Simply Low Cal

Crockpot Pinto Beans Two Ways

by 28 Comments

whole cooked pinto beans in a white bowl

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Crockpot pinto beans is an easy and healthy way to cook pinto beans in the crockpot. Leave beans whole or make refried beans with two ways to make these crockpot beans.

whole cooked pinto beans in a white bowl

There are several different techniques to cooking dried beans, including soaking them overnight.

Cooking the beans in the crockpot eliminates the extra step of having to soak them overnight, which makes them nearly maintenance free to cook this way.

What are pinto beans?

They are a small dried legume. Pinto beans are called frijol pinto in Spanish, which translates to “speckled beans.” Beans are also popular in Mexican-style dishes and are a great substitute for meat.

A nutrient-dense legume, the pinto bean contains many essential nutrients. It is a good source of protein, phosphorus and manganese, and very high in dietary fiber and folate.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Slow cooker does most of the work
  • No need to presoak the beans
  • Perfect for meatless meals
refried pinto beans in a white bowl with cheese and a tortilla

Ingredients

What you’ll need to make this recipe.

  • Dry pinto beans 
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt and pepper

How to make this recipe

1 – Place the beans, water, salt, and black pepper into the crockpot and stir.

2 – Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, until the beans are tender but not falling apart.

3 – When the beans are done cooking, use a slotted spoon to remove beans from crockpot.

4 – Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir gently.

If making refried beans, take the amount of beans you want to mash and place in a large bowl. As you mash the beans with a fork or potato masher, add a little of the water from the crockpot to the beans, adding water slowly to get the consistency you like.

They are seasoned without any added fats for healthier refried beans. 

refried pinto beans in a white bowl with cheese and a tortilla

How do I store cooked pinto beans?

Place the cooled beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Please Note

Different slow cookers may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on your food so it doesn’t burn.

Click here to see my favorite slow cooker.

Click here to download my FREE kitchen cheat sheets.

Calories per serving (1/2 cup): 99

Yield: 12 Servings

Crockpot Pinto Beans Two Ways

whole cooked pinto beans in a white bowl

This is an easy and healthy way to cook pinto beans in the crockpot. Leave beans whole or make refried beans with two ways to make these crockpot beans.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dry pinto beans
  • 7 cups water
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the beans, water, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker and stir. 
  2. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, until the beans are tender but not falling apart.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to remove beans from crockpot. Then add the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently.
  4. If making refried beans, take the amount of beans you want to mash and place in a large bowl. As you mash the beans with a fork or potato masher, add a little of the water from the crockpot to the beans, adding water slowly to get the consistency you like.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 99Saturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 450mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 5gSugar: 1gProtein: 8g

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

© simplylowcal
Cuisine: American / Category: Slow Cooker

Other slow cooker recipes you’ll love

Pulled Chicken

Salsa Chicken Tacos

Sweet and Sour Chicken 

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Beef Stew

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Crockpot pinto beans
refried pinto beans in a white bowl with cheese and a tortilla
Crockpot refried beans

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Ramona

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

  5. Jenni LeBaron

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply

  6. Lydia Smith

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

  8. Jere Cassidy

    5 stars
    I’ve had little success in cooking dried beans. Thanks for this share to use the crock pot, Plus your beans look delicious.

    Reply

  14. Mimi

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply

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