This Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans recipe uses dried brown beans and is seasoned to perfection using smoked turkey, ham hocks, or even bacon. Pair this meal with homemade cornbread.
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Table of Contents
What Type of Beans to Use
I use dry pinto beans. Pinto beans are a part of the family that includes navy, black, and kidney beans. They are found commonly throughout Southern and Mexican cuisine.
Most pinto beans have a tan or cream color along with reddish splotches. Pinto means painted or spotted and refers to the way the beans look.
The beans are a great source of fiber, protein, thiamine, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Do You Have to Soak the Beans Overnight?
If you are looking for a Crockpot recipe, I assume you want a recipe that uses dried beans. Canned beans are pre-cooked and you don't need a slow cooker for those!
If you want to lower the cook time for the dried beans, you will need to soak them in advance. You have a couple of options. You can soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with water. Or you can boil a large pot of water on the stove. Once the temperature reaches boiling, remove the pot from heat and add the beans. Allow the beans to soak for at least one hour.
If you don't soak the beans in advance, it will likely add a couple of hours to your cook time.
What Type of Meat to Use
I love to use either a smoked turkey leg or turkey wing. I grab these from a local grocer. You can also check with a local butcher in your area.
Other options include ham hocks, salt pork, country ham, or even bacon.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans
- Soak the beans.
- Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook.
- Open up the pot and remove the bay leaf and smoked turkey. If you like meat in your beans, use 2 forks and shred the meat from the turkey and return it to the pot. Taste repeatedly and add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Serve.
What Kind of Stock/Broth to Use
I like to use chicken broth or stock. You can use either and you can use whatever you like, such as vegetable. You can also use water. Broth adds more flavor.
Cook Time/How Long Does it Take to Cook
Cook for 4-6 hours on High or 7-10 hours on Low. You can test if they are done by grabbing one bean out of the pot and mashing it with a spoon or fork.
Are They Served Whole or Mashed?
You decide. We typically eat ours whole, but if you want to mash them go ahead and do so after the beans have cooked.
How to Double the Recipe
You can double the recipe and use the same amount of ham hock or opt for one slightly larger. The cook time will remain the same.
How to Make the Dish Vegan or Vegetarian
Omit the smoked turkey. Use vegetable broth. Add in ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for flavor.
How Long Will They Last in the Fridge
They will last 3-5 days in the fridge, tightly covered.
Freezer Tips
These will freeze for up to 9 months. This is a great hack. Be sure to store them tightly sealed. I like to leave them in the broth so that when I defrost they are loaded with flavor.
Pair With Cornbread
Homemade Southern Cornbread
Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Honey Cornbread
Air Fryer Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Pumpkin Cornbread
Cornbread Casserole
Sweet Potato Cornbread
More Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtail
Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks
Slow Cooker Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
For a stovetop version check out our Ham Hocks and Beans.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 3 garlic cloves Minced.
- 5-6 cups chicken broth Use enough to fully cover the beans. You can also use water.
- 1 pound bag dried pinto beans Rinsed
- 1 - 1 ½ pounds smoked turkey leg or wing Fully cooked. See notes for substitutions.
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Fill a Dutch oven or soup pot with water (enough to cover the pinto beans) and place it on the stove to boil. Once the water has boiled, remove it from the heat and add the pinto beans. Allow the beans to soak for 1 hour and then drain. Alternatively, you can soak the beans overnight.
- Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook for 4-6 hours on High or 7-10 hours on Low. You can test if they are done by grabbing one bean out of the pot and mashing it with a spoon or fork.
- Open up the pot and remove the bay leaf and smoked turkey. If you like meat in your beans, use 2 forks and shred the meat from the turkey and return it to the pot. Taste repeatedly and add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Serve.
Notes
- Not soaking the beans in advance will likely add a couple of hours to your cook time.
- Rinse the beans first to remove any surface dirt.
- Decide how you like your beans. Do you like them firm, soft, or mushy? Check in on the beans frequently while they cook.
- You can use ham hocks, a leftover ham bone, salt pork, country ham, or even bacon to season the beans.
- You can double the recipe and use the same amount of smoked turkey or opt for one slightly larger. The cook time will remain the same.
- You can substitute Creole seasoning for whatever flavor or spice blend you like.
- Canned beans don’t take long to cook. You may want to cook your smoked turkey in broth for a couple of hours separately, and then add the canned beans to that pot.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Gina says
I don't typically make my own beans but had to give this a try. They came out amazing! This was so easy and delicious!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad it came out amazing!
Shadi says
This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Thelma Caldwell says
Will be using many of your recipes, beans have been my favorite food for over 70 years.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it.
Didi says
A fantastic recipe that the whole family really enjoyed! Thank you for this tip and keep it up!
Andrae says
Oh yeah?