Savory Slow-Cooked Mexican Pinto Beans
Enjoy the rich and hearty flavors of these Savory Slow-Cooked Mexican Pinto Beans. Perfectly seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and a hint of ham, this dish provides a delightful accompaniment to your favorite Mexican meals or can be served as a comforting standalone dish. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, you'll love the simplicity of this recipe, which allows you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. Best of all, it's fully customizable—add your favorite spices or additional vegetables for an extra twist!
8
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Pinto Beans
1 lb (soaked overnight and drained)
Water
4 cups (none)
Large Onion
1 (chopped)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (none)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Chili Powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Lean Ham
1/4 lb (chopped)
Instructions
1
Rinse the soaked pinto beans under cold water and drain well.
2
In your slow cooker, combine the drained pinto beans, water, chopped onion, diced tomatoes (with juice), minced garlic, chili powder, and chopped ham.
3
Stir the mixture to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and flavors meld together.
5
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt and pepper as desired.
6
Serve hot as a side dish or as a flavorful base for tacos, burritos, or rice.
Nutrition Information
0.88g
Fat
30g
Carbs
9.25g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Slow-Cooked Mexican Pinto Beans?
This is a hearty and flavorful dish made with pinto beans, seasoned with garlic, chili powder, and lean ham, prepared easily in a slow cooker.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include dried pinto beans, water, a large onion, diced tomatoes, garlic cloves, chili powder, and lean ham.
How should I prepare the pinto beans before cooking?
The dried pinto beans should be soaked overnight and then rinsed under cold water and drained well before being added to the slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook these beans in a slow cooker?
The recipe calls for cooking the ingredients on high for approximately 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 9.25g of protein.
How much fiber is in one serving?
There are 7.5g of fiber per serving, making it a high-fiber dish.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish is very low in fat, with only 0.88g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should include the juice from the diced tomatoes in the slow cooker for extra flavor and moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe as written contains lean ham, but it can be made vegetarian by simply omitting the ham.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried beans, you could use canned, but you would need to significantly reduce the cooking time and water amount.
How much ham is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 lb of chopped lean ham.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe suggests one large onion, chopped.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of chili powder, providing a mild savory flavor rather than intense heat.
Can I add more spices?
Yes, the recipe is fully customizable; you can add your favorite spices or extra vegetables for a personal twist.
What are some serving suggestions for Mexican pinto beans?
They can be served hot as a side dish or used as a base for tacos, burritos, and rice bowls.
How much water is needed for the slow cooker?
The recipe requires 4 cups of water.
Can I adjust the seasoning after cooking?
Yes, once cooked, you should taste the beans and add salt and pepper as desired.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is low in fat, high in fiber, and uses lean protein and vegetables.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the slow cooker.
Can I cook this for longer than 2 hours?
You can cook it until the beans reach your desired tenderness and the flavors have fully melded.
Are there any sugars in this recipe?
The recipe data does not indicate any added sugars.
What equipment is needed?
You will primarily need a slow cooker and basic kitchen tools for chopping and measuring.
Can I use this as a standalone meal?
Yes, it can be served as a comforting standalone dish due to its hearty nature.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Mexican, beans, pinto beans, slow cooker, comfort food, and healthy.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is designed for minimal effort by utilizing a slow cooker.
How much chili powder should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chili powder.