

EDITOR’S NOTE (March 1, 2023): Removed chicken broth as an ingredient. Chopped onion is optional. Updated recipe and instructions. This update is NOT sponsored. DISCLOSURE (SPONSORED IN 2019): I published this Crock Pot Pinto Beans recipe for the first time on January 25, 2019. At that time, I received compensation and complimentary pinto beans from Hurst’s Ham Beens. All comments are my own. WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL (UPDATED July 28, 2022): Facebook YouTube





HOW TO RINSE PINTO BEANS
Place a colander or bowl in the sink. Pour sorted pinto beans into the colander.
Thoroughly rinse with cold water.

HOW TO SOAK PINTO BEANS (AFTER SORTING/RINSING) Pour sorted/rinsed pinto beans into a pot. Add water until it rises 2 inches above the beans. Place lid on pot. Turn on high heat. Allow beans to boil for 2 minutes before turning off heat. Keep lid on the pot while the beans soak. USE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SOAK METHODSSHOULD PINTO BEANS BE SOAKED BEFORE SLOW COOKING?
According to hurstbeans.com (experts), pinto beans do not need to be soaked before slow cooking. In my opinion, soaking or not soaking is a matter of personal preference. Soaked beans cook faster than dry beans. Soaked are done in 6 hours. Dry are done in 7 hours. My recipe requires soaking. For that reason, I’ve included helpful tips for individuals who prefer either quick soak or overnight soak.
- Quick Soak: Soak 2 hours with lid on pot.


HOW TO RINSE SOAKED PINTO BEANS Place a colander or large bowl in sink. Pour pinto beans and the soak water into the colander. Rinse thoroughly.SMOKED HAM HOCKS Smoked ham hocks contain plenty of savory, smoky ham flavor. Rinse in warm water before using.


THE LIQUID: USE CHICKEN BROTH OR HAM BROTH Although many prefer to simmer pinto beans in chicken broth, my favorite is Ham Broth. Very easy to make. While beans are soaking, make the Ham Broth. If using dry beans (no soaking), simply prepare the Ham Broth first. Then, add the dry beans. HAM BROTH RECIPE Place one smoked ham hock (rinsed) and a coarsely chopped white onion in a large pot. Cover with 16 cups of water. Simmer for 1 hour. Discard the onions. Keep the ham hock to cook with the pinto beans.PREPARE TO COOK Place soaked (or dry) pinto beans, chopped onions (optional). and one smoked ham hock in the Crock Pot (or Slow Cooker).
UPDATE (March 1, 2023): If desired, omit chopped onions while cooking pinto beans. Alternative is chopped onions on top of each serving.








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Crock Pot Pinto Beans
Crock Pot Pinto Beans are loaded with delicious savory flavor. Recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 70kcal
Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz.) pinto beans (inspect, sort, rinse, soak) Per instructions printed on back of package.
- 1 smoked ham hock rinsed
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced (optional)
- ham broth for boiling Enough to cover pinto beans in slow cooker.
- 1 Ham Flavor Packet Packaged with Hurst's dried pinto beans.
- salt to taste
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped (optional) To garnish each serving (optional).
Instructions
- Inspect, sort and rinse pinto beans.
- Soak "rinsed" beans as instructed on the back of the package.
- Place a colander or large bowl in the sink.
- After soaking, pour the soak water and pinto beans into the colander or large bowl. Rinse thoroughly.
- Place soaked/rinsed pinto beans in the crock pot (or slow cooker).
- Add smoked ham hock and diced onions (optional). UPDATE (March 1, 2023): If desired, omit chopped onions while cooking pinto beans. Alternative is chopped onions on top of each serving (optional).
- Add enough ham broth to cover contents.
- DRY BEANS: Cover and cook on HIGH for 7 hours without opening the lid during cooking time.
- PRESOAKED BEANS: Cover and cook on high for 6 hours without opening the lid during cooking time.
- After the pinto beans are done, add contents of Ham Flavor seasoning packet.  Stir gently until well combined.  Simmer two more minutes.
- Serve hot. If desired, serve with chopped onions.
- REFRIGERATION TIP: Store cooled pinto beans in a container with a tight lid. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.