When I think of pinto beans, I think of my grandma. She is the queen of a comforting pot of simple beans. As a child, when we would visit, we would almost always be served a pot of beans at one point or another. That and chicken and dumplings have become her two signature dishes. Both make you wanna slap your pappy as my grandpa says. She often serves hers with greens and cornbread for a complete simple and frugal down home cookin’ country meal.
Beans are so simple to make, but I know many of you aren’t home during the day to babysit a pot of beans simmering on the stove for a couple of hours. Using the crockpot is a great way to get dinner on the table if you work outside the home or are just busy with other things and can’t devote a lot of time to cooking.
These crockpot pinto beans are seasoned very simply with just salt, pepper and a little bit of bacon, ham, or bacon fat. In my mind there is no need for fancy seasonings with this humble dish. The simplicity of the seasonings, makes the flavor of the bean shine through. I also like to keep the seasonings simple so leftover beans can be turned into different things.
Beans are an excellent frugal protein source. One of my favorite food budget tips after I have cooked them, is to reuse them in other recipes. Cook once, use in multiple dishes.
They are excellent in burrito bowls or taco salads. Simply layer any ingredients that you desire: rice, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, corn, peppers, lettuce, sour cream.
For re-fried beans, drain off a tad of the liquid and mash or puree. You can add it to a toasted corn tortilla shell for tostadas, wrap them in wrap, serve it with eggs and salsa, etc. You can also use them in tacquitos, beans and greens soup, a bean dip or bean burritos.
For more budget recipes and tips for reeling in your grocery budget, check out my or my .
Here is the process for cooking crockpot pinto beans through pictures, for all you visual people out there.
1. Rinse and sort beans. Pick out any funky ones or debris.
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