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This Crock Pot Pinto Beans recipe is the perfect solution for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can enjoy tender and delicious pinto beans that are packed with flavor. Whether you're looking for a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
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Pinto beans are a staple in many kitchens, and this Crock Pot recipe is a great way to prepare them. The slow-cooking method allows the beans to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the seasonings, resulting in tender and delicious beans.
One of the benefits of using a Crock Pot is that it's a hands-off cooking method. You simply add the ingredients to the pot, turn it on, and let it do its magic. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy weekdays when you don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a Crock Pot, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. Simply add the ingredients to the pot, set it, and forget it.
- Flavorful. The combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in this recipe creates a delicious and satisfying flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
- Budget-friendly. Pinto beans are an affordable ingredient that is widely available, making this recipe a great option for those on a tight budget.
- Versatile. This recipe can be served as a side dish or as a main course, and it can be easily customized to suit your tastes.
- Healthy. Pinto beans are a nutritious ingredient that is high in fiber, protein, and iron. This makes this recipe a great option for those looking to add more healthy ingredients to their diet.
- Slow-cooking method. The slow-cooking process allows the beans to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the seasonings, resulting in tender and delicious beans.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Dry Pinto Beans: A nutritious ingredient that is high in fiber, protein, and iron.
- Water: Used to cook the pinto beans.
- Salt: Used to enhance the flavor of the pinto beans.
- Black Pepper: It pairs well with the other seasonings and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth and richness to the pinto beans.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pinto beans and complements the other seasonings.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Rinse the pinto beans and pick out any small stones or debris. Place the pinto beans in a large Crock Pot.
Step 2:
Add the water, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
Step 3:
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the beans are tender. Check the beans every hour or so to make sure there is enough liquid and to stir.
Step 4:
Once the beans are tender, taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder if needed.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Turn Pinto Beans Into Refried Beans
- Drain the Beans: Once the pinto beans are fully cooked, drain any excess liquid.
- Mash the Beans: Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the pinto beans in the Crock Pot. You can mash them as finely or as coarsely as you like, depending on your preference.
- Season the Beans: Add salt and pepper to taste, and any other seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, cumin, or chili powder. Stir the seasonings into the mashed beans until they are evenly distributed.
- Serve: Serve the refried beans warm, topped with shredded cheese, diced onions, or any other toppings you like. They can also be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Expert Tips
- Rinse the beans. Before adding the beans to the Crock Pot, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use enough water. Make sure to add enough water to the Crock Pot so that the beans are fully covered. This will help to prevent the beans from burning and ensure even cooking.
- Add seasonings gradually. Start by adding a small amount of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and then taste the beans as they cook. If needed, add more seasonings to taste.
- Cook on low heat. The slow-cooking method is key to tender and delicious pinto beans. Cook the beans on low heat for 6-8 hours or until they are tender and fully cooked.
Variations
- Spicy Pinto Beans: For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a can of diced green chilies to the Crock Pot along with the beans and seasonings. You can also add chili powder or cumin for an extra kick of flavor.
- Bacon Pinto Beans: For a smoky and salty flavor, add diced bacon to the Crock Pot along with the beans and seasonings. The bacon will add richness and depth to the dish.
- Mexican Pinto Beans: For a Mexican-style dish, add diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro to the Crock Pot along with the beans and seasonings.
- Barbecue Pinto Beans: For a barbecue-style dish, add barbecue sauce, diced onions, and diced bell peppers to the Crock Pot along with the beans and seasonings. The sweet and tangy flavor of the barbecue sauce will complement the earthy flavors of the beans.
- Herbed Pinto Beans: For a fresh and herbal flavor, add chopped fresh cilantro, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to the Crock Pot along with the beans and seasonings. The herbs will add a bright and fragrant flavor to the dish.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Once the pinto beans have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. Reheat the beans in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing: Let the pinto beans cool to room temperature, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a freezer-safe plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost, place the container in the refrigerator overnight, or microwave the beans until they are fully thawed and heated through.
Note: Avoid freezing the pinto beans in their broth, as the broth may become watery when thawed. Instead, freeze the beans separately and add broth or water when reheating.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans instead of dry. However, the flavor and texture of the beans may be slightly different. If using canned pinto beans, drain and rinse them well before adding them to the Crock Pot, and reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low heat.
You should add enough water to the Crock Pot so that the beans are fully covered. A general rule of thumb is to add 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of dry pinto beans.
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the Crock Pot along with the pinto beans. Diced carrots, celery, onions, and bell peppers are all good options.
Yes, you can add meat to the Crock Pot along with the pinto beans. Diced bacon, ham, or sausage are all good options.
If the pinto beans are too hard, continue cooking them on low heat for an additional hour or two. You can also add a bit more water to the Crock Pot to help soften the beans.
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Crock Pot Pinto Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry pinto beans
- 7 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the pinto beans and pick out any small stones or debris. Place the pinto beans in a large Crock Pot.
- Add the water, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the beans are tender. Check the beans every hour or so to make sure there is enough liquid and to stir.
- Once the beans are tender, taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder if needed.
Notes
- Rinse the beans. Before adding the beans to the crock pot, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use enough water. Make sure to add enough water to the Crock Pot so that the beans are fully covered. This will help to prevent the beans from burning and ensure even cooking.
- Add seasonings gradually. Start by adding a small amount of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and then taste the beans as they cook. If needed, add more seasonings to taste.
- Cook on low heat. The slow-cooking method is key to tender and delicious pinto beans. Cook the beans on low heat for 6-8 hours or until they are tender and fully cooked.
- Storing: Once the pinto beans have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. Reheat the beans in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- Freezing: Let the pinto beans cool to room temperature, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a freezer-safe plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost, place the container in the refrigerator overnight, or microwave the beans until they are fully thawed and heated through.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Debbie
I love your low calorie version of this classic dish. Also cooking them in the crock pot is genius!!
Ramona
Beans always get 5 stars from me, what a great recipe! I used to soak the beans like you say over night but lately I cook them straight away after rinsing them in my pressure cooker, The time slashes considerably.
Stine Mari
I love beans, they are incredibly versatile and can sub meat in many cases. I love these two ways, especially the refried beans - so delicious!
Kelly Anthony
How easy are these crockpot pinto beans! I'm excited to try your quick and easy recipe.
Jenni LeBaron
I love a good pot of beans because they are so versatile and can really help stretch a grocery budget in a super filling way. I love that I can just throw these in the crockpot and be on my way to a fantastic dinner!
Lydia Smith
I'm not a fan of beans but oh my, it looks like a new kind of beans and I've been cheated all my life. Plus, it's pretentious yet low has low calorie. I'm rethinking my #nobeans stance.
Tynia
I really do love pinto beans for burritos or just to eat with white rice. I like that these are low calories too!
Jere Cassidy
I've had little success in cooking dried beans. Thanks for this share to use the crock pot, Plus your beans look delicious.
Jacqueline Debono
I love the idea of cooking these beans and then using some for refried beans and the rest for another dish! Cook once eat twice is my motto!
katie
I never thought about making a big batch of beans in my slow cooker, what a great idea!
Katie xoxo
Renu
Love this Low fat version of pinto beans and that too in a crock pot . A wonderful and a hassle free meal idea.
Maman de sara
Your recipe is very easy and healthy. I can’t wait to try it!
April
I love experimenting with beans. There are so many different things you can do with them. Can't wait to try your vision!
Mimi
It is officially time to shine - we are having a beans party-competition coming up, and with this recipe I have no doubts I am going to win!