good mix. This helps to incorporate all the flavors. You can now taste the beans and adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.

Removing the Ham Hock and Bay Leaves

Using a fork and a knife, remove the ham hock from the beans and set it aside to cool. Also, remove the bay leaves and discard them.

Serving the Pinto Beans

With the pinto beans now cooked and flavored to your liking, it is time to serve them hot! Pinto beans are best served with rice, salad, or even as a dip.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, you can microwave the pinto beans, or heat them on the stove until they are hot. If you notice that the beans are too thick, you can add a little water to thin them out.

In conclusion, pinto beans are a healthy and delicious meal that can be made easily using a crock pot. With a little preparation and patience, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutrient-rich dish worthy of a good family mealtime.

Ingredients

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the actual cooking process. Making pinto beans in a crock pot is simple and straightforward, but it does require some patience as the cooking time can be quite long.

Preparing the Beans

The first step is to sort through the beans and remove any debris or stones. Then, rinse the beans thoroughly in cold water and drain. After this, add the beans to the crock pot and cover them with water. Let the beans soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.

Adding Flavors

Once the beans are soaked, drain the water and add 6 cups of fresh water to the crock pot, along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, salt, and cumin. Stir to combine all the ingredients and ensure that the beans are fully submerged in the liquid.

Cooking Process

Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size and quality of the beans, as well as the heat setting used. It is recommended to check on the beans occasionally and stir gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom or burning.

Serving Suggestions

Once the beans are fully cooked, turn off the crock pot and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve the beans as a side dish with rice, or use them in soups, stews, and chili recipes. Pinto beans are also a great source of protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

In conclusion, making pinto beans in a crock pot is a great way to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal effort. By following these simple steps and adding your choice of flavors, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

Enjoy Your Slow-Cooked Pinto Beans

Now that you know how to make pinto beans in a crock pot, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started. The aroma of these simmering beans will tantalize your taste buds, and the flavor will not disappoint. Remember to soak your beans overnight, add your favorite seasonings, and let your crock pot do all the work. Thanks for reading our easy-to-follow recipe, and we hope you’ll visit us again soon for more delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking!