Savory Slow-Cooked Pinto Beans with Rice
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of this slow-cooked Pinto Beans and Rice dish— a true homage to classic comfort food. The velvety texture of the beans, combined with the fragrant spices and the warmth of cooked white rice, makes for a protein-rich meal that is both nourishing and delightful. This recipe is exceptionally versatile; you can easily adjust the heat to your liking with additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños. Serve it alongside a pan of moist cornbread for an unforgettable experience that will transport you straight to the heart of a rustic kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Pinto Beans
1 lb (Rinsed and sorted)
Picante Sauce
1/3 cup (None)
Salt
2 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Minced Garlic
1 tablespoon (From a jar or freshly minced)
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon (None)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Bay Leaves
3 pieces (None)
Cooked White Rice
1 cup (Cooked and kept warm)
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly in a colander to remove any debris.
2
Place the rinsed beans in a large crock pot or pot.
3
Cover the beans with water, making sure there is about 2 inches of water above the beans.
4
Add the picante sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves to the pot, stirring gently to combine.
5
Set the crock pot to high and cook for approximately 3 hours or until the beans are tender. Keep in mind that crock pot cooking times can vary greatly; you may need to allow additional time depending on your specific device.
6
If necessary, add extra water during cooking to maintain moisture levels.
7
For a slower approach, you may also cook the beans on low overnight.
8
Once the beans are tender, stir in the cooked white rice and let it warm through for about 10-15 minutes.
9
Serve hot with a side of freshly baked cornbread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in Savory Slow-Cooked Pinto Beans with Rice?
The primary ingredients are dried pinto beans, picante sauce, various spices including chili powder, cumin, and oregano, and cooked white rice.
How long does it take to cook the beans in a crock pot on high?
It typically takes approximately 3 hours on high, though cooking times can vary depending on your specific device.
Do I need to soak the dried pinto beans before cooking?
The recipe instructions do not require soaking; however, you must rinse the beans thoroughly in a colander to remove any debris before placing them in the pot.
Can I cook these pinto beans on a low setting?
Yes, for a slower approach, you can cook the beans on the low setting overnight until they are tender.
How much water should I add to the crock pot?
You should cover the beans with enough water so that there are about 2 inches of water above the beans.
When should I add the cooked white rice?
Add the cooked white rice once the beans are tender, then let it warm through for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products and relies on beans for protein.
How can I make the beans spicier?
You can increase the heat by adding additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños to the pot.
What side dish is recommended with this meal?
A side of freshly baked, moist cornbread is highly recommended to complement the flavors of the beans and rice.
What type of garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for both garlic powder and minced garlic, which can be fresh or from a jar.
How much picante sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of picante sauce.
Should I keep the bay leaves in the dish when serving?
Bay leaves are used for flavor during cooking; it is generally best to remove the 3 bay leaves before serving.
What should I do if the water level gets too low during cooking?
If necessary, you can add extra water during the cooking process to maintain moisture levels.
What is the texture of the beans in this dish?
The slow-cooking process gives the pinto beans a velvety and tender texture.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is a protein-rich and nourishing meal that is categorized as healthy and vegetarian.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 pieces of bay leaves.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While the recipe specifies cooked white rice, you can substitute it with cooked brown rice if preferred.
What spices are included for the savory flavor?
The savory profile comes from a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt for 1 lb of dried beans.
Can this be made in a regular pot instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can use a large pot on the stove, though you will need to monitor the heat and water levels more closely than with a slow cooker.
What is the amount of dried beans used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of dried pinto beans.
Is this recipe a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-pot meal since the beans, spices, and rice are all combined in the same pot.
What is the preparation for the minced garlic?
You can use one tablespoon of garlic either freshly minced or from a jar.
Is cumin necessary for this recipe?
Cumin provides a classic earthy flavor essential to the dish's profile, though you can adjust it to taste.
How much chili powder is used?
One tablespoon of chili powder is used in this recipe.
Why is picante sauce used?
Picante sauce adds both moisture and a blend of peppers and onions that enhances the savory and spicy profile of the beans.
Is this dish considered southern cooking?
Yes, pinto beans and rice served with cornbread is a staple of rustic southern comfort food.
What happens if I cook the beans too long?
If cooked too long, the beans may become mushy; check them periodically after the 3-hour mark on high.
Do I need to stir the ingredients?
You should stir the beans and spices gently when first combining them, and again when adding the rice at the end.
Can I store leftovers of this dish?
Yes, this dish stores well in the refrigerator and the flavors often deepen the next day.