Downhome Crock Pot Pinto Beans No Soaking

Down Home Crock Pot Pinto Beans: The Easiest Comfort Food

Fancy some proper comfort food? Then you are going to love this. My granny swore by her pinto bean recipe crock pot , and now I do too! We're talking tender, flavourful crock pot pinto beans , Southern style.

The real secret? Absolutely no soaking needed.

Bean Beginnings

Pinto beans are a staple in Southern cuisine. They are packed with flavour and nutrition. This recipe is all about making life easy.

Minimal effort, maximum flavour! This easy pinto beans recipe is ready in hours.

Why You'll Love These Beans

These slow cooker pinto beans are packed with fibre. This vegetarian pinto beans slow cooker option will keep you full and happy.

They're perfect for a casual family dinner. Or even a potluck with your mates. They will love this one pot pinto beans wonder.

Get Your Ingredients Ready!

• 1 pound (450g) dried pinto beans , rinsed
• 6 cups (1.4L) water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper, or to taste
• 1 ham hock or 4 slices bacon, diced (optional, for smoky flavor)

Ingredients & Equipment: Pinto Bean Perfection

Alright, so you're ready to dive into slow cooker pinto beans , right? Forget the canned stuff; we're doing this properly.

This pinto bean recipe crock pot is a game changer. Plus, it's pretty much foolproof, even if your cooking skills are a bit.

.. ahem ... challenged. Let’s get started!

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for about 6-8 servings of these southern pinto beans :

• 1 pound (450g) dried pinto beans, rinsed really well.
• 6 cups (1.4L) water or low-sodium chicken/veggie broth. I prefer broth for extra flavour, personally.
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Yellow or white, it doesn't really matter.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, you know?
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) chili powder.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) cumin.
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) dried oregano.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, or to taste. Don't be shy!
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper, or to taste.
• Optional: 1 ham hock or 4 slices bacon, diced. If you're goin' for that smoky goodness.

For the beans, look for ones that are uniform in color and size. Avoid bags with lots of broken beans or debris. The fresher the beans, the better they'll cook up.

Seasoning Notes

Spice is nice, innit? This is where you can really make this recipe your own.

• For that essential spice combo, the chili powder, cumin, and oregano is a must. It’s the holy trinity for easy pinto beans recipe flavour.
• A little bit of smoked paprika (about 1/2 teaspoon) can mimic the flavour of ham hock, especially in a vegetarian pinto beans slow cooker version.
• No oregano? Marjoram works fine. I've even used a pinch of Italian seasoning in a pinch.

This is totally optional, but if you want that ham hock flavour in your crock pot pinto beans with bacon , try adding a tablespoon of liquid smoke.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah? Here's what you really need.

• 6-quart (5.7L) slow cooker. Crucial for the no soak pinto beans slow cooker method!
• Large colander.
• Chopping board.
• Knife.

Honestly, if you don’t have a proper knife, a butter knife will do in a pinch. Just be careful, alright? I've totally been there.

Now that we are armed with the crockpot bean recipes to success, let´s get cooking!.

Down Home Crock Pot Pinto Beans (No Soaking Required!)

Honestly, who has time to soak beans overnight? Not me! This crock pot pinto beans recipe is a lifesaver. It's proper easy pinto beans recipe , Southern style, no fuss involved.

Plus, the slow cooker pinto beans just simmer away all day, filling your house with a gorgeous aroma. And you know? It's one of those dishes that gets better the longer it sits.

Talk about a delicious win!

Prep Steps for Pinto Bean Perfection

Essential mise en place is key. Rinse 1 pound of dried pinto beans in a colander. Then, chop 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Time saving tip? I sometimes chop the onion the night before. Safety first! Always use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board.

step-by-step: Your Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Journey

Alright, let's get these beans cookin'! It all goes into the slow cooker!

1. Rinse those pinto beans under cold water.
2. Dump rinsed beans into your crock pot.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
5. Pour in 6 cups water or broth. For a ham hock pinto beans style flavour, toss in a ham hock or 4 slices of diced bacon. (Trust me on this one!)
6. Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours.
7. Check for doneness. Beans should be nice and tender. If not, cook a bit longer.
8. Give it a good stir and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Crockpot Bean Recipes

Want that authentic flavour? Add a smoked ham hock (optional). Common mistake? Not seasoning enough! Taste as you go. To make-ahead, cook the beans and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. This is totally safe to make and freeze. One trick is use no soak pinto beans slow cooker , just wash them!

And for all you veggies out there, this vegetarian pinto beans slow cooker recipe is easily adaptable! Just skip the ham hock or bacon, and you're golden.

I reckon, this pinto bean recipe crock pot is what you need if you like comfort food that doesn’t take you all day to prep and cook.

Whether you like them by themselves or as a side, these southern pinto beans are amazing!

If you want an extra layer of flavour, try adding a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce to the one pot pinto beans before serving.

Sometimes, for that extra smoky depth (especially if I'm skipping the bacon), I'll toss in a teaspoon of smoked paprika. It’s a game changer, I promise.

Alright then, let's get these crock pot pinto beans cookin' low and slow! Forget popping down to Greggs for lunch, we're makin' a hearty, home style meal.

Think of this as your "bake off" for beans, but instead of soggy bottoms, we're aiming for tender, flavorful perfection.

Now, no soggy bean stories, alright? This easy pinto beans recipe is about to become a family favourite!

Recipe Notes for the Best Crock Pot Pinto Beans Ever!

This recipe for southern pinto beans is pretty straightforward. But, like any good cook knows, a few extra notes can make all the difference.

I've tweaked this pinto bean recipe crock pot over the years, and trust me, these tips are gold. Honestly, you'll feel like a proper Southern cook!

Serving up your Crock Pot Pinto Beans

Think about how to plate this up. A rustic bowl works wonders. Dollop of sour cream? Yes, please. Fresh coriander? Absolutely.

On the side, you gotta have cornbread. It's practically the law. Coleslaw adds a nice cool crunch too. Why not set up a toppings bar? Shredded cheese, diced onions, and hot sauce let everyone customise their own bowl!

Keepin' Your Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Fresh

So, you've got leftover slow cooker pinto beans ? No worries! Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll happily sit there for 3-4 days .

Freezing? Go for it! Portion them out, cool completely, and then freeze. They'll last for 2-3 months .

Reheating is a doddle. Microwave, hob, or even back in the crock pot . Just add a splash of water if they've thickened up too much.

Variations on this Vegetarian Pinto Beans Slow Cooker Recipe

Fancy a bit of spice? Chuck in a chopped jalapeno. Remove the seeds if you're a bit of a wimp.

Making ham hock pinto beans or crock pot pinto beans with bacon is easy. If you are keeping things vegetarian pinto beans slow cooker , just use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for that smoky flavour.

Nutrition Facts for These One Pot Pinto Beans

Beans are brilliant. Loads of fibre, which is good for your gut. Plenty of protein too, keeps you feeling full.

Each serving is roughly around 250-350 calories. They're also packed with iron and other good stuff. I would say that's the benefits of no soak pinto beans slow cooker .

Win-win, I'd say!

Give these crock pot pinto beans a whirl! Trust me, it's super simple, and the flavour is incredible. Get ready to be chuffed with your culinary skills!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really have to soak my pinto beans before putting them in the crock pot? This Down Home Crock Pot Pinto Beans (No Soaking Required!) recipe says I don't have to!

Good news, mate! For this recipe, soaking is optional, and that makes it such a winner. Rinsing them well under cold water is key, as it helps remove some of the compounds that can cause, shall we say, unpleasant side effects. But honestly, who has time to soak beans overnight these days?

Just toss 'em in the crock pot with the other ingredients and let it do its thing!

My crock pot pinto beans are still a bit crunchy after the recommended cooking time. What went wrong, and what can I do?

Don't you worry your little head! Beans can be a bit temperamental like that. First, make sure your crock pot is actually reaching the set temperature. If they're still firm, just add another cup or two of liquid (water or broth) and cook for another hour or two on low.

Sometimes, it just takes a bit longer to get them to that perfect, melt-in-your mouth texture.

Can I freeze leftover crock pot pinto beans, and how long will they last? I want to be a domestic goddess, you see.

Absolutely! Freezing pinto beans is a fab idea, especially if you made a big batch. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to freezer safe containers or bags. They'll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to use them, thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the microwave on a defrost setting.

They're great in tacos, stews, or just reheated as a side!

I'm trying to cut down on sodium. Can I still make these Crock Pot Pinto Beans without them tasting bland?

You bet your bottom dollar! Use low-sodium broth (or just water) to start. Hold off on adding salt until the very end of the cooking time. Taste as you go and add salt gradually. Also, try boosting the flavour with other spices, like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of kick.

A little goes a long way!

Can I make these pinto beans in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?

You sure can! While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, the Instant Pot is a great alternative for faster cooking. Reduce the liquid to 4 cups, and cook on high pressure for 40-45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of about 20 minutes.

Always be careful when working with pressure cookers and make sure to read your Instant Pot's manual before attempting.