Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey

This Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans recipe uses dried brown beans and is seasoned to perfection using smoked turkey, ham hocks, or even bacon. Pair this meal with homemade cornbread.

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What Type of Beans to Use

I use dry pinto beans. Pinto beans are a part of the family that includes navy, black, and kidney beans. They are found commonly throughout Southern and Mexican cuisine.

Most pinto beans have a tan or cream color along with reddish splotches. Pinto means painted or spotted and refers to the way the beans look.

The beans are a great source of fiber, protein, thiamine, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Do You Have to Soak the Beans Overnight?

If you are looking for a Crockpot recipe, I assume you want a recipe that uses dried beans. Canned beans are pre-cooked and you don’t need a slow cooker for those!

If you want to lower the cook time for the dried beans, you will need to soak them in advance. You have a couple of options. You can soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with water. Or you can boil a large pot of water on the stove. Once the temperature reaches boiling, remove the pot from heat and add the beans. Allow the beans to soak for at least one hour.

If you don’t soak the beans in advance, it will likely add a couple of hours to your cook time.

What Type of Meat to Use

I love to use either a smoked turkey leg or turkey wing. I grab these from a local grocer. You can also check with a local butcher in your area.

Other options include ham hocks, salt pork, country ham, or even bacon.

How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans

1. Soak the beans.
2. Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Slow cook.
4. Open up the pot and remove the bay leaf and smoked turkey. If you like meat in your beans, use 2 forks and shred the meat from the turkey and return it to the pot. Taste repeatedly and add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
5. Serve.

What Kind of Stock/Broth to Use

I like to use chicken broth or stock. You can use either and you can use whatever you like, such as vegetable. You can also use water. Broth adds more flavor.

Cook Time/How Long Does it Take to Cook

Cook for 4-6 hours on High or 7-10 hours on Low.  You can test if they are done by grabbing one bean out of the pot and mashing it with a spoon or fork.

Are They Served Whole or Mashed?

You decide. We typically eat ours whole, but if you want to mash them go ahead and do so after the beans have cooked.

How to Double the Recipe

You can double the recipe and use the same amount of ham hock or opt for one slightly larger. The cook time will remain the same.

How to Make the Dish Vegan or Vegetarian

Omit the smoked turkey. Use vegetable broth. Add in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for flavor.

How Long Will They Last in the Fridge

They will last 3-5 days in the fridge, tightly covered.

Freezer Tips

These will freeze for up to 9 months. This is a great hack. Be sure to store them tightly sealed. I like to leave them in the broth so that when I defrost they are loaded with flavor.

Pair With Cornbread

Homemade Southern Cornbread
Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Honey Cornbread
Air Fryer Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Pumpkin Cornbread
Cornbread Casserole
Sweet Potato Cornbread

More Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes

Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtail
Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks
Slow Cooker Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Slow Cooker Chili Mac

For a stovetop version check out our Ham Hocks and Beans.