Get ready for a hearty and flavorful meal with this recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Pinto Beans cooked in a slow cooker. This recipe combines the rich taste of pinto beans with bacon, ham, and a variety of spices for a delicious and comforting dish. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, this recipe is easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
More Slow Cooker Recipes From Pioneer Woman
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Pinto Beans Slow Cooker Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pinto beans: Make sure to rinse and pick over the beans to remove any debris or small stones.
- 1 small onion, diced: You can use any type of onion for this recipe, but a yellow onion will give the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic will give the best flavor, but you can also use pre-minced garlic from a jar.
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced: You can adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to your desired level of spice.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Cumin is a staple spice in Tex-Mex cooking and gives a warm and earthy flavor to the beans.
- 1 tsp chili powder: You can use any type of chili powder, but a blend made specifically for chili will work best.
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth: You can use either chicken or beef broth, depending on your preference.
- 1 lb bacon, diced: You can use any type of bacon, but thick-cut bacon will give the best flavor.
- 1 lb ham, diced: You can use any type of ham, but smoked ham will give the best flavor.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: You can use canned or fresh tomatoes for this recipe.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans In Slow Cooker
- In a slow cooker, add the pinto beans, onion, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, broth, bacon, and ham. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir in the cilantro and serve hot.
How To Store Leftovers Pinto Beans
To store leftovers of Pioneer Woman’s Pinto Beans, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, label them with the date, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
How To Reheat Leftovers Pinto Beans
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. Heat the beans in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Transfer the beans to a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat the beans on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the beans every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
- Air Fryer: Transfer the beans to the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350°F. Heat the beans for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Note: Remember to reheat the food properly to a safe temperature of 165°F to avoid food poisoning. It’s always a good idea to check the temperature with a food thermometer before serving.
What To Serve With Slow-Cooked Pinto Beans
Pioneer Woman’s Pinto Beans are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and toppings. Some popular options include:
- Rice: Serve the beans over a bed of white or brown rice for a comforting and filling meal.
- Tortillas: Serve the beans with warm tortillas for a classic Tex-Mex meal.
- Salad: Serve the beans with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
- Cornbread: Serve the beans with a warm slice of cornbread for a classic southern meal.
- Guacamole: Serve the beans with a side of homemade guacamole for a delicious and creamy topping.
- Salsa or hot sauce: Serve the beans with a side of salsa or hot sauce for a spicy and flavorful kick.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Serve the beans with a side of crushed tortilla chips for a crispy and savory topping.
- Grated cheese: Serve the beans with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for a cheesy and comforting dish.
- Sour cream: Serve the beans with a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy and tangy contrast.
What Can I Add To Pinto Beans To Make Them Taste Better?
There are many ways to add flavor to Pioneer Woman’s Pinto Beans and make them taste better. Some popular options include:
What Can You Put In Pinto Beans To Stop Gas?
Pinto beans, like other legumes, contain complex sugars called oligosaccharides which can cause gas and bloating when consumed.
Here are a few ways to reduce the gas-producing effects of pinto beans:
- Soak the beans overnight: Soaking the beans in water for at least 8 hours before cooking can help break down some of the oligosaccharides and reduce gas.
- Add a pinch of baking soda: Adding a pinch of baking soda to the soaking water can also help break down oligosaccharides and reduce gas.
- Cook with kombu or ginger: Cooking beans with kombu, a type of seaweed, or ginger can help neutralize the gas-producing effects.
- Gradual increase: Slowly increase your intake of beans, starting with a small serving, this will give your body time to adjust and produces less gas.
Do Pinto Beans Have To Be Soaked Before Cooking?
Pinto beans do not necessarily have to be soaked before cooking, but it is recommended to do so. Soaking the beans in water for at least 8 hours before cooking can help reduce the cooking time and make the beans more easily digestible.
Yes, dried beans can be put in a slow cooker. Rinse and pick over the beans, and add them to the slow cooker with desired seasonings and broth. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until tender.
It’s recommended to check the beans during the process and add more liquid if needed. Some beans need to be boiled for 10 minutes before slow cooking for safety.
FAQs
How long do I need to cook pinto beans in a slow cooker?
8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, or until the beans are tender.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe, such as carrots or celery?
Yes, you can add diced onions, green peppers, or other vegetables to the recipe.
Can I substitute dried pinto beans with canned pinto beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans, but the cooking time will be much shorter.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. The cooking time may vary but it will be faster than the slow cooker. You can try to cook the beans for 25-35 minutes on manual or pressure cook mode, with a natural release of 10-15 minutes.
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