Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

4.6
(262)

Slow cooker pinto beans are tender, delicious, and easy! I developed this fabulous crockpot recipe after finding too many hard, uncooked beans after cooking in a pot on the stove.

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close up view of Slow Cooker Pinto Beans in a blue bowl with a serving spoon
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There's nothing more convenient than a set-and-forget meal in the slow cooker. And just when you think it can't get any better — how about a hearty set-and-forget meal that will be your new favorite comfort food? It all starts with a package of dried pinto beans.

These slow cooker pinto beans are so incredibly easy to make. Plus, cooking them low and slow means you'll have perfectly tender beans with little to no work at all. Be sure to save this recipe to your collection because these will be the best pinto beans of your life.

How to Cook Pinto Beans in the Slow Cooker

Making Crock Pot pinto beans is as easy as dumping all the ingredients in your slow cooker, turning it on, and leaving it to work its magic on high for five to six hours.

Learn more: How to Cook Pinto Beans — Three Easy Ways

Do You Need to Soak Pinto Beans Before Slow Cooking?

While the easiest way to cook pinto beans does involve soaking them, you don't technically have to. This recipe calls for an eight-hour soak before slow cooking, which will allow you to cook the beans in five to six hours.

However, if you choose not to soak your pinto beans, you will need to add a few extra hours to account for the dry beans. If cooking from dry, you will need to slow cook for eight to nine hours.

How Long to Slow Cook Pinto Beans

This recipe will give you deliciously tender pinto beans slow cooked to perfection on high in five to six hours. When slow cooked on low, these pinto beans will be done in eight to 10 hours.

How to Store Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Store these Crock Pot pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

How to Freeze Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Scoop completely cooled pinto beans into zip-top freezer bags and freeze flat for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This soup is easy to make and helps empty the crisper with all the hearty vegetables to be added along with leftover ham. The cumin gives it the earthy taste you expect from south of the border beans," says Jackdup.

"Really, really good and so easy! Everyone liked it which never happens in this family of five," according to jeighmy. "We ate it as a bean soup and also put the beans in tortillas rolled up like a burrito with salt and pepper. Yummm….Definitely a keeper. There were no leftovers."

"These beans were delicious! I cooked them on low for 10 hours and it turned out great. The only change I made was adding some cayenne pepper at the end when it was done just cause I felt like it could use a little spice. Will definitely make again," raves madeleine.

Editorial contributions by Bailey Fink

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

(262)
close up view of Slow Cooker Pinto Beans in a blue bowl with a serving spoon
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
5 hrs
Additional Time:
8 hrs
Total Time:
13 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
8

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans

  • 1 pound Black Forest ham, cubed

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • ¾ medium green bell pepper, diced

  • 2 medium celery ribs, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano, or to taste

  • 1 tablespoon lard

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin, or to taste

  • 2 large bay leaves

  • 5 cups chicken broth, or as needed to cover

Directions

  1. Place beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow to soak 8 hours to overnight. Drain.

    Overhead of a bowl of beans soaking in water.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Gather all ingredients.

    Portioned ingredients for pinto beans in small bowls.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Place soaked pinto beans in a slow cooker. Add ham, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, oregano, lard, cumin, and bay leaves. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover all ingredients.

    Overhead of baked bean ingredients resting in a slow cooker waiting to be stirred together.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover all ingredients.

    Overhead of broth being poured over baked bean ingredients in a slow cooker.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Cook on High until beans are very tender, 5 to 6 hours.

    close up view of Slow Cooker Pinto Beans in a blue bowl with a serving spoon

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

366 Calories
14g Fat
38g Carbs
24g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 366
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 17%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 36mg 12%
Sodium 1348mg 59%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 13g 46%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 24g 47%
Vitamin C 32mg 36%
Calcium 90mg 7%
Iron 4mg 21%
Potassium 858mg 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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