Easy & Flavorful Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey Tails
Tired of bland, uninspired side dishes? Prepare to transform your culinary routine with this incredibly flavorful and hands-off slow cooker pinto beans recipe. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a hearty, nutrient-packed meal enhancer that practically cooks itself. Imagine tender pinto beans, infused with rich smoky flavors from turkey tails and a blend of aromatic spices, all slowly simmering to perfection in your crockpot. This recipe promises deep, comforting flavors with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight dinner or special gathering.
Why This Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe for slow cooker pinto beans stands out for several compelling reasons, promising a delicious and hassle-free cooking experience. By harnessing the power of slow cooking, we achieve an unparalleled depth of flavor and tenderness that’s hard to replicate with other methods.
First and foremost, these hearty, tender pinto beans are cooked low and slow, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully. The inclusion of liquid smoke, savory soy sauce, and a carefully selected blend of spices ensures every bite is packed with a complex and satisfying taste. But the real game-changer here is the use of smoked turkey tails. They impart an incredibly rich, deep, and savory smokiness that elevates the beans from a simple side to a star attraction.
Beyond their amazing flavor, pinto beans themselves are incredibly versatile. They serve as a fantastic base for various meals, from the comforting depths of taco soup to the vibrant layers of burrito bowls and classic tacos. You can also mash them into creamy refried beans for an authentic Mexican touch, or simply serve them as is, perhaps topped with crumbled cornbread for dipping. Their adaptability makes this recipe a staple for any home cook looking to add wholesome, flavorful legumes to their diet.
Key Ingredients for Your Flavorful Pinto Beans
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. You’ll find a complete list of measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post. For now, let’s highlight the stars of the show and discuss their roles.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each component helps you achieve the best results and confidently make adjustments.
- MEAT (Smoked Turkey Tails): These are the secret weapon for an incredible smoky depth. Smoked turkey tails are fantastic because they are generally inexpensive, relatively small, already cured, and impart a rich, authentic smoky flavor to the beans as they slow cook. Tearing up the meat after cooking and stirring it into the beans ensures that this fantastic smoky essence is distributed evenly throughout every spoonful. If smoked turkey tails aren’t available, or you prefer another option, you can absolutely use other smoked meats. Excellent substitutes include smoked ham hocks, smoked pork neck bones, or even a smoked sausage. Just ensure whatever smoked meat you choose will render its flavor slowly into the beans.
- BEANS (Dried Pinto Beans): For this slow cooker recipe, there’s no need for pre-soaking your dried pinto beans. The long cooking time in the crockpot provides ample opportunity for the beans to fully hydrate and become incredibly tender. While soaking is often recommended for stovetop cooking to reduce cooking time and sometimes improve digestibility, it’s a step you can happily skip here, saving you prep time. Using dried beans also allows them to absorb more of the rich flavors from the other ingredients as they cook, resulting in a superior taste and texture compared to canned beans.
- SEASONINGS (Seasoned Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder): These pantry staples form the foundational flavor profile. Layering them ensures that every part of the dish is seasoned evenly. Seasoned salt, like Lawry’s, adds a convenient blend of salt and other spices, enhancing the overall savory notes. Onion and garlic powder provide a concentrated, earthy sweetness and pungency that mellows beautifully during the long cook.
- LIQUID SMOKE & SOY SAUCE: These two ingredients are crucial for boosting the umami and smoky character. Liquid smoke intensifies the smoky flavor imparted by the turkey tails, giving an extra kick of barbecue-like goodness. Soy sauce adds a wonderful depth, a touch of saltiness, and a savory umami that rounds out the overall taste profile, making the beans even more irresistible.
- WATER: Water acts as the cooking liquid, allowing the beans to soften and the flavors to infuse. The amount is important to create a luscious, saucy consistency without making the beans too watery.
How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe successfully. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and detailed instructions at the bottom of this page.
- A note from Chef Antoine: I find that layering the beans and seasonings in the crockpot helps distribute the flavor more evenly, allowing all components to infuse together perfectly as they cook. This method ensures every bean is touched by the savory goodness. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, you can certainly add all the beans, sprinkle on the seasonings, and then top with the turkey tails. The steps outlined below follow my preferred layering method for maximum flavor.
- Begin by placing half of the uncooked dried pinto beans at the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms the first layer of our flavorful foundation.
- Next, evenly season this first layer of beans with half of the seasoned salt, half of the onion powder, and half of the garlic powder. This initial seasoning is key to building flavor from the ground up.
- Carefully place the smoked turkey tails directly on top of the seasoned beans. Then, sprinkle a generous amount (but not all) of the remaining seasoned salt, onion powder, and garlic powder over both the tails and beans. This ensures the meat also gets seasoned and contributes its rich flavor.
- Add the remaining half of the dried pinto beans over the turkey tails, creating the final layer of beans. Then, sprinkle on the very last of the seasonings to ensure consistent flavor throughout the entire dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the water, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir them together well, then carefully pour this flavorful liquid over the layers of beans and turkey tails in the crockpot. You want the liquid to almost cover the turkey tails, reaching about three-quarters of the way up the meat. Adjust the water amount slightly if needed to achieve this level.
- Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. The magic happens during this slow, gentle simmering, transforming the dry beans into tender, flavorful perfection.
- Once the cooking time is complete, open the lid to a pot of deliciously fragrant pinto beans. Depending on your preference for the amount of sauce, you may wish to skim a little liquid off the top if it seems too abundant.
- Using two forks, carefully shred the tender meat from the turkey tails and remove any bones. There will be a tailbone in each one, so be diligent in removing them to ensure a pleasant eating experience. Stir the shredded meat back into the beans for an extra boost of smoky flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Pinto Beans
No, you do not have to soak the pinto beans before adding them to the slow cooker. This is one of the many conveniences of using a crockpot! The extended low and slow cooking process provides plenty of time for the beans to fully hydrate and soften beautifully. You can certainly soak them beforehand if you prefer, but rest assured, it’s an entirely optional step for this recipe.
While pinto beans are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors, you could experiment with other dried beans like black beans or navy beans. Adjust cooking times if necessary, as different beans may have slightly varied cooking requirements.
If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker at the beginning of cooking. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of seasoned salt or choose a low-sodium seasoned salt.
Bean cooking times can vary depending on their age and freshness. If your beans aren’t as tender as you’d like after 6 hours, simply continue cooking on low for another 30-60 minutes, checking periodically until they reach your desired consistency. Ensure there’s enough liquid in the crockpot.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Pinto Beans
These slow cooker pinto beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Classic Side Dish: Serve them warm as a comforting side at your next barbecue, family dinner, or potluck. They pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, oven-baked ribs, or any grilled meat.
- Hearty Soups & Chilis: Stir them into your favorite chili recipe or use them as a base for a robust bean soup. Their creamy texture adds body and flavor.
- Mexican-Inspired Meals:
- Refried Beans: Mash them up with a little butter or lard for homemade creamy refried beans – perfect for burritos or as a dip.
- Tacos & Burritos: Spoon generous amounts into warm tortillas or burrito wraps with your favorite fillings.
- Nachos & Quesadillas: Layer them onto nachos or inside quesadillas for a burst of savory flavor.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and tortillas for a hearty breakfast, or as part of a breakfast burrito.
- With Cornbread: A true Southern classic! Enjoy a bowl of these delicious beans with a warm, crumbly piece of sweet cornbread for dipping.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage ensures your pinto beans stay fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: Allow the beans to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Pinto beans freeze exceptionally well. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently reheat the beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if they seem too thick.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute or so until heated through.
Explore More Slow Cooker Delights
If you love the ease and delicious results of slow cooking, check out some of our other favorite crockpot recipes:
- Crockpot Lasagna
- Crockpot Beef Stew
- Crockpot Roast Beef
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Crockpot Ground Beef Casserole
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Making a flavorful, hearty meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With this slow cooker pinto beans recipe, you get rich, smoky flavors and tender beans with minimal hands-on time, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Enjoy the comforting aroma and delicious taste!
Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces dried pinto beans
- 2 smoked turkey tails
- 1 Tablespoon seasoned salt divided, we use Lawry’s
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder divided
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder divided
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup liquid smoke
- 5 cups water
Things You’ll Need
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5-6 qt Crockpot
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Measuring cups and spoons
Before You Begin
- Tearing up the meat and stirring it into the beans will help distribute the smoke flavor from the turkey tails.
Instructions
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A note from Chef Antoine. I like to layer the beans and seasonings in the crockpot as I feel the flavor is distributed better. If you prefer, you can simply add the beans, sprinkle on the seasonings and top with the turkey tails. The steps below are my method.
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Place half of the uncooked dried beans in a crockpot.
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Season the beans with 1/2 of the seasoned salt, 1/2 of the onion powder, and 1/2 of the garlic powder.
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Place turkey tails on top of seasoned beans. Sprinkle some more (but not all) of the seasoned salt, onion powder, and garlic powder over the tails and beans.
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Add remaining beans and sprinkle on remaining seasonings.
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Combine water, soy sauce, and liquid smoke and pour over the tails and beans. You may need more water. You want the liquid to almost cover the tails, about 3/4 the way up the meat.
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Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours.
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When done, you may need to skim some liquid off the top, depending on your preference for the amount of sauce.
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Using two forks, shred the tails and remove the bones. There will be a tailbone in each one.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.