Simple Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Ham

A meaty ham bone brings tons of flavor to these simple pinto beans, simmered until tender in a slow cooker.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 8 hr 5 mins
• Total Time: 8 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 178 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 1 dash hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®), or to taste
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 14 cups water, divided
• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 1 ham bone with meat
• 1 teaspoon ham base (such as Better than Bouillon®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring 8 cups water and pinto beans to a boil in a large pot. Remove pot from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before using.

Step 2

Transfer pinto beans to a slow cooker. Add ham bone, red onion, minced garlic, and ham base. Pour in remaining 6 cups of water, or enough to cover the beans.

Step 3

Cool on Low until beans are tender, about 8 hours.

Step 4

Remove the ham bone, shred meat, and add back to the beans. Discard the bone. Serve hot, seasoned with hot sauce, salt, and pepper.