Crockpot Pinto Beans
There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of slow-cooked pinto beans. They’re rich, filling, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you serve them as a side dish, over rice, or even mashed into refried beans, this crockpot recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make.
Equipment
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- Colander
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
Ingredients
Beans & Liquid
- 2 cups dried pinto beans rinsed
- 6 cups water or vegetable broth
- Seasonings & Aromatics
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Add-ins
- ½ teaspoon chili powder for a little heat
- 1 ham hock or bacon for smoky flavor
- 1 diced jalapeño for extra spice
- 1 can diced tomatoes for a slightly tangy twist
Instructions
- Rinse the Beans – Place the dried pinto beans in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Remove any debris or broken beans.
- (Optional) Soak the Beans – If you want to reduce cooking time, soak the beans overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Drain and rinse before cooking. Not soaking? No problem! The crockpot will take care of it.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot – Pour the beans into the slow cooker and add 6 cups of water or broth. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and bay leaf. If using any optional ingredients like diced tomatoes or ham hock, add them now.
- Set It and Forget It – Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beans should be tender and creamy when done. Pro Tip: If your beans are still firm after the cooking time, let them go another hour or so until they soften up.
- Season with Salt – Once the beans are fully cooked, stir in the salt. Adding salt earlier can make the beans tough, so it’s best to wait until the end.
- Adjust the Consistency – If you like thicker beans, mash some against the side of the pot with a spoon. If they’re too thick, stir in a little extra broth or water to reach your preferred texture.
- Serve & Enjoy – Remove the bay leaf and any large pieces of ham hock (if used). Serve the beans over rice, with cornbread, or as a side to your favorite meal. I love topping mine with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor!
Notes
Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~13g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~12g
- Fat: ~1g (more if using meat or added butter/oil)
- Sodium: Varies based on salt and broth used
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.