Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, this slow cooker pinto bean recipe is the perfect solution. It’s easy to prepare, full of rich flavors, and packed with nutrients. The combination of pinto beans, tomatoes, and spices creates a delicious meal that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for tacos, burritos, or other savory dishes. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pinto beans, sorted and rinsed
3 cups water
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
12 ounces beer (regular or nonalcoholic)
1 medium bell pepper, any color, chopped
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 to 2 medium fresh jalapeños, seeds and ribs discarded, finely chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon minced garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
Prep Time
Soaking the beans adds some prep time, but it’s minimal. Typically, you will need about 8 hours for soaking followed by some quick preparation before placing the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8 hours on high
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours (soaking time not included)
Yield: This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family meals or leftovers.
To make the dish, start by soaking the beans as directed on the package. Once soaked, drain them and add to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients: water, diced tomatoes, beer, bell pepper, onion, jalapeños (if using), garlic, chili powder, and salt. Cover and set the slow cooker on high for 8 hours.
Feel free to adjust the spices to meet your taste preferences and enjoy the convenience of a meal that practically cooks itself! Leftover beans can be saved for later, making this a smart choice for meal preparedness.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Sort through the dried pinto beans to remove any debris or damaged beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water to clean them. Follow the package directions for soaking the beans, typically involving covering them with water and letting them sit for several hours or overnight. Once soaked, drain the beans well using a colander.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Transfer the soaked and drained beans into a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker. Ensure the cooker is clean and ready for use.
Step 3: Add Ingredients
In the slow cooker, stir in 3 cups of water, the undrained can of no-salt-added diced tomatoes, and 12 ounces of beer (you can use regular or nonalcoholic). Next, add in the chopped bell pepper, finely chopped yellow onion, finely chopped jalapeños (if using), minced garlic (or garlic powder), chili powder, and salt. Mix all the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the heat to high and cook for 8 hours. Check occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking to the sides and that there is enough liquid; you may add more water if necessary. The beans are done when they are soft and tender.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Once the beans are cooked, you can serve them immediately as a main dish or side. If you have leftovers, let them cool slightly, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
Quick Cooking Tip
If you will not be available to turn off the slow cooker in 8 hours, you can leave the beans on high for up to 10 hours without compromising quality.
Alternative Beans
To skip soaking time entirely, consider using 4 (15.5-ounce) cans of no-salt-added beans as a direct substitute for the dried beans.
Spice Level Adjustment
For a milder flavor, decrease the number of jalapeños used and reduce the amount of chili powder added to the dish.
Storage Instructions
Leftover beans can be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, drain some of the cooking liquid, ensuring there is enough remaining to cover the beans in an airtight freezer container. To reheat, thaw the beans in the refrigerator overnight before warming them up.
Cook techniques
Soaking Beans
Soak the dried pinto beans according to the package directions to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Drain them well before cooking.
Using a Slow Cooker
Transfer the ingredients into a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker for long, slow cooking that allows flavors to meld and beans to soften. Cover and cook on high for 8 hours or up to 10 hours if necessary.
Cooking with Alcohol
Incorporate beer into the cooking liquid for added flavor. Both regular and nonalcoholic beer can be used, depending on your preference.
Adding Fresh Vegetables
Chop and add fresh bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños to enhance the dish’s flavor and texture. Adjust the quantity of jalapeños based on desired spice levels.
Spicing It Up
Season with garlic, chili powder, and salt to elevate the taste. Modify the spice level to suit your preference by adjusting the amount of chili powder and jalapeños.
FAQ
Can I skip soaking the beans?
Yes, you can use canned no-salt-added beans instead of dried beans to eliminate the soaking time.
How long can the beans cook?
Beans can be cooked on high for up to 10 hours, making it flexible for your schedule.
What if I want less spice?
To reduce spiciness, simply use fewer jalapeños and decrease the amount of chili powder in the recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover beans can be frozen for up to 3 months. Drain some cooking liquid and store in an airtight freezer container, then thaw in the refrigerator when ready to reheat.
Conclusion
Enjoying a hearty and flavorful dish made with pinto beans is made simple with this recipe. The combination of tomatoes, beer, and spices brings out a rich taste while allowing the beans to become tender and infused with flavor. This dish is not only nutritious but also a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Spicy Bean Tacos
Use the cooked pinto beans as a filling for soft or hard shell tacos. Top with salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce for a tasty meal.
Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Mash the cooked beans and spread them over a tortilla. Add cheese and any other desired toppings before folding and grilling until crispy.
Pinto Bean Salad
Mix the cooked beans with fresh diced vegetables like cucumbers, corn, and avocado. Dress with lime juice and cilantro for a refreshing salad.
Vegetarian Chili
Incorporate the cooked pinto beans into a hearty chili with additional vegetables, broth, and your choice of spices for warmth.
Bean Dip
Blend the cooked beans with cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings for a creamy dip perfect for parties or game day snacks.
Stuffed Peppers
Combine the cooked beans with rice and seasonings, then stuff into halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender.
Pinto Bean Soup
Add vegetable or chicken broth to the beans, along with additional herbs and spices, to create a warm and comforting soup.
Bean Burritos
Wrap the beans in large tortillas with rice, cheese, and your choice of toppings for a filling burrito meal.
