I wanted to see if I could make a pinto beans recipe in the slow cooker that might approximate my mother’s ham and beans, while keeping it entirely vegetarian. The result is a simple slow cooker pinto bean recipe that’s hearty and comforting.
Pinto beans are the most popular bean in the United States and portions of Mexico! Aside from being commonly used in stews and chili, pinto beans are also the legumes used to make refried beans – the ubiquitous mashed Mexican beans that are served alongside rice and tortillas at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Place pinto beans into the slow cooker.
In a large pan, add a couple tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and cook garlic, onion and celery.
Add to pinto beans in the slow cooker along with herbs and cook.