Crockpot pinto beans are a timeless dish that embodies the essence of simple, hearty, and satisfying home cooking, reminiscent of classic comfort food recipes. Imagine coming home to the rich, savory aroma of perfectly cooked pinto beans, tender and swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth. This is the magic of slow cooker pinto beans, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat, and just like grandma used to make, possibly even with a touch of Pioneer Woman inspiration.
The Magic of Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are a staple of Southern cuisine, and for good reason. They are inexpensive, packed with protein and fiber, and incredibly versatile. While traditionally cooked on the stovetop, the slow cooker brings a unique advantage to preparing pinto beans. The low and slow cooking process allows the beans to become incredibly tender and develop a naturally creamy texture without constant monitoring. This hands-off approach is perfect for busy individuals or anyone who wants a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply set it and forget it, and hours later, you’ll be rewarded with a pot of perfectly cooked pinto beans.
Close-up of slow cooked pinto beans in a white bowl, showcasing their creamy texture
Pioneer Woman’s Touch: Simple and Hearty
When you think of “Pioneer Woman,” you often envision wholesome, family-friendly meals that are both comforting and easy to prepare. This slow cooker pinto beans recipe perfectly aligns with that spirit. It emphasizes simple ingredients and straightforward methods, focusing on bringing out the natural flavors of the beans themselves. Just like Pioneer Woman recipes, this dish is about honest, good food that nourishes the body and soul. With minimal seasonings – salt, pepper, and a hint of smoky pork – the taste of the pinto beans truly shines, creating a dish that is both humble and deeply satisfying.
Versatile Leftovers: Beyond the Bowl
One of the best things about making a big batch of slow cooker pinto beans is the versatility of the leftovers. These beans are not just for enjoying as a side dish; they can be transformed into a variety of meals throughout the week, making them a budget-friendly and efficient choice for meal prepping. Their simple seasoning profile allows them to be easily incorporated into different cuisines and dishes.
Here are a few ideas for using leftover pinto beans:
- Burrito Bowls and Taco Salads: Layer beans with rice, cheese, salsa, guacamole, corn, lettuce, and sour cream for a quick and customizable meal.
- Refried Beans: Mash or puree the beans for a creamy refried bean base for tostadas, wraps, or served with eggs.
- Bean Dips and Burritos: Create a flavorful bean dip for appetizers or use them as a filling for hearty bean burritos.
- Soups and Stews: Add pinto beans to soups like bean and greens soup for extra protein and flavor.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
To ensure your slow cooker pinto beans turn out perfectly every time, here are answers to some frequently asked questions and helpful tips:
Do I need to soak the pinto beans before slow cooking?
No, soaking is optional when using a slow cooker. The slow cooking process is gentle enough to tenderize unsoaked beans. However, if you are sensitive to beans or want to potentially reduce cooking time slightly, you can soak them overnight. Soaking may also help with digestibility for some individuals.
Pinto beans soaking in a clear bowl of water, illustrating the soaking process
Can I make vegetarian slow cooker pinto beans?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon fat, ham hock, or bacon. For added depth of flavor, consider using a bay leaf as suggested in the original recipe or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of pork. Vegetable broth can also be used in place of water for a richer taste.
My pinto beans are not thickening. How to get creamy juice?
The creamy juice in slow cooker pinto beans comes naturally from the starch released by the beans as they cook. To achieve a thicker juice, ensure you are cooking the beans long enough. They will also continue to thicken as they cool and sit. If your beans are still not thick enough, try reducing the amount of water slightly next time or use an immersion blender to briefly puree a small portion of the beans to release more starch.
What are good side dishes to serve with pinto beans?
Slow cooker pinto beans are a classic Southern dish, so they pair wonderfully with other Southern comfort foods. Consider serving them with:
- Cornbread
- Collard Greens
- Boiled Cabbage
- Mashed Potatoes
- Coleslaw
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans in a Slow Cooker
Ready to make your own pot of comforting slow cooker pinto beans? Follow these simple steps:
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Rinse and Sort: Rinse 1 pound of dry pinto beans thoroughly in a colander and sort through them to remove any small stones or debris.
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Soak (Optional): If desired, soak the beans overnight in a pot with water covering them by about 2 inches. Add a pinch of baking soda to the soaking water if you wish. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before proceeding.
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Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed (and soaked, if using) pinto beans in your slow cooker. Add 6 cups of water or broth (use 7 cups if not soaking beans), 1 ½ teaspoons of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper (or less to taste), and 1 tablespoon of bacon fat, ham hock, or 2 pieces of chopped bacon (or bay leaf for vegetarian option).
Adding bacon fat to a slow cooker with pinto beans and water, showing seasoning
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Stir and Season: Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker. Taste the broth and add more salt if needed to your preference.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the age of the beans. If beans are not tender after the initial cooking time, continue to cook for another hour or two until they reach desired tenderness.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the beans are tender and have reached a creamy consistency, they are ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious and comforting slow cooker pinto beans!
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Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe
Simple and flavorful southern pinto beans made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker, crockpot pinto beans, slow cooker pinto beans, pinto beans recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Tara Buss
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry pinto beans
- 6 c water (7 c if not soaking beans)
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp pepper (or ¼ tsp for less spice)
- 1 tbsp bacon fat, ham hock, or 2 pieces chopped raw bacon
- 1 bay leaf (optional, for vegetarian option)
Instructions
- Rinse and sort pinto beans.
- Optional: Soak beans overnight in warm water covering by 2 inches. Drain and rinse.
- Place beans in a slow cooker.
- Add water (6 or 7 cups), salt, pepper, and bacon fat, ham hock, or bacon (or bay leaf).
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours, until tender. Cook longer if needed.
- Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Recipe Notes
- Soaking beans is optional but may slightly reduce cooking time and improve digestibility for some.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- For vegetarian option, omit pork and use bay leaf for flavor.
