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Why Make This Recipe

Slow cooker pinto beans are the perfect comfort food. They are simple to make, and you can let them cook while you go about your day. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy and filling. Pinto beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for your meals. Plus, they are budget-friendly and can feed a crowd!

How to Make Unbelievably Easy Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans
6 cups water
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ teaspoons salt (add at the end)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
Optional: ½ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, green onions, lime wedges

Directions

Rinse and sort the beans, removing any debris or broken beans.
Add beans, water, onion, garlic, cumin, black pepper, bay leaf, and optional chili powder to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 7–8 hours or LOW for 10–12 hours, until beans are tender.
Stir in salt at the end of cooking to keep beans creamy and tender.
Remove bay leaf, garnish with cilantro, green onions, or lime juice, and serve hot.

How to Serve Unbelievably Easy Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

These pinto beans are very versatile. You can serve them on their own, or use them as a side dish with rice or cornbread. They also make a great filling for tacos or burritos. Top them with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store Unbelievably Easy Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Leftover pinto beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the beans for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer bag or container.

Tips to Make Unbelievably Easy Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Make sure to rinse the beans well before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
Adding salt at the end helps keep the beans creamy and prevents them from becoming tough.
For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or try adding some diced jalapeños.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or different spices. Feel free to experiment based on your preferences!

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pinto beans instead?
Yes, but the cooking time will be much shorter. If using canned beans, heat them in the slow cooker for about an hour with the other ingredients, just to warm through.

2. Can I soak the beans overnight?
Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time. If you soak them, reduce the cooking time by a couple of hours.

3. What can I do with leftover pinto beans?
Leftover beans can be added to salads, soups, or blended into dips. They are very versatile and can be used in many dishes!