There's not much that says home cooking quite like a hearty, steaming bowl of Pinto Beans made with an extra side of flavor thanks to smoky, thick-cut bacon, onion, and chili powder. These Crock-Pot Beans are practically effortless, require no soaking, and take only 10 minutes to prep, yet somehow, yield the most delicious legumes you've ever tasted. In fact, this recipe might have you second-guessing whether or not that whole "magic bean" story is real after all.
Serve slow cooker beans with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of Homemade Corn Bread for a budget-friendly weeknight dinner or as a side dish to BBQ or Mexican food!
CROCK-POT BEANS INGREDIENTS
The ingredient list for Crock-Pot Pinto beans is about as humble as they come. All you need to add major flavor to the pot is as follows:
- Dried Pinto Beans
- Thick-Cut Bacon
- Chopped Onion
- Seasoning
- Water
PINTO BEANS SEASONING
The seasoning (in addition to the bacon) is what makes these Crock-Pot Pinto Beans so addictively delicious. You will need chili powder, Kosher salt, black pepper, and cumin to make your own pinto bean seasoning. If you do not have Kosher salt, you'll need to adjust the quantity and rather, add the salt to taste.
If you love this recipe, you definitely need to check out our homemade baked beans or Navy Bean Soup recipes as well!
As far as flavor goes, Pinto Beans have a sort of Tex-Mex flair to them. If you love beans and Mexican flavors, you'll also love these Refried Black Beans as well!
HOW TO COOK PINTO BEANS IN A CROCK-POT
When it comes to simple recipes, slow cooker beans are king. They require no pre-soaking, no sauteing or cooking of any kind outside of the slow cooker. Just a little chopping and some patience are all that's required.
- Sort - Sort through the dried beans and discard of any rocks or pebble fragments, and rinse in a colander under running water.
- Add Everything to the Crock-Pot - Add the dried beans, onion, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cumin. Stir and cover with 5 cups of water.
- Slow Cook the Beans - Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 5-6 hours. Serve and enjoy!
DO YOU HAVE TO SOAK BEANS BEFORE COOKING?
The necessity of soaking the beans before they're added to the cooking vessel actually depends on the cooking vessel. An article from the L.A. Times backs up this finding in declaring the only thing soaking them does for your recipe is shorten the cook time.
So, in the case of Crock-Pot Beans, there's no soak required because of the extended cook time. However, if you wanted to cook them in just 3 hours time (like these Mexican Charro Beans), you would indeed need to soak them beforehand.
HOW LONG TO COOK BEANS IN THE SLOW COOKER
Crock-Pot Beans are usually tender and ready to eat after 5 hours on the high heat setting but could be cooked for up to 6 hours, if needed.
CAN YOU OVERCOOK BEANS?
Yes, you can absolutely overcook them. Overcooked beans will be mushy and broken to bits. If you do end up overcooking them, take solace in knowing you can make a stellar bean dip with them.
WHAT IS THE RATIO OF BEANS TO WATER?
The ratio of beans to water depends on the cooking method but typically ranges around 1 pound of beans to 4-6 cups of water. However, if you are doubling a recipe, this ratio may no longer apply.
The important thing to keep in mind is the beans should be covered by water, so if you see the top of your beans is bare, just add a splash of water or two until they're submerged once again.
5 MORE CROCK-POT RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Slow-Cooker Spare Ribs
- Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
- Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker
- Rotel Dip with Taco Meat
- Roast Beef Po' Boys
Crock-Pot Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt (Kosher salt ONLY)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- Sort through the dried beans and discard of any rocks or pebble fragments, rinse and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the bacon, onion, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cumin. Stir and cover with 6 cups of water.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 5-6 hours. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Cindy Gordon says
Always looking for amazing crock pot recipes and this one fits the bill! Perfect!
Emily says
These beans are so easy to make! Thanks for posting this recipe.
boastfulfood says
You had me at bacon and beans:) Great summer recipe to go with all those great bbq's.
Thanks for sharing.
Krissy Allori says
These will make my family happy at the next family reunion.
Roxana says
Such a quick and easy recipe. Beans cook so well in a slow cooker. And I like the spices used here.
Cindy Gordon says
Always on the hunt for new crockpot recipes and this one is a winner! So easy and so delicious, even without the bacon!
Cathy says
I'm so ready to make these today! These look so delicious, creamy and so inviting! Yes! Making these today!
Toni says
This was a huge hit at my house!
Traci says
I'm loving the savory comfort food vibes in this recipe! The everyday ingredients keep it simple and affordable. Thanks for sharing!
Jeanne says
Instructions do not say what to do with the bacon.
Kelly Anthony says
Hi Jeanne! The bacon goes in with the onions and other ingredients. Happy cooking!
Carol says
Is the bacon cooked prior or uncooked placed in crock pot?
Kelly Anthony says
Uncooked 🙂
Petra says
cooked or uncooked bacon?
Kelly Anthony says
Uncooked 🙂 It will cook in the crockpot!
K says
The point of soaking the beans is not for reducing cooking time. It is so that they don’t make you gassy!
Catherine says
Love this from-scratch recipe! It looks and sounds so good..great idea to make them in the crockpot!
Taylor Kiser says
So easy to make in the crock pot! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Tara says
Yum! These beans sound incredible with those spices and the bacon. Such a great crock pot recipe.
Maike says
My husband and I loved this recipe and I can't wait to make it for us again. The flavors are so good. Perfect crock pot recipe.
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I am ashamed to say i have never made beans in my slow cooker. You have inspired me to give it a go. What have I bean waiting for?
Liz says
Ooh so cozy and easy!
Charla says
I used to cook my beans on the stovtop but since testing them in my slow cooker I have never looked back. I need to try this recipe very soon.
Tristin Rieken says
Great tip on how much water to add. I always double recipes and have a hard time with adjusting the servings of bean recipes.Thanks!
Sisley White says
Brilliant easy and now a family favourite. What a great way to cook beans.
Jovita says
Oh my, these beans look absolutely mouth-watering! And so easy to make. Definitely making them soon, thank you!
A says
So I cook bacon. Or does it go in raw?
Kelly Anthony says
There is no need to cook the bacon first 🙂 It will cook to a safe temperature in the crock-pot!