Crock Pot Pinto Beans

EDITOR’S NOTE (January 5, 2020): Added a new photo.

DISCLOSURE:  I received compensation and complimentary pinto beans from Hurst’s Ham Beens.   The Hurst’s HamBeens Brand with Artificial Ham Flavor is a personal favorite.  Comments and opinions are my own.

I love a big bowl of fresh pinto beans, chopped ham hocks and cornbread.   It’s a satisfying meal any time of year.

Cooking pinto beans in a crock pot creates a deep flavor.  Also saves time.  Do something else while they’re cooking.

You may also enjoy my Southern Pinto Beans cooked in a dutch oven (or use a large pot).

I’m one of countless southerners who truly LOVE pinto beans and cornbread.

My family enjoyed this meal once or twice a week because it was affordable and filled our tummies.

Crumbled cornbread covered with pinto beans topped with chopped onions is a mighty good meal.  Never, ever gets old.

We usually have a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea. 

Heaven on earth.

Oh yeah, coleslaw and pinto beans are da BOMB.

According to Wikipedia.org, the pinto bean (/ˈpɪntoʊ/) is a variety of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).

Pinto beans are  the most popular beans in the United States and northwestern Mexico.

They are a common filling for burritos in Mexican cuisine.  The young immature pods are harvested and cooked as green pinto beans.

In Spanish, they’ re called frijol pinto [fri.ˈxol ˈpin.to], literally “speckled bean.”

According to Medical News Today, beans offer many health benefits for individuals with diabetes.

They are a high-nutrient superfood that can help control blood sugar levels and fight disease.

This Ham Flavor Gluten-Free Seasoning is packaged with Hurst’s HamBeens Pinto Beans with Artificial HAM Flavor. 

Sprinkle over cooked pinto beans and stir. 

Simmer 1 minute longer before serving.  Yummy-licious!

Smoked ham hocks are one of THE most popular seasonings in the south. 

Excellent in collard greens, turnip greens, and black-eyed peas. 

Ham flavored pintos pair well with a variety of meat and veggies.

Smoked turkey wings and smoked turkey necks are tasty options for individuals who avoid pork for whatever reason(s).

Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Crock Pot Pinto Beans

Pinto beans and smoked ham hocks cooked together in a crock pot. Loaded with savory flavor. Serve as a side or main dish. Recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.

Course

Side Dish

Cuisine

southern

Prep Time

1-1/2 hours

Cook Time

6 hours

Servings

servings

Ingredients

• 1 package (20 oz.) pinto beans I used Hurst's HamBeens Brand with Artificial Ham Flavor
• 1 large smoked ham hock Use 2 if more meat is desired.
• 6 cups water Use more or less to cover beans in crock pot.
• 1 Ham Flavor Packet Packaged with dried pinto beans.
• salt to taste (optional)

Course Side Dish Cuisine southern Prep Time 1-1/2 hours Cook Time 6 hours Servings servings Ingredients 1 package (20 oz.) pinto beans I used Hurst's HamBeens Brand with Artificial Ham Flavor 1 large smoked ham hock Use 2 if more meat is desired. 6 cups water Use more or less to cover beans in crock pot. 1 Ham Flavor Packet Packaged with dried pinto beans. salt to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove debris from dried beans. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Place rinsed beans in a large bowl. Fill with water. Cover with lid. Soak 1 hour up to overnight.
3. Drain and rinse beans. Dump into crock pot. Add one or two large smoked pork ham hocks. Cover with water. Add an extra 1/2 cup if water if more soup is preferred.
4. Cover crock pot. Cook on HIGH 4 to 5 hours or until desired tenderness.
5. Remove ham hock(s). Dice or shred. Return to crock pot.
6. The smoked ham hock(s) provide amazing flavor. Taste a sample of cooked pinto beans. If desired, add Ham Flavor (or save for a later use), simmer and simmer 1 more minute. Add or omit salt.
7. Serve hot. Delicious with crusty cornbread.

Recipe Notes

If desired, stir in the following before cooking... 1 white onion, chopped 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano.