Description
Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, crock pot pinto beans are the ultimate comfort food. With minimal effort, these slow-cooked beans deliver bold, smoky flavors and a creamy texture that’s perfect as a main dish, side, or taco filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups dry pinto beans, sorted and rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup diced yellow or red onion
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or less to taste)
- 1 cup Mexican salsa (homemade or store-bought)
Optional Garnishes:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Chopped red onion
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans
- Sort through the pinto beans to remove debris and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
- Assemble Ingredients
- Add the rinsed beans to your crock pot.
- Stir in diced onion, smoked paprika, bay leaf, vegetable broth, and water.
- Cook the Beans
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beans are tender.
- Add Salsa and Seasoning
- Once the beans are cooked, stir in the salsa and sea salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Let the beans cook for an additional 15–20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings, such as pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or chopped red onion.
- Enjoy on their own, over rice, or as a side dish.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight is optional but can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Mash a portion of the beans for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired