Pinto Beans Slow Cooker Recipe by Pioneer Woman That Feeds Many

Slow cooker pinto beans emerge as a warm embrace of culinary comfort, promising pure gastronomic bliss.

These tender legumes whisper tales of home-cooked magic, simmering gently with aromatic spices.

Each bean absorbs rich flavors, transforming into a velvety masterpiece of southwestern charm.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this humble dish, turning simple ingredients into a symphony of taste.

Robust seasonings weave through soft, creamy textures, creating a meal that transcends ordinary expectations.

Fragrant and inviting, these pinto beans beckon you to savor every luxurious spoonful.

Check out this recipe and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable flavor journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

Main Components of Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

• Pinto Beans: Select plump, uniform beans without cracks or discoloration.
• Onion: Choose firm, heavy onions with shiny, papery skin.
• Jalapeño: Pick bright green peppers with smooth, taut skin.
• Garlic: Select firm bulbs without soft spots or sprouting.

• Bay Leaves: Look for whole, intact leaves with rich green color.
• Cumin: Choose whole seeds or ground powder with intense, earthy aroma.
• Oregano: Select vibrant, fragrant dried herbs with deep green hue.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for enhanced flavor profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Pick pure, bright red powder for consistent heat.

• Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium, rich-flavored stock.
• Water: Use filtered or clean tap water.
• Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp leaves.
• Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm red tomatoes.
• Red Onion: Pick firm, heavy onions with deep purple skin.
• Green Pepper: Choose glossy, firm peppers without blemishes.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin, cold-pressed for best flavor.

Helpful Gear for Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

• Colander: Perfect for rinsing beans thoroughly and draining excess liquid.
• 6-quart slow cooker: Large enough to accommodate beans and ingredients comfortably.
• Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, jalapeño, and garlic before adding to slow cooker.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping onions, jalapeño, and preparing garnishes.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in slow cooker.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Measuring cups: Useful for precise liquid measurements.

Preparation Guide for Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

• Sort and Wash Beans

Carefully look through pinto beans, removing any damaged or odd-looking ones. Rinse thoroughly under cool water using a colander to clean completely.

• Create Flavor Foundation

Sauté diced onions and chopped jalapeño in a skillet with olive oil until softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors. Transfer this fragrant mixture to the slow cooker.

• Build Seasoning Layers

Sprinkle in warming spices like cumin, oregano, and a touch of cayenne for heat. Drop in bay leaves for depth. Pour chicken broth and water to cover beans, creating a rich cooking liquid.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Set slow cooker to HIGH and let beans simmer for 8-10 hours. Beans will transform into tender, creamy bites that melt in your mouth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Finish and Serve

Discard bay leaves. For traditional beans, serve as is with cooking liquid. To create creamy refried beans, mash directly in the slow cooker, adding reserved liquid to reach desired consistency. Top with fresh chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, or sliced red onions for extra zest.

Smart Ideas for Customizing Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

• Boost Bean Tenderness: Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Add a pinch of baking soda during soaking to help soften beans more quickly.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust cayenne and jalapeño quantities to match your spice preference. Remove jalapeño seeds for milder flavor or add extra for a fiery kick.
• Enhance Protein Power: Transform basic beans into a complete meal by stirring in shredded chicken, chorizo, or crumbled bacon during the last hour of cooking. Vegetarian options include adding cubed tofu or plant-based sausage.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Cooked beans freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers with a small amount of cooking liquid to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.

Presentation Tips for Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

• Serve with Southwestern Flair: Pile these hearty beans onto warm tortillas with shredded cheese for a quick, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor.
• Craft Mexican-Inspired Plate: Arrange beans alongside fluffy rice, grilled chicken, and fresh salsa to create a balanced, colorful dinner that celebrates traditional cuisine.
• Transform into Comforting Dip: Mash beans slightly and top with crispy chorizo, melted queso fresco, and cilantro for an irresistible appetizer that will disappear quickly at gatherings.
• Boost Breakfast Game: Spoon warm beans over scrambled eggs, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, and add a dollop of sour cream for a protein-packed morning sensation.

Keeping It Fresh: Tips for Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker

• Store Cooked Beans Smartly: Transfer cooled beans to airtight containers, separating portions for easy reheating and meal prep.
• Refrigerate with Care: Keep beans in sealed containers for 4-5 days, ensuring freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack beans in freezer-safe containers or bags, lasting up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm beans gently in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman pinto beans simmer with smoky bacon and rich spices in this classic slow cooker recipe. Southern comfort fills bowls with tender legumes and deep, rustic flavors you will savor until the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) dry pinto beans
• 3 cups (710 ml) water
• 4 cups (946 ml) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped into ¼-inch dice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/8 to ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• fresh parsley (optional)
• diced tomatoes (optional)
• diced red onion (optional)
• diced green pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously inspect pinto beans, removing any discolored kernels, and rinse thoroughly under cold water in a colander.
2. Sautéing Aromatics: In a skillet over medium-high heat, caramelize onions, jalapeños, and garlic with olive oil until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their essential flavors.
3. Seasoning Blend: Transfer sautéed mixture to slow cooker, incorporating bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken or vegetable broth and water into slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and fully submerged.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and set slow cooker to HIGH, allowing beans to simmer and tenderize over 8-10 hours, periodically monitoring liquid levels and gently stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove bay leaves and decide between a brothy or drained consistency; for refried-style, reserve 1 cup cooking liquid, drain remaining liquid, and mash beans to desired creaminess.
7. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, red onions, and green bell peppers, serving warm to highlight the beans’ rich, developed flavors.

Notes

• Prep Beans Thoroughly: Inspect and rinse beans meticulously to remove any debris or damaged kernels, ensuring a clean and high-quality base for your dish.
• Sauté Vegetables First: Caramelize onions and jalapeños before adding to slow cooker to enhance depth of flavor and release aromatic compounds.
• Monitor Liquid Levels: Check broth and water contents periodically during cooking to prevent beans from drying out and maintain ideal moisture.
• Customize Texture: Adjust bean consistency by mashing or keeping whole, with option to create refried-style texture by reserving and reintroducing cooking liquid.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg