Prepare to revolutionize your comfort food game with the most mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Bacon you've ever tasted! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of smoky bacon and perfectly tender beans that practically melt in your mouth. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe will transform humble pinto beans into a crowd-pleasing dish that'll have everyone begging for seconds – and the best part? It takes just minutes of prep time and your slow cooker does all the hard work!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pinto beans
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly, removing any stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a colander and rinse under cold running water.
- In a large slow cooker, spread the chopped bacon across the bottom of the ceramic insert, creating an even layer for flavor infusion.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic over the bacon, distributing them evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the sorted and rinsed pinto beans into the slow cooker on top of the bacon and onion mixture.
- Sprinkle ground cumin over the beans, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Carefully pour 4 cups of water into the slow cooker, ensuring all beans are submerged and covered by at least an inch of liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 8 hours, allowing beans to slowly simmer and absorb flavors.
- After 8 hours, check beans for tenderness. If needed, cook an additional 30-60 minutes until beans are soft and creamy.
- Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always sort and rinse your dried beans carefully to remove any small stones or damaged beans. This ensures a clean, high-quality final dish.
- Bacon Magic: Chopping the bacon and laying it as the first layer creates an incredible flavor base that infuses throughout the entire dish.
- Liquid is Key: Make sure beans are always covered by at least an inch of water during cooking to prevent drying out and ensure even cooking.
- Low and Slow: The 8-hour low and slow cooking method is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and creating perfectly tender beans.
- Seasoning Tip: Wait until the end to do a final salt and pepper adjustment, as flavors concentrate during long cooking times.
- Storage: These beans freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prep and future quick meals.
- Serving Suggestions: Try topping with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or serving alongside cornbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
