Pammys Slow Cooker Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make dish? Look no further than Pammy’s Slow Cooker Beans! This recipe is a family favorite for a reason: it’s packed with smoky, savory goodness, requires minimal effort, and results in a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s simply unmatched. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, a side dish, or even using it as a filling for tacos or burritos, Pammy’s Slow Cooker Beans are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for customizations based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, meats, and spices to create your own unique version. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can set it and forget it, freeing you up to focus on other tasks. Let’s dive into the details of this fantastic recipe!

## Why Slow Cooker Beans?

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why slow cooking is the perfect method for cooking beans:

* **Flavor Enhancement:** Slow cooking allows the beans to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients, resulting in a deeper, richer taste.
* **Tender Texture:** The low and slow cooking process breaks down the beans, creating a creamy and tender texture that’s simply irresistible.
* **Convenience:** Once you’ve prepped the ingredients and added them to the slow cooker, you can simply set it and forget it. No need to constantly monitor the pot.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Beans are an inexpensive source of protein and fiber, making this a budget-friendly meal option.
* **Make-Ahead Meal:** Slow cooker beans are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.

## Pammy’s Slow Cooker Beans Recipe

This recipe is a classic, and it’s easily adaptable to your own tastes. Feel free to adjust the amounts of spices and other ingredients to suit your preferences.

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high

### Ingredients:

* 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
* 8 cups water (or broth, for added flavor)
* 1 pound bacon, diced (or ham hock, or smoked sausage)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions

### Equipment:

* 6-quart slow cooker
* Large skillet (optional, for browning bacon)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Beans:**

* Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water. Pick out any small stones or debris.
* **Soaking Option (Recommended):** For best results and to reduce cooking time, soak the beans overnight in a large pot filled with water. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Soaking helps to remove some of the indigestible sugars that can cause gas.
* **Quick Soak Option:** If you don’t have time for an overnight soak, you can use the quick soak method. Place the beans in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.

**2. Cook the Bacon (Optional):**

* While not strictly necessary, browning the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker adds an extra layer of flavor. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, reserving about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional):**

* Sautéing the onions and peppers before adding them to the slow cooker also enhances their flavor. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease (or olive oil), sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper (if using) until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**4. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:**

* Add the rinsed and drained beans to the slow cooker.
* Add the cooked bacon (or ham hock, or smoked sausage).
* Add the sautéed vegetables (or raw chopped onion, green bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and garlic if you skipped the sautéing step).
* Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained).
* Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
* Pour in the water (or broth). Make sure the beans are covered with liquid. If not, add a little more water or broth.
* Stir everything together to combine.

**5. Cook the Beans:**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beans are done when they are tender and easily mashed with a fork.

**6. Season and Serve:**

* Once the beans are cooked, taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that the bacon or ham hock will already add some saltiness, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
* If the beans are too watery, you can remove the lid from the slow cooker and cook on high for another 30-60 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
* Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and green onions.

## Tips and Variations

* **Bean Variety:** While this recipe calls for pinto beans, you can easily substitute other types of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, great northern beans, or a combination of different beans.
* **Meat Options:** Instead of bacon, you can use a ham hock, smoked sausage, or even leftover pulled pork or shredded chicken. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat altogether.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper altogether. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Liquid:** You can use water or broth as the liquid for cooking the beans. Broth will add more flavor. Chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth all work well.
* **Tomato Options:** Instead of diced tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even a can of Ro-Tel tomatoes for added heat.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Option:** To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, omit the bacon or other meat and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add some smoked paprika to give the beans a smoky flavor.
* **Thickening the Beans:** If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher after they are cooked. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Using an Instant Pot:** If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also make these beans in an Instant Pot. Follow the same instructions for preparing the ingredients, then cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
* **Storage:** Leftover beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

## Serving Suggestions

Pammy’s Slow Cooker Beans are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Main Course:** Serve the beans as a main course with a side of cornbread, rice, or a salad.
* **Side Dish:** Serve the beans as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork.
* **Taco Filling:** Use the beans as a filling for tacos or burritos. Top with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
* **Nachos Topping:** Spread the beans over tortilla chips and top with shredded cheese, jalapenos, and other nacho toppings.
* **Chili Base:** Use the beans as a base for chili. Add ground beef, more vegetables, and your favorite chili spices.
* **Soup:** Add more broth to the beans to create a hearty bean soup. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, and potatoes.
* **Bean Dip:** Puree the beans in a food processor or blender to create a creamy bean dip. Serve with tortilla chips or vegetables.

## Nutritional Benefits

Beans are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

* **Protein:** Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
* **Fiber:** Beans are high in fiber, which helps to regulate digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
* **Vitamins and Minerals:** Beans are a good source of iron, folate, potassium, and magnesium.
* **Low in Fat and Calories:** Beans are naturally low in fat and calories, making them a healthy choice for weight management.

## Conclusion

Pammy’s Slow Cooker Beans are a delicious, easy, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort. With endless possibilities for customization, you can create your own unique version of this classic dish. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

Enjoy!