Pinto Beans with Ham for the Crock Pot
Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty Pinto Beans with Ham recipe for the crock pot is a soul-soothing blend of tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic spices. Perfect for busy days, this recipe requires minimal prep yet delivers maximum comfort. Featuring pinto beans simmered with diced onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne for mild heat, every spoonful brims with rich, smoky flavor. The dish is made even more satisfying with chunks of cooked ham and a nourishing base of chicken broth. Using the crock pot ensures effortless cooking while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over 8–10 hands-off hours. Serve this budget-friendly meal as a standalone entrée or a hearty side, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound pinto beans
- 2 cups cooked ham
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly under cold water. Remove any debris or damaged beans. If time allows, soak the beans overnight in a large bowl covered with water. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat.
Add the soaked (or dried, unsoaked) beans to the crock pot. Place the cooked onions and garlic on top.
Stir in the diced ham, bay leaves, chicken broth, and water. Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir gently to combine.
Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. Cook for 8–10 hours, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Check after 6 hours for doneness, especially if the beans were soaked beforehand.
Once the beans are cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot as a main dish or a side. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
334 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.5 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 1993 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.5 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 808 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
