Southern Pinto Beans and Ham Hocks Made in the Crock Pot
This pinto bean recipe is super easy and practically foolproof. You won’t need a lot of ingredients, and you don’t have to worry about being in the kitchen all day because we’re using our crock pot.
This pinto bean recipe is super easy and practically foolproof. You won’t need a lot of ingredients, and you don’t have to worry about being in the kitchen all day because we’re using our crock pot.
- Carbohydrate 3.43328752633063 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0758631295573295 g
- Fiber 0.453109136199895 g
- Protein 0.644548407969232 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0177006970612047 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1668g)
- Sodium 68.2375264610467 mg
- Sugar 2.98017839013073 g
- Trans Fat 0.0140432051263135 g
- Calories 15 calories
Step-by-step
- After sorting and washing the beans, put them in the crock pot.
- Add in the onions, garlic, and ham hock (or substitute).
- Pour in the water, then sprinkle in the seasonings.
- Cover the Crock Pot, then set it on high for 6 hours.
- Once the beans are done, serve them over rice.
- Garnish with green onions (optional).
- Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Southern Comfort: My Easy Pinto Bean Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. The last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I've come to rely heavily on my trusty crock pot, a true lifesaver in the culinary arena. This Southern Pinto Beans and Ham Hocks recipe is a testament to the crock pot’s magic – it's simple, flavorful, and requires minimal effort.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the process couldn't be easier. I usually start this in the morning before heading to work, and by the time I get home, the house is filled with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked beans and ham. The kids practically inhale these beans – it's the kind of home-cooked meal that brings everyone together. I love how versatile this recipe is; sometimes I add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangier kick or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat, depending on the family's mood. The possibilities are endless!
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its ability to adapt to different dietary needs and preferences. My vegetarian friends swap the ham hock for smoked tofu or mushrooms – the beans still come out wonderfully flavorful and satisfying. The texture of these slow-cooked pinto beans is incredible – perfectly tender and creamy, each bite melting in your mouth. I often serve this dish over rice, but it's also fantastic with cornbread or as a side to grilled meats. The leftovers are even better the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks.
Beyond the simple cooking process and delicious taste, this recipe also holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandmother. She used to make a similar dish, though hers was cooked on the stovetop for hours. Her kitchen always smelled like simmering magic, and her pinto beans were legendary in our family. This crock pot version is my way of carrying on her culinary legacy, a warm and comforting link to my roots. It's not just a recipe; it's a memory, a tradition, and a symbol of home.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 7 cups water
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 cups dry pinto beans (sorted and washed)
- 1 large ham hock or substitute
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion (diced)
- 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash or 2 tsp seasoning salt
- Chopped green onions for garnishing (optional)
Beyond the Recipe:
This isn't just a bean recipe; it's a symbol of home, comfort, and easy weeknight meals. It's a reminder that even with the chaos of a busy lifestyle, we can still create something delicious and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a gift that keeps on giving, providing leftovers for lunches and extending its comforting presence beyond the dinner table.
So, grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and let the delicious aroma of these slow-cooked pinto beans fill your home. It's more than just a meal; it's a moment of peace, a taste of tradition, and a warm embrace on a busy day.
