Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Bacon

Name: Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb dried pinto beans, soaked overnight, drained; 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, diced; 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth; 2 cups water; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 bay leaves

Creamy, smoky pinto beans slow-cooked from dry with thick-cut bacon, onion, and garlic for a classic Southern side. Plan ahead: soak beans overnight before cooking.

495 minEasyServes 8240 cal/serving

AmericanSideSlow CookerHigh ProteinHigh FiberGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

1 lb dried pinto beans, soaked overnight, drained
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, diced
4 cups gluten-free chicken broth
2 cups water
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves

Instructions

1

Cook the 6 slices chopped thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until the fat renders, about 4 minutes (do not crisp fully). Transfer the thick-cut bacon and drippings to the slow cooker.
2

Add the drained 1 lb soaked overnight, drained dried pinto beans, 1 medium diced yellow onion, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 1 seeded, diced jalapeno pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 bay leaves to the slow cooker.
3

Pour in the 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth and 2 cups water. The liquid should cover the beans by about 1 inch; add more water if needed.
4

Cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 5-6 hours), until the beans are completely tender and creamy. Stir once halfway through if possible.
5

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt. Serve as a side dish.

Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Bacon ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Bacon?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Keep the slow cooker between half and two-thirds full; the cook time stays roughly the same.

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