Get the App

Recipes

Find a Recipe Blue Ribbon Recipes Pinch It!™ Feed Browse All Recipes

Editorial

Food Bites & Articles Videos What is a Blue Ribbon? Meet the Test Kitchen

Community

Member Recipes Groups Sweepstakes Contests Shopping

pinto beans

Randy_Townsend avatar
Recipe by
Randy Townsend
@Randy_Townsend
Knoxville, TN

Staple of my youth, my Mom did these perfectly. You can, too. Using fatback (instead of ham or bacon) will increase the fat content and the flavor will be slightly richer. Using only water to cook the beans will result in very little flavor. Broth has more sodium than stock, so taste before seasoning with salt if using broth.

yield 4 +
prep time 8 Hr
cook time 6 Hr
method Slow Cooker Crock Pot

Ingredients For pinto beans

  • 1 lb
    dried beans (any variety)
  • 16 oz
    diced ham (or canadian bacon)
  • 1 Tbsp
    dried thyme
  • 1 Tbsp
    dried basil
  • 1 Tbsp
    dried oregano
  • 2
    bay leaves, dried
  • 1 md
    onion, fine dice
  • 54 oz
    stock (half vegetable stock, half beef stock)
  • salt and pepper to taste

How To Make pinto beans

  • 1
    Pick through beans to eliminate rocks and debris. Place beans in pot of water (covered by at least 2" of water), add 2T of kosher salt, and allow to sit for at least 8 hours.
  • 2
    Discard water and rinse beans (a colander works really well for this step). Place beans, herbs, meat, onion, and stock into a crock pot.
  • 3
    Cook on highest setting for 3 hours, then turn down to low for 2 hours. Check beans after 5 hours so as not to overcook them. When done, remove bay leaves. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • 4
    Serve over rice (or cornbread). Garnish with diced onion, cheese, and/or salsa. {You can double the amount of beans as long as you ensure they are covered by at least 2" of stock.}
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
ADVERTISEMENT