Slow Cooker Spicy Pinto Beans

I love canned beans because they are so easy to make into something really special. If you are like me you love to cook but don’t always have time to wait for dried beans to soak, rinse, and cook, in steps the often overlooked canned bean. Just rinse the beans, add some aromatics, and liquid and set the slow cooker for 2-3 hours then come back to a tasty meal.

What to serve with Pinto Beans?

A classic cornbread or my cilantro lime rice is the perfect complement to your pinto beans or try with my tasty slow cooker cabbage. These canned pinto beans are also great inside a warm tortilla and mixed with cilantro lime rice.

Jump to:

• What to serve with Pinto Beans?
• Ingredients and Substitution Notes
• Seasoning Variations
• Recipe Directions
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top tip
• 📖 Recipe
• Food safety resources

Ingredients and Substitution Notes

• Fire-roasted green Chiles in the can give just enough heat to the pinto beans. Adjust the amount up or down to satisfy your taste.
• I use Better than Bouillon chicken base to make the exact amount of broth needed. The chicken broth will give the canned beans a depth of flavor. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
• Brown sugar gives the beans a hint of good ole sweetness.
• Top the pinto beans with fresh cilantro and diced onion before serving.

See recipe card for quantities.

Seasoning Variations

I always start with a little pepper, I never add salt to canned pinto beans because they usually have enough, even after rinsing.  When the beans are close to being ready give it a taste and if needed add a little kosher salt.

To add a little heat, try a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few diced jalapenos, or my personal favorite, garlic chili sauce.

This recipe is also great with black beans.

Recipe Directions

Set a 2-quart slow cooker on low and preheat while you gather the ingredients.

Add the chicken broth, green chilis, and pinto beans to the slow cooker. Top with brown sugar.

Stir the brown sugar into the pinto beans. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.

Equipment

I use my 2-quart Crock Pot so much that I own two. No bells or whistles just a simple slow cooker.

Every kitchen should have a good quality Chefs knife, and that doesn't mean expensive. This Victronox is about $40. I've had mine for years.

Storage

Store leftover pinto beans in covered container and will stay fresh for 2-3 days.

Since you making a small batch I would not recommend freezing, the beans become a little to mushy for my taste.

Top tip

Drain and rinse the beans for the best flavor. This will remove excess salt and also help to remove that canned flavor.

Food safety resources

https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/health-food-safety/agents-articles/do-not-cook-dry-beans-in-slow-cooker.html

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/slow-cookers-and-food-safety

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