This Easy Pinto Beans recipe is simple and slow-cooked. It uses few ingredients and tastes warm and homey. If you like easy, steady-cooked meals, try our air fryer chicken bites recipe for a quick main to go with the beans.
Why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is cheap, filling, and low work. The slow cooker does the hard part. You get soft, flavorful beans with little hands-on time. This works for weeknight meals, batch cooking, or a simple side.
How to make Easy Pinto Beans
Follow the simple steps below. The slow cooker makes the beans soft and tasty.
Ingredients :
1 pound dried pinto beans, 6 cups water, 1 onion, chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 bay leaf
Directions :
- Rinse the dried pinto beans and remove any debris.
- In a slow cooker or crockpot, combine the beans with water, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and the bay leaf.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve the beans as a side dish, or mash them to make refried beans.
For extra flavor, cook a little longer on low. You can also mash some beans right in the pot to thicken the sauce. Try serving with a simple fish or chicken like bang bang salmon for a full meal.
How to serve Easy Pinto Beans
Serve hot as a side or main. Spoon beans over rice, use them in tacos, or mash them for refried beans. Serve with fresh chopped onion, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. Serve over fluffy basmati rice for a simple plate.
How to store Easy Pinto Beans
Cool the beans to room temperature, then move them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips to make Easy Pinto Beans
- Rinse beans well and pick out any stones.
- Do not add extra salt at the start if you use salty broth; add salt near the end.
- If beans are still firm after 8 hours, cook longer. Slow cookers vary.
- Mash some beans in the pot to create a thicker, creamier texture.
Variation
- Add diced tomatoes and green chiles for a southwestern twist.
- Add smoked ham hock or bacon for a meaty flavor.
- Use different spices like smoked paprika or oregano to change the taste.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
A: No. This slow cooker method works without soaking. Rinse and sort the beans first.
Q: Can I use a pressure cooker instead?
A: Yes. A pressure cooker will cook beans faster. Follow your pressure cooker times for dried beans.
Q: How do I make refried beans from this?
A: Mash cooked beans in a pan with a little oil or butter. Cook a few minutes until thick and creamy. Add salt to taste.
Q: Can I add more spices or chiles?
A: Yes. Add spices to taste. Add chiles early for full flavor or later for milder heat.
Conclusion
For another tested method and extra tips, see FoodieCrush’s pinto beans method. If you want a thick and creamy style, check this easy pinto beans recipe. For a no-soak approach with clear steps, read the guide at The Kitchn’s pinto beans recipe.
Easy Pinto Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt Add salt near the end if using salty broth.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the dried pinto beans and remove any debris.
- In a slow cooker or crockpot, combine the beans with water, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and the bay leaf.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve the beans as a side dish, or mash them to make refried beans.