How to cook pinto beans in Crockpot recipe is so easy you’ll never buy canned again after this! You may have enjoyed our pressure cooker pinto beans a while back but if you are into low and slow to get them super tender with your main protein, this one is for you!
Slow cooker pinto beans are easier than you think. A lot healthier than a can that is loaded with lot of sodium and preservatives you don’t need. Instead grab a bag of dried beans, soak and then cook all day until dinner is ready. One of many easy Crockpot recipes we love (affiliate links present)
Dried Pinto Beans Recipe
These two words mean the same thing really. If you have only used this pot to cook meat, this is going to be a real game changer. Using it to make sides is really great too. If you have more than one like we do you can do both at the same time and serve together at the end of the day. Make these plain, or this is how to cook ham hocks with it.
I love that because they add a ton of flavor and no other seasonings are really necessary if I add them. Plus near the end I can dice up the meat off the bones like slow cooker ham and beans in a Crock which we love too for a whole meal.
You can use these to make pressure cooker pinto bean soup or enjoy as a side dish with feta cheese on top. Cooking dry pinto beans is a straightforward process that requires some prepping and simmering if cooked on the stovetop. Here’s a step-by-step guide;
How Long to Cook Pinto Beans in a Crockpot
Soaking the beans before cooking helps reduce the cooking time and improves their texture so I recommend that you do the following step below first. The cook time will be about 8 hours not counting the overnight sitting in water. A bit longer than our great northern beans recipe because the skins are tougher.
Soaked
There are two methods to do this, one takes about 60 minutes in a light boil and the other more common one would be to submerge overnight in a large bowl. You always want to rinse before and after doing so.
Quick Soak Method
Quick Soaking pinto beans from dried is great if you don’t have time for overnight, use this method. Place the rinsed beans in a pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let the beans soak for 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes. Then put the beans in a colander and run under cold running water to rinse quickly.
These are the steps you use for basically any variety. Just as if you wanted to know how to cook garbanzo beans, it’s the same. You rinse beans to remove debris. Pour into a bowl covered in cool water + 2 inches above that. Soak on countertop overnight. Drain next day, rinse and pour into slow cooker.
on High
I rarely if ever recommend that you should set a slow cooker to high and there is a reason. It is meant to be sloooooooooow for the ideal texture and this is no different. Especially with dried legumes you want them to get fork tender and soak up the seasonings in the liquid around them. You can technically use high for 4 hours or so but the consistency isn’t ideal.
on Low
This is where perfection takes place. For the optimal texture you want to soak and use low heat for longer, closer to 8 hours depending on how soft you like them to be. Once you get the hang of what to do you can do it with other varieties too like our Slow Cooker Black Beans.
What can you make with cooked from dry pinto beans?
Once the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, drain them to remove any excess water. Enjoy the rich, earthy flavor as is or in your favorite recipe like Instant Pot refried beans. Seasonings can elevate your Crock pot pinto beans to mash and make them even more delicious.
Crockpot Pinto Beans
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 16 oz pinto beans, dry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 4 c chicken broth
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Rinse beans to remove debris. Pour into a bowl covered in cool water + 2 inches above that. Soak on countertop overnight.
- Drain next day, rinse and pour into slow cooker.
- In a pan on the stovetop saute olive oil, garlic and diced onions together until softened. Pour this on top of soaked beans.
- Pour everything else into pot and cover. Cook on low for 8 hours or until as tender as you'd like beans to be, or high for 3-4 hours.
- Check one bean for readiness to determine if it is cooked. Beans should be soft but not mushy. Drain, season, serve.
- ** Alternatively for very plain you can omit sauteing items and just add soaked beans, broth and some salt and pepper into the pot.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Best Way to Season Dried Beans
- Start with a good amount of salt to enhance the natural flavors of the beans.
- Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick to the beans.
- Garlic complements the earthy flavor of pinto beans. You can use either garlic powder or minced fresh garlic.
- Onion powder adds a hint of onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions. Alternatively, you can use chopped onions to provide more texture and aroma.
- Cumin is a staple in Mexican cuisine and adds a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pinto beans.
- Sweet or smoked paprika can add depth and a slightly smoky flavor to the beans.
- Dried oregano complements the overall taste profile of pinto beans.
- A bay leaf adds a subtle herbal note to the beans. Remember to remove it before serving.
- Epazote is a traditional Mexican herb used to enhance the flavor of beans and reduce gas-causing properties.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness and color.
- A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors of the beans.
Remember to taste as you season and adjust the quantities to suit your preferences. You can also combine different seasonings to create your unique blend. When cooking beans, the key is to strike a balance between the flavors you enjoy, so feel free to experiment and have fun with your seasonings!
For a touch of heat, use chili powder or a blend of chili spices to make a spicy side dish y’all. Start slow as the heat for me seems to intensify it more. You can always add more later when they are done if you feel you want more hot.
I will add diced meat that is left over from the night before often. Chopped bacon is fabulous or make as a leftover ham recipe after the holidays! If I do add this I will likely add no salt because there already is quite a bit in the meat.
Can you cook dry beans with ham hocks?
Yes we do this all the time, it is a great way to cook the meat off, low and slow. Just place 2-3 in the middle of your slow cooker with soaked beans over the top. Add enough chicken broth to cover everything, usually a 2:1 ratio on low all day. Then cut the meat off the bones, stir together and enjoy. Jump to recipe and get started!
You could!! If you don’t want to presoak them in a bowl you could just add them with water to cover + 2 inches above that in the slow cooker itself. You’ll still need to drain them a few times in a colander 12 hours or the next day before cooking dry beans in Crockpot.
Yes, you can cook unsoaked beans in a slow cooker. Slow cookers are designed to cook foods at low temperatures over an extended period, which allows them to gradually soften and become tender over time. You’ll need to add a few hours in this case though.
