Crock Pot Pinto Beans with Bacon

Make a cozy and flavorful meal with this crock pot pinto beans with bacon recipe. It's easy, comforting, and packed with smoky Southern goodness.

Prep Time3

Cook Time8

Total Time8 3

Course: Main Course, Entree

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Servings: servings

Calories: 292kcal

Equipment

crock pot (slow cooker)
colander
potato masher optional

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans (pre-soaked, see notes)
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled or 1/2 cup bacon bits
1 large onion chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 teaspoons ground cumin

optional

1 large jalapeno, chopped with membranes and seeds removed

Instructions

Rinse your presoaked beans in clean water, and drain in a colander.
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker: pinto beans, broth, water, bacon, onion, garlic, seasonings, and jalapeno pepper (if using).
Cook on high heat for 4-6 hours, then on low heat for 2 hours. For creamier pinto beans, mash about 1/2 of the beans with a potato masher.
Serve with your favorite toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, crushed tortilla or corn chips, pepitas, or salsa.

Notes

Recipe FAQs:

Can you put raw bacon in a Crock Pot?
- Yes, you can put raw bacon in a Crock Pot. It will cook as the beans cook. But, I prefer to cook the bacon first and then add it to the Crock Pot because it renders some fat and gives it a nice smoky flavor.
How long do dry beans take to cook in a Crock Pot?
- It depends on the type of bean. Smaller ones like black-eyed peas will take less time to cook than larger pieces like pinto beans. For this pinto beans in Crock Pot with bacon recipe, cook it on high heat for 4 to 6 hours and then on low heat for 2 hours.
Are pinto beans safe in the slow cooker?
- Yes, they are safe to cook in a Crock Pot or slow cooker. Just be sure to soak it overnight before cooking (see USDA recommendations above).
What can I add to pinto beans for flavor?
- You can add many things to this pinto beans recipe for flavor. I added bacon, onion, garlic, and seasonings to this recipe. You could also add a can of Rotel tomatoes, chopped green chilies, or pico de Gallo. See the recipe variations for more ideas.

Soaking Tips

According to USDA recommendations, you should soak all dry beans first (see the USDA instructions below), it's important to soak dried legumes before using them in a slow cooker. Skipping this step can affect both safety and texture.

USDA Soaking Methods:

Hot Soak: Combine 1 pound (about 2 cups) with 10 cups of hot water. Bring to a boil, let simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and rest for up to 4 hours.
Quick Soak: Use the same ratio of water to legumes, bring to a boil, let simmer for 2–3 minutes, then cover and soak for at least 1 hour.
Overnight Soak: Add 10 cups of cold water per pound and leave covered for at least 8 hours or overnight.

For even better results, stir 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of vinegar into the water before soaking.

TFN Pro Tip

For creamier beans, mash a portion with a potato masher right in the Crock Pot during the last hour of cooking.

Recipe Variations

Crock Pot Pinto Beans with Ham – skip the bacon and swap with 1 cup of ham instead.
Crock Pot Pinto Beans with ham hock – swap the bacon with a ham hock for extra flavor.
Vegetarian Crock Pot Pinto Beans – omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
Pinto beans and Sausage in Slow Cooker – use 1/2 pound of cooked sausage instead of bacon in the Crock Pot for a hearty meal.
You can use any type of bacon in this recipe – pork, beef, or best way to cook turkey bacon.
Make it spicy, add more jalapeno peppers or some chopped green chilies.
Add a can of Rotel tomatoes and/or bay leaves for extra flavor.

Storing Instructions

Leftover pinto beans can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. To store, place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.
You can also freeze Crock Pot pinto beans. To do so, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze them for up to three months.
To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a little water to get them to the desired consistency.

Nutrition