Crock Pot Pinto Beans are full of savory flavor. This method of cooking is perfect for meal planning. While the beans simmer, prepare other dishes, clean house or just relax.
I love a big bowl of fresh pinto beans, chopped ham hocks and cornbread. It’s a satisfying meal any time of year.
EDITOR’S NOTE (January 5, 2020): Added a new photo. PIN here on Pinterest.
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.
Cooking pinto beans in a crock pot creates a delicious savory deep flavor.
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).
How To Read & Follow A Recipe
Reading a recipe is an important life skill. It starts with knowing how to read a recipe’s ingredients, follow the instructions, prep ingredients, and knowing what equipment to use.
The following tips and strategies will help beginners or experienced cooks create a delicious dish as intended in the recipe.
Start with clean hands and organized kitchen. Wash hands thoroughly. Make sure kitchen and countertops are clean before making a recipe.
Create a relaxing environment. Play favorite music while in the kitchen. I love listening to classical or gospel music.
Read the recipe. Don’t just quickly skim it. Thoroughly read from start to finish. Visualize doing each step which will help you avoid missing a step.
If you see ingredient that you and your family don’t use for whatever reason, use a substitutions or omit the ingredient.
My recipes are packed with helpful tips like shortcuts and serving sizes which save time time and help with meal planning.
Pay attention to the order in which ingredients are prepped. For example, 1 cup of chopped pecans is not the same as pecans, chopped (measure whole pecans and then chop).
Know the assumptions. For example, when my recipe calls for “sugar,” use granulated sugar. If brown sugar is an ingredient, it will be written as such in the recipe.
Figure out the timing. Check the listed “prep time” and “total time” to be sure you have enough time to complete the recipe.
Look for hints, such as the words “meanwhile” or “at the same time,” which indicate two or more steps can happen simultaneously.
For example, my prep time doesn’t include bringing cold butter up to room temperature. Be sure to include in your timetable.
Watch Recipe Videos. If you’re a visual learner (like me), watch recipe videos. Perfect for when you’re learning a new skill or just want to see how a recipe is made.
Mise en place is a super time saver. This French cooking term translates as “putting in place.” It means prepping/measuring ingredients and chopping food before you start cooking. It’s the perfect way to get organized and avoid missing an ingredient or missing a step in the instructions.
Organize your tools and kitchen equipment. Mise en place isn’t just for ingredients. Before starting, make sure you have parchment paper, aluminum foil, measuring cups, measuring spoons, the right pans, mixing bowls, and other equipment.
Make notes in your recipe. Note any special prep instructions and highlight cooking times. Make note of ingredients omitted, favorite substitutions and creative twists. The notes will be very helpful the next time you make this recipe.
Enjoy!
| Prep Time | 1-1/2 hours |
| Cook Time | 6 hours |
| Servings |
servings
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- 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)
Ingredients
|
|
- Remove debris from dried beans. Rinse thoroughly.
- Place rinsed beans in a large bowl. Fill with water. Cover with lid. Soak 1 hour up to overnight.
- 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.
- Cover crock pot. Cook on HIGH 4 to 5 hours or until desired tenderness.
- Remove ham hock(s). Dice or shred. Return to crock pot.
- 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.
- Serve hot. Delicious with crusty cornbread.
If desired, stir in the following before cooking... 1 white onion, chopped 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano.