Slow-cooked pinto beans are a staple in Southern cuisine, and The Pioneer Woman has mastered the art of making them flavorful and easy. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a hearty main course, this slow cooker recipe is perfect. Cooking pinto beans slowly allows the flavors to deepen and the beans to become tender, making it an ideal dish for busy days when you want something filling but effortless.

What are Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker?

Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker is a simple, flavorful dish made with dried pinto beans, slow-cooked to perfection. The slow cooking process ensures that the beans are soft, and the seasonings blend beautifully into a rich and savory broth. This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and can be served as a main dish or a side.

Other Popular Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Minimal Effort: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy days.
Affordable Ingredients: Pinto beans are inexpensive, making this recipe budget-friendly.
Healthy and Nutritious: Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers: This recipe stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

2 cups dried pinto beans

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder
1 smoked ham hock (I used turkey wing)
4 cups water or chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

Rinse and sort the pinto beans to remove any debris or stones.

Place the beans in the slow cooker along with chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
Add the smoked ham hock or bacon if you’re using it for extra flavor.
Pour water or chicken broth over the beans to cover them completely.

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and enjoy your beans as a side or main dish.

Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker Recipe

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

Cornbread: The perfect side to soak up the savory bean broth.
Rice: Serve the pinto beans over a bed of fluffy rice for a heartier meal.
Grilled Meats: These beans pair excellently with grilled chicken, pork, or beef.

Salad: A fresh green salad complements the rich, hearty beans.
Tortillas: Use tortillas to wrap the beans for a quick and easy burrito.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

Soak the beans overnight for faster cooking and better texture.

Use a smoked ham hock or bacon for added depth of flavor, but omit if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
Adjust seasoning midway through cooking to ensure the flavors meld well.
Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking to maintain a steady temperature.

Add salt towards the end of cooking to prevent the beans from toughening.
Check the liquid level occasionally and add more broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

Spicy Pinto Beans: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Vegetarian Pinto Beans: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth for a fully plant-based version.
Pinto Bean Soup: Add more liquid and some diced tomatoes to create a soupier dish.
Smoky Pinto Beans: Use smoked paprika instead of chili powder for a smoky twist.

Cheesy Pinto Beans: Stir in shredded cheese just before serving for a creamy finish.

Storing Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze in portions to enjoy later; beans freeze well and can last up to 3 months.

Use mason jars for storing beans if you plan on reheating in small portions.
Vacuum-seal the beans if you want to store them for a longer period without freezer burn.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker: Best Practices

Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, adding a little water or broth to maintain moisture.

Stovetop: Warm the beans gently on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Oven: Place the beans in a covered dish and reheat at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes.
Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to reheat the beans quickly.

Slow Cooker: If you have time, you can reheat the beans on low in the slow cooker for a few hours.

FAQs

How long do you cook pinto beans in a slow cooker?

Pinto beans typically take about 8-10 hours to cook on low in a slow cooker. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them on high for 4-6 hours, but slow cooking is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

Do you need to soak pinto beans before cooking them in a slow cooker?

Soaking pinto beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve texture, but it’s not necessary. You can cook them directly in the slow cooker without soaking, though they may take slightly longer to become tender.

Can you freeze slow-cooked pinto beans?

Yes, slow-cooked pinto beans freeze well. Simply portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some room for expansion if using containers.

What spices go well with slow-cooked pinto beans?

Spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and smoked paprika pair beautifully with slow-cooked pinto beans. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of freshness when serving.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker is a versatile and satisfying recipe for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish or a main meal, and it’s sure to be a family favorite. With its affordable ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Try it and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of slow-cooked beans!

Other Yummy Recipes: