Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Background and History

Pinto beans have a long history of cultivation in Central and South America, dating back thousands of years. They were a staple food in the diet of many Native American tribes and later became popular in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines. Slow cooker pinto beans offer a convenient way to prepare this nutritious legume, allowing the flavors to develop slowly while creating a deliciously comforting dish.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional, for heat)

6 cups water or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream

Serves

6-8

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

6-8 hours on low heat

Instructions

Place the dried pinto beans in the slow cooker.

Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño pepper (if using) to the slow cooker.

Pour water or vegetable broth over the beans and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged.

Add ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve the slow cooker pinto beans hot, with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving)

Calories: 200 kcal

Total Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 10mg

Total Carbohydrates: 36g

Dietary Fiber: 8g

Protein: 11g

Notes

Pinto beans can be soaked overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time, but it’s not necessary for this slow cooker method.

Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño pepper or chili powder.

Leftover pinto beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Allergy Warning

Check the ingredients of the vegetable broth if using, as some brands may contain allergens such as gluten or soy.

Be mindful of any allergies to ingredients such as garlic or peppers.