best pinto bean slow cooker recipe

best pinto bean slow cooker recipe

The Best best pinto bean slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite pinto bean slow cooker recipe. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will love. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Pinto beans are a type of bean that’s native to the Americas, and they have a rich history in many different cuisines. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to cook them to perfection in a slow cooker, resulting in tender, flavorful beans that are packed with nutrients and fiber. The key to this recipe is the slow cooking process, which allows the beans to break down and become incredibly tender.

This is especially important if you’re using dried beans, as it can make a big difference in their texture and flavor. I like to use a combination of onion, garlic, and spices to add depth and warmth to the dish. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish, or use it as a side for tacos or grilled meats. It’s also a great way to get your kids eating more vegetables – just chop up some bell peppers or zucchini and add them to the pot.

As for me, I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make and it’s perfect for busy days when I don’t have much time to cook. Just throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a hot, delicious meal ready to go.

Best Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Best Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

4.6 from 504 votes

These slow cooker pinto beans are creamy, flavorful, and require minimal effort. Soaked beans simmer low and slow with aromatics and spices for a hearty side or main dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
2 bay leaves

For Serving (optional)

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Shredded cheese
Sour cream

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the rinsed pinto beans in a large bowl and cover with water by 2 inches.
2Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight, then drain and rinse thoroughly.
3Add the soaked and drained beans to the slow cooker.
4Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5Pour the broth over the bean mixture and add the bay leaves.
6Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
7Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
8The beans are done when they are tender and easily mashed with a fork.
9Remove the bay leaves and discard.
10Taste the beans and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
11Serve hot with desired toppings.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 1g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a ham hock or smoked turkey leg during cooking. If you prefer thicker beans, mash a cup of the cooked beans and stir them back in. Leftover beans can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Best Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Works

This pinto bean slow cooker recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.

If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy this dish beyond just serving it straight out of the slow cooker, try reheating leftovers with some diced veggies or shredded cheese – it makes for an amazing breakfast burrito filling! As for storing leftovers, simply refrigerate them in an airtight container until you’re ready to reheat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using pinto beans for this recipe – they have a mild flavor and hold up well to slow cooking.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans if you prefer – just drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker.

How long does it take for the beans to cook?

The cooking time will depend on whether you’re using dried or canned beans – if you’re using dried beans, plan on at least 8 hours of cooking time.

Can I add other spices or herbs to the recipe?

Yes, feel free to get creative with your spice blends – some other options might include cumin, paprika, or oregano.

How do I store leftover pinto beans?

You can store leftover pinto beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days – just reheat them when you’re ready.

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