Dive into a world where flavor meets simplicity in this go-to guide to making perfectly seasoned and irresistibly tender Crock Pot Pinto Beans with my foolproof recipe that doesn’t require soaking the beans before assembling this recipe!
You will love these Crock Pot Pinto Beans
This Crock Pot Pinto Beans recipe is a lifesaver for anyone looking to simplify their cooking without sacrificing flavor. One of its greatest advantages is that it eliminates the need for pre-soaking the beans, cutting down on preparation time and making it perfect for those who don’t plan their meals until the day of (like me most of the time). The recipe only uses seasonings that are staples in most kitchens, ensuring you can make this recipe without a special trip to the store. It’s also incredibly quick and easy to assemble; just combine the ingredients in your Crock Pot and let it work its magic, freeing you up to focus on other tasks. This side dish pairs wonderfully with a wide range of meals, from tacos, enchiladas, and burritos to rice dishes and salads, making it an essential recipe to have in your kitchen!
Pinto Beans in Crock Pot ingredients
- Dry Pinto Beans
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Onion (diced, optional)
Pinto Bean Seasoning
In this Crock Pot Pinto Beans recipe, the seasonings I use to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish. The key seasonings include:
- Chili Powder: Offers a blend of spiciness and complexity.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces mild heat.
- Paprika: Brings smoky sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: Provides subtle garlic flavor.
For a spicier version, you could add some Cayenne Pepper! If you want a fresher spice flavor, consider adding some Diced Jalapenos.
How to cook Pinto Beans in a Crock Pot
- Rinse the Beans: Start by rinsing 2 ¼ cups of pinto beans under cold water to clean away any dirt or debris. This prepares them for cooking without pre-soaking.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice 1 large onion and measure out your seasonings: 4 Tbsp Cumin, ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes, 3 tsp Paprika, 3 tsp Garlic Powder, and 3 tbsp Chili Powder. The Red Pepper Flakes add a small amount of heat, so you can omit that seasoning if you prefer.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the rinsed beans in the Crock Pot. Add the diced onions, all the seasonings (Cumin, Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Chili Powder), and enough water to cover the beans by a minimum of 2 inches. Preferably a bit more than that. Stir well to mix the seasonings with the beans.
- Cook the Beans: Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook. Since the beans haven’t been soaked, cook them on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 10-12 hours, or until the beans are tender and fully cooked. Cooking times can vary based on the Crock Pot model and the age of the beans.
- Season to Taste: After the beans are cooked, taste them and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding salt to your preference at this stage.
- Serve: Your Crock Pot Pinto Beans are ready to enjoy. They make a great side dish, a hearty filling for burritos, or a base for various dishes.
How long to cook Pinto Beans in Crock Pot
The cooking time for my Pinto Beans in a Crock Pot can vary based on several factors. Typically, the beans will need to cook on high for about 5-6 hours or on low for 10-12 hours to become tender and fully cooked. However, this duration can be influenced by the age of the beans. Older beans may require more time to soften. Additionally, the specific model of your Crock Pot can impact the cooking time, with some models cooking faster or slower than others. It’s important to check the beans towards the end of the cooking to assess if they’re done; they should be tender and easily mashed with a fork when fully cooked. Keep in mind that adding salt early in the cooking process can toughen the beans, potentially extending the cooking time. That is in my instructions I suggest waiting to salt them until serving!
While soaking beans overnight is a more traditional approach to preparing bean dishes, it’s not always practical or easy to remember to do so in the hustle and bustle of daily life. This is precisely why I love this no-soak method and why it has become my go-to choice!
How to serve Crockpot Pinto Beans
These Crockpot Pinto Beans are super versatile and a total game-changer for any meal. They’re awesome as a filling side or thrown into burritos and tacos for some extra heartiness. Try spooning them over rice or alongside some cornbread for a simple, satisfying dinner. They also work great in enchiladas or as the hearty base of a bean soup, mixing well with all sorts of flavors. With their creamy texture and rich taste, these beans are ready to make any dish a bit more special, whether you’re keeping it casual or spicing things up a bit.
Crock Pot Pinto Beans Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups Dry Pinto Beans
- 4 tbsp Cumin
- 3 tbsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes for heat (optional)
- 3 tsp Paprika
- 3 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Large White Onion diced (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Beans: Start by rinsing 2 ¼ cups of dry pinto beans under cold water to clean away any dirt or debris. This prepares them for cooking without pre-soaking.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice 1 large onion and measure out your seasonings: 4 Tbsp Cumin, ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes, 3 tsp Paprika, 3 tsp Garlic Powder, and 3 tbsp Chili Powder. The Red Pepper Flakes add a small amount of heat, so you can omit that seasoning if you prefer.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the rinsed beans in the Crock Pot. Add the diced onions, all the seasonings (Cumin, Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Chili Powder), and enough water to cover the beans by a minimum of 2 inches. Preferably a bit more than that. Stir well to mix the seasonings with the beans.
- Cook the Beans: Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook. Since the beans haven't been soaked, cook them on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 10-12 hours, or until the beans are tender and fully cooked. Cooking times can vary based on the Crock Pot model and the age of the beans.
- Season to Taste: After the beans are cooked, taste them and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding salt to your preference at this stage.
- Serve: Your Crock Pot Pinto Beans are ready to enjoy. They make a great side dish, a hearty filling for burritos, or a base for various dishes.
Video
Nutrition
Here are some great recipes you could pair these Pinto Beans:
- Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Italian Dressing Chicken
- Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
- Ham & Swiss Hawaiian Roll Sliders
- Garlic Herb Mac N Cheese
- Easy Chicken Tacos
- Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
- Fish Taco Recipe
- Easy Homemade Guacamole
Crock Pot Pinto Beans Recipe storage
Storing your Crock Pot Pinto Beans is easy and ensures you can enjoy their deliciousness for days to come. After cooking, let the beans cool down to room temperature before you think about storing them. Then, transfer the cooled beans into airtight containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Pop them in the fridge, and they’ll keep well for up to 5 days. If you’re looking ahead, these beans also freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re in airtight containers or freezer bags, and they’ll stay good for up to 6 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use them again. This way, you’ve always got a tasty, homemade addition ready to go for your meals.
Pinto Beans Crock Pot FAQs
Choosing between pinto beans and black beans boils down to flavor, texture, and the dish you’re making. Pinto beans are creamy and nutty, perfect for refried beans, chili, and stews, where a softer texture is preferred. Black beans are slightly sweeter and firmer, holding up well in salads, soups, and rice dishes. While you can swap them in many recipes, pick pinto beans for a smooth, earthy taste and black beans when you want a firmer texture with a hint of sweetness.
For Crockpot Pinto Beans, you have the option to cook them on either high or low, depending on your schedule and preference. Cooking on low for 10-12 hours is great for developing deep flavors and achieving a tender texture, especially if you’re not in a hurry. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, cooking them on high for about 5-6 hours will get you great results too. And if I’m beign honest, is the way I cook them 99% of the time. Both methods work well, so choose based on your available time and desired outcome.
For flavorful pinto beans, be sure to season them with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Start with cumin for its earthy base, add paprika for a touch of smoky sweetness, sprinkle in garlic powder for savory depth, and throw in red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. Don’t forget the chili powder to round out the flavors with its warm, complex spice. These seasonings will ensure your pinto beans are richly flavored and comforting.
If you’re looking to customize further, consider optional additions like a dash of oregano for herbal notes, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or a bit of cilantro for freshness. These can add unique twists and enhance the overall flavor profile of your dish.
If your beans are still hard after cooking in the Crock Pot, there are several possible reasons. First, the age of the beans can affect their cooking time; older beans often take longer to soften because they lose moisture over time. Second, ensure there is enough liquid in the Crock Pot, as beans need ample water to absorb and become tender. Adding salt or acidic ingredients too early can also hinder the softening process, as both can cause the beans to toughen. Additionally, the cooking time may have been insufficient. To remedy this, make sure the beans are fully submerged in liquid, avoid adding salt and acidic components until the beans are tender, and if necessary, extend the cooking time, periodically checking until the beans reach the desired softness.
So there you have it, your go-to Crock Pot Pinto Beans recipe that’s all about making your life easier without skimping on taste. Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute dinner or need a simple side that goes with pretty much everything, these beans have got your back. It’s the kind of recipe that asks for minimal effort but gives back a whole lot of yum. So keep it handy for those days when you’re after something hearty and delicious but just can’t deal with anything complicated.
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If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love it if you’d comment and rate the recipe! I love to hear feedback and answer questions!
Mel
I couldn’t believe how easy and delicious these were!m to throw together. Loved this recipe!
Jessica
There were SO GOOD. Loved this recipe.
Aimee
These were so good! My kids love when I make them for taco night