Craving a meal that’s both incredibly easy to make and deeply satisfying? Look no further than this slow cooker pinto beans and ham recipe. Inspired by the comforting, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It’s a dump-and-start recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and delivers a hearty, flavorful meal everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Ham being served with a ladle, showcasing the hearty texture and ham pieces
The Beauty of Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Ham
What makes this recipe a winner? It’s all about simplicity and flavor. Imagine coming home to the rich, smoky scent of ham infused into creamy pinto beans. This isn’t just food; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. And the best part? The slow cooker does almost all the work. Just a little chopping, a quick dump into the crock pot, and you’re set to go about your day.
Whether you’ve got a leftover ham bone from a holiday feast or you’re planning ahead for a cozy dinner, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s economical, feeds a crowd, and is the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking. Plus, pinto beans and ham is a classic combination for a reason – the earthy beans perfectly complement the salty, smoky ham, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and deeply satisfying.
Close-up of Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Ham in the slow cooker, highlighting the creamy beans and visible ham bone
No Soaking Required: Simplifying Bean Cooking
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can skip the soaking! Forget overnight prep – this recipe uses dry pinto beans and cooks them perfectly in the slow cooker. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the beans beautifully, eliminating the need for pre-soaking.
While soaking beans can sometimes reduce cooking time, for slow cooker recipes like this, it’s an unnecessary step. Cooking on high heat for a longer duration ensures even unsoaked beans become wonderfully creamy and flavorful. If you happen to be using older beans, they might take a bit longer to cook, but the slow cooker’s gentle heat will eventually work its magic.
Ham Bone Alternatives and Flavor Boosters
Don’t have a ham bone on hand? No problem! While a meaty ham bone adds incredible depth of flavor, there are plenty of substitutes that work just as well.
- Smoked Ham Hocks or Turkey Wings/Legs: These are readily available at most grocery stores and impart a similar smoky flavor to a ham bone. Use a couple of ham hocks or smoked turkey pieces for a rich, savory base.
- Pre-cooked Ham: If you have diced or cubed ham, you can use that too! Add it in the last couple of hours of cooking to heat through and infuse the beans with ham flavor. For a smoky note, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke.
- Liquid Smoke: A few drops of liquid smoke can work wonders in mimicking that slow-smoked ham flavor if you are using less smoky meats or want to enhance the smokiness further.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the pot along with the other ingredients. It will complement the ham and give the beans a lovely smoky depth.
Bowl of Pinto Beans and Ham with a rustic brown rim, positioned in front of the slow cooker, showcasing a serving suggestion
Perfect for Freezing and Meal Prep
Slow cooker pinto beans and ham is a fantastic make-ahead meal. It freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or stocking your freezer for future easy dinners.
Once cooked, let the beans and ham cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags. They reheat wonderfully, either on the stovetop or in the microwave. This recipe is perfect for taking to work for lunch – just pack a serving with some crusty bread and you have a satisfying and comforting midday meal.
Craving More Easy Slow Cooker Meals? Try These:
Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Refried Beans
Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
Recipe Pin
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If you try this slow cooker pinto beans and ham recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover delicious and easy recipes.
[Print](https://www.simplyhappyfoodie.com/wprm_print/slow-cooker-pinto-beans-and-ham)Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Ham Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Description: Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Ham is a simple recipe that is hearty, filling, and delicious! This is comfort food at its finest and an incredibly easy slow cooker dump and start recipe.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crock pot pinto beans and ham recipe, Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans And Ham
Servings: 8-10
Calories: 263 kcal
Author: Sandy Clifton
Ingredients:
- 1 Meaty Ham Bone (or alternatives, see notes above)
- 2 ½ cups Pinto Beans, dry
- 8 cups Water
- 1 large Bay Leaf
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced (or to taste)
- 1 large Onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme Leaves
- 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or to taste, add at the end)
Instructions:
- Rinse your ham bone, especially if it has any glaze or fruit on it.
- In a slow cooker, combine the ham bone, pinto beans, water, bay leaf, garlic, onion, thyme, and rosemary, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook on High for 7-8 hours. For softer beans, cook for the full 8 hours. Stir halfway through cooking and add more water if needed to keep beans covered.
- After cooking, remove the ham bone and bay leaf and discard.
- Taste the beans and add salt as needed. Remember that ham bones can be salty, so add salt gradually.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like cornbread, biscuits, or a simple side salad.
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