The Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe is a true classic. This dish is very creamy and packed with smoky flavor.
It uses simple dried beans and salty ham. Ree Drummond makes cooking beans very easy for anyone.
Learning how to make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans is a breeze. You just set your pot and forget it.
This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe feeds a whole crowd. These legumes are healthy and very cheap to buy.
Every spoonful is soft and very delicious. Your family will love this hearty bowl of comfort.
Let us start slow-cooking these beans today!
When I First Introduced to Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
I first saw this recipe on a chilly fall day. I wanted a meal that felt like home. The Pioneer Woman showed this on her ranch.
It looked so rustic and very hearty. I tried it for a family barbecue. My uncle said they were the best beans ever.
The smell of bacon and onions was amazing. It is now my favorite way to cook beans. You do not need to stand by the stove.
It cooks while you go about your day. You will love this simple cowboy food.
Equipment List
- A 6-quart slow cooker pot.
- A large colander for rinsing.
- A sharp knife for dicing.
- A sturdy stirring spoon.
- A small measuring cup.
- A clean cutting board.
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
Gather these ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans:
- 1 pound of dried pinto beans.
- 6 cups of fresh water.
- 1 medium diced yellow onion.
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon.
- 1 meaty ham hock or shank.
- 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sort the Beans
Spread the dry beans on a tray. Look for any small stones or dirt. Throw away any broken or shriveled beans.
2. Rinse the Beans
Put the beans in a colander. Run cold water over them very well. This removes any dust before you cook.
3. Soak the Beans
Place beans in your slow cooker. Cover them with plenty of extra water. Let them soak for four hours. Drain that water before you start.
4. Chop the Flavor
Dice your yellow onion into small bits. Cut the raw bacon into small squares. Mince the garlic cloves very finely.
5. Combine All Items
Add the beans back to the pot. Pour in the six cups of water. Add the onion, garlic, and bacon pieces.
6. Add the Meat
Nestle the ham hock into the beans. This adds a deep smoky flavor. Do not add the salt yet.
7. Slow Cook Them
Set your cooker to the low setting. Let them cook for eight long hours. The beans should be very tender.
8. Season and Mash
Stir in the salt and spices now. Mash a few beans against the side. This makes the bean broth very thick. Serve it in deep bowls.
Tips to Make the Best Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
- Do not add salt at the start.
- Salt makes the bean skins stay tough.
- Use a ham bone for more flavor.
- Always sort your beans for tiny rocks.
- Use hot water to speed up cooking.
- Add a diced jalapeño for a kick.
- Keep the lid closed while they cook.
- Serve them over a bed of rice.
- Top with fresh cilantro and lime juice.
- Store leftovers in a glass jar.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
Do I have to soak the beans?
Soaking helps the beans cook much faster. It also helps with better digestion later.
Can I use a ham bone?
Yes, a leftover ham bone is perfect. It gives the beans a rich taste.
How do I make them very thick?
Mash a small cup of cooked beans. Stir them back into the main pot.
What if the beans are still hard?
Cook them for one more hour. Sometimes old beans take longer to soften.
Can I freeze these cooked beans?
Yes, they freeze very well for months. Use a freezer-safe bag for storage.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe is perfect. It is simple, cheap, and very filling.
You can serve it with warm cornbread. The smoky ham and soft beans are great. It is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort meal.
Everyone will enjoy the rich and salty broth. It is a great recipe for busy people. Try making a pot this Sunday morning.
You will love the cozy smell of your kitchen. Enjoy these delicious ranch-style beans!
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of dried pinto beans.
- 6 cups of fresh water.
- 1 medium diced yellow onion.
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon.
- 1 meaty ham hock or shank.
- 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Instructions
Sort the Beans
- Spread the dry beans on a tray. Look for any small stones or dirt. Throw away any broken or shriveled beans.
Rinse the Beans
- Put the beans in a colander. Run cold water over them very well. This removes any dust before you cook.
Soak the Beans
- Place beans in your slow cooker. Cover them with plenty of extra water. Let them soak for four hours. Drain that water before you start.
Chop the Flavor
- Dice your yellow onion into small bits. Cut the raw bacon into small squares. Mince the garlic cloves very finely.
Combine All Items
- Add the beans back to the pot. Pour in the six cups of water. Add the onion, garlic, and bacon pieces.
Add the Meat
- Nestle the ham hock into the beans. This adds a deep smoky flavor. Do not add the salt yet.
Slow Cook Them
- Set your cooker to the low setting. Let them cook for eight long hours. The beans should be very tender.
Season and Mash
- Stir in the salt and spices now. Mash a few beans against the side. This makes the bean broth very thick. Serve it in deep bowls.
Notes
- Do not add salt at the start.
- Salt makes the bean skins stay tough.
- Use a ham bone for more flavor.
- Always sort your beans for tiny rocks.
- Use hot water to speed up cooking.
- Add a diced jalapeño for a kick.
- Keep the lid closed while they cook.
- Serve them over a bed of rice.
- Top with fresh cilantro and lime juice.
- Store leftovers in a glass jar.