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    Home » Recipes » Crock Pot

    Crock Pot Pinto Beans

    Published: Jul 5, 2020 · Modified: Aug 28, 2024 by Amanda Mason · 73 Comments

    Yield 12 people
    Cook 8 hours hours
    Prep 10 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Bowl containing pinto beans cooked in a slow cooker. Recipes at recipesworthrepeating.com
    Pinto beans made in a crockpot topped with feta cheese and parsely.
    Bowl of slow cooked pinto beans topped with feta cheese.
    Bowl of pinto beans, spoonful of beans with cheese and parsley.
    A white bowl with pinto beans topped with feta cheese and parsley, green napkin and parsley sprig on a white table.
    Spoonful of pinto beans topped with parsley and cheese.

    These homemade crock pot pinto beans are full of flavor and super simple to make! No pre-soaking is required…just get out your slow cooker and combine 4 simple ingredients. Let that slow cooker do all the work and pretty soon you’ll have yourself a tasty side dish to pair with any meal!

    Spoonful of pinto beans topped with feta cheese.

    I was raised on homemade pinto beans. My parents made them once a week on the stove and we paired them with smoked ham, oven baked chicken, turkey meatloaf, slow cooker brisket, pulled pork sandwiches. And these crock pot pinto beans also taste so good when paired with chicken tacos!

    When my kiddos were old enough to get off baby food, like this squash puree, I decided to take a stab at my parent's recipe and method for making homemade pinto beans. Once they were done, I smashed them with a fork so the consistency would be more like refried beans. Instead of slaving over a pot on the stovetop all day, I decided to make them in the crock pot.

    And that was a game changer! No hassle, no burning, and no mess, these crock pot pinto beans turned out velvety in texture and they are the perfect side dish for so many meals!

    Jump to:
    • 🍳 Stove Top Cooking Method: Common Problems
    • ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • Variations
    • 👩‍🍳 How to Make Crock Pot Pinto Beans
    • 🙋 Recipe FAQs
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • More Side Dish Recipes To Try!
    • Crock Pot Pinto Beans
    A white bowl with pinto beans topped with crumbled feta cheese and parsley sitting on a white table with a green napkin.

    🍳 Stove Top Cooking Method: Common Problems

    As an adult, I was really struggling when I made these on the stove top. My beans would always turn out mushy. After talking to my dad and explaining to him how I was cooking them, he told me they were getting mushy because I was probably doing at least one of the following:

    • Over watering them as they cooked,
    • My temperature was probably too high,
    • I was probably over stirring them as they cooked.

    He asked me why I was still making pinto beans the old fashioned way. I was stunned...I was like, "Daddy, what do you mean the old fashioned way? This is how you always did it." On the stove...in a huge pot! He told me "It's so much easier in the crock pot." And he was right!

    A white bowl of pinto beans topped with crumbled feta cheese and parsley sitting on a green napkin.

    ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works

    1. It only takes 4 simple ingredients to make this crock pot pinto beans recipe. Then all you have to do is walk away while your slow cooker does ALL the work for the next 7-9 hours.

    2. You can add in bacon, ham, and chorizo to turn this into a hearty meal! Plus, you'll love the added flavor!

    3. Because these are made in a slow cooker, they turn out with the perfect texture and full of flavor single every time!


    🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

    Beans, salt, pepper, water, and crushed red pepper on a counter.
    • Pinto Beans - this recipe calls for 1lb of dry pinto beans.
    • Water - use 7.5 cups when making pinto beans in the crock pot.
    • Salt - flavor enhancer
    • Pepper - flavor enhancer

    Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!

    Variations

    • Spicy Flavor - to make the beans spicy, add in 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes. Or try topping them off with some finely chopped jalapeño pepper and add in some seeds.
    • Protein - ham hock, sliced ham, or even bacon are excellent adds to this recipe to add depth of flavor. Just add whatever uncooked protein you want and let all the ingredients slow cook.
    • Onion & Garlic - adding in chopped onion and garlic while cooking adds additional flavor.
    • Toppings: try topping these cooked pinto beans with crumbled feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, scallions, or cilantro.

    👩‍🍳 How to Make Crock Pot Pinto Beans

    Step 1: Get a 1lb bag of beans and pour them out on the counter. If using a 2lb bag, just use ½ the bag and save the rest for later.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

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    A bag of dry pinto beans spread out on a white marble table top.

    Step 2: Then, skim through the beans quickly on the counter and throw away any broken pinto beans and any rocks. Discard any dark beans.


    👩‍🍳 Important Note: Many people ask why rocks may be in a bag of dry pinto beans. Rocks are left over from the soil after the dried beans are harvested. Some get picked up in the harvesting process and never get discarded. That's why it's important to sift through them to remove any that you find.


    A hand holding broken beans and rocks from a bag of pinto beans.

    Step 3: From there, rinse the dry beans and put them in the crock pot.

    Pinto beans in a slow cooker.

    Step 4: Next add the salt, pepper, and 7.5 cups of water and put the top on the crock pot.

    Pinto Beans in a slow cooker covered with water, salt and pepper in water.

    Step 5: Let the crock pot work its magic and in 7-9 hours, they will ready to serve. You'll be amazed at the taste difference using this cooking method. After making this recipe, you'll never want to make another pot of beans on the stovetop again!

    Bowl of pinto beans on table topped with feta cheese.

    🙋 Recipe FAQs

    Do beans have to be soaked before cooking them in a crock pot?

    No. When I make these in the slow cooker, I don't pre-soak them beforehand and they turn out amazing every time. Soaking beans does nothing to help or improve the texture or flavor of the beans. And, soaking them does not reduce any gas-producing properties.

    Can I put dry beans in a crock pot?

    Absolutely! This cooking method makes them more creamy in texture and reduces the hassle of making them in a pot on the stove top!

    💭 Expert Tips

    • A 1 pound bag of dry pinto beans equals 2.5 cups.
    • If you want to double the recipe, you must also double the cooking time.
    • To adjust the cooking time, you can make these in the crock pot for 5 hours on high and then turn the temperature to low for the last 4 hours.
    • Store any leftovers in an airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • To freeze pinto beans, let them completely cool and then put the beans in a freezer safe container. There is no need to drain them. They will last in the freezer for 4-5 months. To serve, put the the beans in the refrigerator and allow them to naturally thaw. Once completely thawed, heat them up in the microwave or on the stove top.

    More Side Dish Recipes To Try!

    • Crock Pot Garlic Potatoes
    • Closeup of rice pilaf with wooden spoon.
      How To Make Easy Rice Pilaf
    • White bowl containing homemade mashed potatoes topped with chives, sitting on a white table with a teal napkin, red potatoes in background.
      Homemade Mashed Potatoes
    • White bowl containing cabbage and okra on black granite counter.
      Steamed Cabbage and Okra

    If you tried these crock pot pinto beans or any other recipes on my website, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And, please leave a 🌟 rating while you're there!

    📧 Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter, so that you don’t miss out on any of my delicious recipes!


    cropped-pinto-beans-6.jpg

    Crock Pot Pinto Beans

    These homemade pinto beans are full of flavor and super simple to make! No pre-soaking is required…just get out your slow cooker and combine 4 simple ingredients. Let that slow cooker do all the work and pretty soon you’ll have yourself a tasty side dish to pair with any meal!
    5 from 27 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish, Sides
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 hours hours
    Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 people
    Calories: 262kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Equipment

    • crock pot

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb bag of dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over for stones and broken pieces
    • 7 ½ cups water
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional

    Instructions

    • Pour the 1 lb bag of dry beans onto a counter and sort through them and discard obvious broken pieces and any rocks, as well as any dark beans.
    • Rinse the dry beans and place them in the crock pot. Add 7½ cups of water, 2 teaspoons of salt and ¼ teaspoons of pepper. Using a large spoon, stir to combine.
    • Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours. You want to ensure you don't overcook them. You don't want them falling apart.
    • Once cooked, give them a good stir and then turn the crock pot off.
    • They are now ready to serve. You can serve them plain or top them off with your favorite toppings such as feta or cotija cheese and parsley or cilantro.

    Video

    Notes

     
    • Conversion - 1 pound bag equals 2.5 cups.
    • Additional Cooking Method - My dad likes to cook his in the slow cooker for 5 hours on high and then turn the temperature to low for the last 4 hours. 
    • To Pre-Soak Or Not Pre-Soak - There is no need to pre-soak them beforehand and they turn out amazing every time. Soaking them does not reduce any gas-producing properties. 
    • Storage - Store any leftovers in an airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • Freezing - To freeze, let them completely cool and then put the beans in a freezer safe container. There is no need to drain them. They will last in the freezer for 4-5 months. When ready to serve, put the the beans in the refrigerator and allow them to naturally thaw, about 12 hours. Once completely thawed, heat them up in the microwave or on the stove top.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 16g | Sodium: 404mg | Potassium: 1053mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 4.8mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3.8mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!
     
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    1.9K shares

    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 27 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Janette

      September 30, 2024 at 9:27 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorites! So simple, I keep coming back to it. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 30, 2024 at 9:31 am

        So glad this recipe is a favorite of yours and that you keep coming back! That's the best compliment I can get....a recipe worth repeating and it keeps you coming back! Let me know what other recipes of mine you try! I can't wait to hear!

        Reply
    2. Dina

      September 21, 2024 at 9:00 pm

      5 stars
      Immediate nostalgia after taking the first bite. I haven’t made beans from scratch in forever due to lack of time and you solved all of that for me. Super delicious and easy. I’ve already shared this recipe so many times.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 24, 2024 at 7:27 am

        Hi Dina! I am so glad this recipe was a huge time saver for you! And, I'm glad you loved the taste! I agree - no one has time to stand over a pot of pinto beans all day. Please let me know what other recipes of mine you try! I can't wait to hear!

        Reply
    3. Julianne

      April 13, 2024 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      Loved these. So easy. I subbed 1 tsp of garlic salt plus 1 tsp of Spice Islands Beau Monde, containing salt, onion and celery seed for the straight salt. I also mixed in some chopped onion and a ham hock plus some cut up turkey bacon I needed to use up. I went with 5 hours high and 4 low, and I used 7 cups water, figuring if they were too thick, adding more boiling water is easier than subracting. . didn't need to.
      These were delish! I found that the leftovers, upon sitting in the fridge, picked up a little more heat from the pepper flakes.
      Next time, I'll add more than 1 tsp pepper flakes. I live in New Mexico, btw.
      Thanks to you and your Dad. I only have time for "easy" these days.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 16, 2024 at 8:51 pm

        I am so glad you left me a comment on how easy and delicious you thought these were! It made my dad and I'll share with my dad, too! Great adds, by the way!!

        Reply
    4. Veronica

      February 13, 2024 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      I only have a small crock pot at the moment. Larger one seems to be on the blink. Any suggestions for adjusting the recipe for use in a small slow cooker? Mine hold 1.5 quarts and has high, low, and warm settings. I'm eager to try this recipe. My sister uses it all the time and her beans come out perfect.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        February 13, 2024 at 9:54 pm

        Hi Veronica!! Well, I've never made these beans in a crock pot that small...BUT, I'm thinking if you half the ingredients it should fit fine! Not sure about the timing though... It might require a little less time than I wrote the recipe for but you'll probably have to start checking for doneness at about the 4 hour mark. Let me know how it turns out for you!

        Reply
        • Veronica Escobedo

          February 15, 2024 at 2:59 pm

          5 stars
          Amanda, the beans turned out great!
          I ended up reducing all the ingredients by half, then cooking them on low. After 8 hours they still seemed a little undercooked, so I set it to high for the 9th hour. Also, I had to stir them every now and then to even out the cooking. I'm guessing it's because a mini crockpot has a smaller heating area at the bottom. (Mini crockpots seem a bit deeper than wide. My larger crockpot is longer than it is deep. Perhaps having a smaller heating area at the bottom changes things, and it'll be one of the things to keep in mind if I ever make recipes in them in the future. )
          Aside from that, though, it worked fine. Thanks!

        • Amanda Mason

          February 15, 2024 at 3:19 pm

          I am SO GLAD they turned out so great for you!!! Thanks for letting me know!!

    5. Cathy Gross

      February 12, 2023 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      We were poor growing up on a farm...10 kids. ..parents from the south, and Mom kept a garden and canned. We all grew up super healthy.
      One of our staples were "soup beans". Mom cooked a pot of pinto beans all day (sorry, but we like them soft) and with plenty of thick broth. We'd crumble up a big piece pf cornbread in a bowl of beans, have a big glass of milk straight from the cow, and thought we had the best meal ever. I still make them several times a year, serve them with sweet cornbread, and honey, I still think I had the best meal ever.
      I cook mine with salt, pepper and bacon. I have made them overnight in a big dutch oven in my oven. Crockpot works great, too! Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        February 15, 2023 at 10:11 am

        What a wonderful memory!! I grew up in the south, too and we would do the same thing!! I hope you enjoy this version in the crockpot! They taste just as good with half the time!!

        Reply
        • Leachea Reginia Wood

          December 11, 2023 at 7:53 am

          Actually less water (6-1/2 cups) seemed to make the beans watery and lacking taste. I even cooked them with a lot of country ham and still not much flavor. I want a thicker, creamier type bean soup so any ideas how to add more flavor and thickness?

        • Amanda Mason

          December 11, 2023 at 8:28 am

          Hi there - thanks for writing and asking this question! This is definitely not a recipe for bean soup. These pinto beans are meant to be served as a side dish. Once the pinto beans are done, you could try moving them to a stockpot on the stove top and adding in some cornstarch and bringing them to a boil. But I've not tried that as this is a simple pinto beans recipe that is meant to pair with a meal.

    6. Miriam

      January 16, 2023 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Amanda, Thanks so much for this recipe! I am the daughter of eastern European immigrants who never used beans in their recipes, but I have always loved them. I enjoy recipes from other cultures very much. I'm in my late sixties but I also enjoy learning new methods of cooking, especially if they make life simpler. 🙂 I will add onions and garlic to this, maybe some ham after I taste it.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        January 16, 2023 at 5:54 pm

        I'm so glad you are making my recipe! The onion, garlic, and ham are all great additions, for sure! Let me know how everything turns out for you!!

        Reply
    7. Jennifer

      December 24, 2022 at 12:50 am

      Hi Amanda!

      I’m going to make this today! Have you ever doubled this recipe? I think I would like to do 2lb of pinto beans so I have leftovers after Christmas dinner! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        December 28, 2022 at 9:00 pm

        Yes- you can double the recipe but it will take longer to cook so increase the cook time.

        Reply
    8. Ann

      October 30, 2022 at 6:54 am

      5 stars
      I love the idea of cooking beans in the slow cooker! I think they come out tastier! These beans were delicious!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        October 31, 2022 at 10:14 pm

        I think so too!! Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    9. Maggie

      October 29, 2022 at 7:49 am

      I didn't know you could make them in the slow cooker. They were perfect. Tender. Delicious.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        October 31, 2022 at 10:16 pm

        Yep! It's a great slow cooker recipe, for sure!

        Reply
    10. Jamie

      October 28, 2022 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      Such a wonderful dish, looks delicious and so yummy! I totally love food that is cooked slowly as it brings out the best taste and flavor. Plus it's a healthy meal that everyone can enjoy!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        October 31, 2022 at 10:16 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply
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