These crock pot pinto beans are a hearty Southern-style recipe made with smoked sausage, Cajun seasoning and simple pantry ingredients. Cooking pinto beans in the slow cooker is one of th easiest ways to make a flavorful pot of beans without standing over the stove.
The first time I tried this southern Pinto Beans Recipe I was amazed, because it is one of his great ideas that he threw together one time on a trip to the deer camp. Ever since then he's refined it into this delicious pot of creamy, meaty yumminess.
There's so much flavor from a combination of the Cajun pinto beans, smoked sausage and cooking for a long time.
Next time try my Instant Pot White Beans recipe, another truly hearty dish that is best cooked in the instant pot.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
- Ingredients for Crock Pot Pinto Beans
- How To Cook Pinto Beans In A Crock Pot
- Do You Have To Soak Pinto Beans First?
- Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Melanie Cagle
- Tips For The Best Pinto Beans
- Mel's Kitchen Notes
- How To Store and Freeze Pinto Beans
- What To Serve With Pinto Beans
- Frequently asked questions: FAQ's
- How To Turn Pinto Beans into Refried Beans
- Southern Crock Pot Pinto Beans With Sausage (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe)
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love These Slow Cooker Pinto Beans
- Any homemade cooking is better than the alternative. Cajun and Southern flavors just help bring you to that heavenly, belly-rubbing place! Homemade pinto beans are that stick to the ribs kind of cooking.
- This recipe will also work well in a pressure cooker, obviously a big reduction on cooking time.
- The perfect meal to fix it and leave it. Talk about a good smell to come home to and an easy family dinner.
This was inspired by my recipe for baked beans also on this site, and pairs well with this amazing cornbread recipe.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Pinto Beans
- Dry Pinto Beans - dried pinto beans are rinsed, sorted and soaked in a large bowl with cold water.
- Smoked Sausage - we like to use Hillshire smoked sausage.
- Onion - a staple part of Cajun cooking, is the 'trinity' - onions, bell pepper and celery.
- Garlic - and you can't forget the Pope (in the trinity that is). I love to add plenty.
- Andouille Sausage - a traditional smoked sausage that is full of spices.
- Cooked Ground Meat - we use venison usually, but ground beef is great too.
- Chicken Broth - I like to use homemade (click the link to the left for my recipe) that works amazingly - but store bought is fine otherwise.
- Cajun Seasoning - a must have in any kitchen. Cajun seasoning just helps bring all those flavors together.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Cook Pinto Beans In A Crock Pot
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Hint: Toward the end of the cooking time use a potato masher and mash a few of the beans - it will add creaminess.
Do You Have To Soak Pinto Beans First?
They don't HAVE to be soaked, but doing so will shorten the cooking time (especially as we're cooking them in a slow cooker).
I like to soak them overnight then just throw them in in the morning.
However, not to fret if you don't remember. You can still cook them from dry - you'll need to cook them on a high setting though instead, and for longer. (Crock Pot Pinto Beans No Soak)
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Canned Beans - if you are short on time and want a similar recipe but using canned beans instead of dried beans you can do so. The sausage will definitely need to be caramelized though, as will the vegetables and reduce the cooking time by a lot.
- Onions - It's not a deal breaker to use yellow onions instead, it won't affect the recipe.
- Vegetarian - You can leave the meat out altogether, if you like. You will have to add some more spices - and use vegetable broth instead.
- Ham Hocks (ham bone) - if you have some those can be added in place of the smoked sausage - they add great flavor. A crock pot pinto beans with ham hock recipe that will knock their socks off.
- Spicy - add some heat to your crock pot beans with some chili powder, hot sauce or even green chile maybe.
- Stove Top - This recipe works fine as a stove top recipe too. Follow the same instructions just reduce the amount of time needed.
- Bacon - crock pot pinto beans with bacon is delicious.
- Leftover Ham - a perfect dish to make with leftover ham.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
Tips For The Best Pinto Beans
- Make sure to rinse the beans and check for debris before starting.
- Adjust seasoning to your own liking. This is more of a Cajun recipe and is therefore full of seasoning!
Mel's Kitchen Notes
I like to cut the sausages up a little differently so as to be able to distinguish between the two. This way I don't give the kiddos too much heat on their plate. Cutting it up a little smaller helps this too. Everybody loves the regular smoked sausage though.
This is the type of recipe that tastes even better the next day! Cook a day ahead and just heat up when you're ready to eat.
How To Store and Freeze Pinto Beans
After the pinto beans have cooled completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This recipe holds up well to freezing, store in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Pinto Beans
As a main course we'd have some barbecue meat and often have southern pinto beans on the side with some rice. It's a delicious side dish and one of our favorite meals. Some extras that pair well:
- Collard Greens - one of the best flavors to pair with pinto beans.
See my full post on What To Serve With Pinto Beans here. You can also try this Red Beans and Rice with Ham Hocks recipe.
Frequently asked questions: FAQ's
You can take a cup or two out and blend them, then add back... or mash some against the side of the pot toward the end of the cooking time.
Beans have a substance called Phytic Acid which is undigestible for humans. By soaking the beans first it eliminates a lot of this acid. It helps the beans cook quicker too.
The answer to this is, it depends. (Lol, I know, not what you wanted to hear. I'm going to try to elaborate.)
If you've soaked the beans overnight then, on high the beans should really only take about 4-5 hours. On low 7-8 hours.
If this is a slow cooker pinto beans no soak recipe, then they'll likely need much longer. I would estimate around 8-10 hours on high.
There's another few issues that can throw a monkey wrench into this query - the freshness of the beans. Have you ever bought beans from the store and they just took FOREVER to cook.... even though in the past you've cooked them much quicker? If you have old beans they can be tougher.
Also, hard water can cause a variance, as well as salt timing.
How To Turn Pinto Beans into Refried Beans
It's so simple to turn the leftovers of this dish into an easy refried beans recipe. Add to a saucepan and pick through the beans and remove the large slices of sausage (you can make a sandwich).
Add about a teaspoon of Cumin, then cook, on medium-high stirring often. Toward the end mash the beans until they're nice and stodgy/thick. This shouldn't take long, maybe just 10 minutes.
Stir in some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice at the end, and voila - delicious homemade refried beans from pinto beans.
Viral Recipe Alert!
Banana Bread
Due to the secret ingredient in this deliciously moist banana bread it has become one of my most sought after recipes!
Southern Crock Pot Pinto Beans With Sausage (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Dried Pinto Beans
- 1 Pound Ground Meat
- 1 Each Sweet Onions diced
- 1 Each Green Bell Pepper diced
- 1 Rib Celery diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Pound Smoked Sausage
- 1 Link Andouille Sausage
- 3 Each Bay Leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoon Dried Thyme dried
- 5 Cups Chicken Broth
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak Pinto Beans in a few cups of water overnight in water, they should double in size and be tender beans.1 Pound Dried Pinto Beans
- Brown ground meat in a skillet, drain and add to crock pot1 Pound Ground Meat
- Chop all vegetables, add to crock pot1 Each Sweet Onions, 1 Each Green Bell Pepper, 1 Rib Celery, 3 Cloves Garlic
- Add remaining ingredients, including chicken broth.1 Pound Smoked Sausage, 1 Link Andouille Sausage, 3 Each Bay Leaves, 1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning, 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder, 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder, 2 teaspoon Dried Thyme, 5 Cups Chicken Broth
- Stir until mixed well.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Serve over rice.Salt and Pepper to taste
Notes
Nutrition
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Jamie says
These beans have so much flavor and made my whole house smell amazing while making it! The spices in here are so good. Definitely a keeper!
Bethy says
I stumbled over this recipe and it’s link on Reddit (r/slowcooking) and knew immediately that I would be making it.
I’d never had smoked sausage that o can recall and the blog writer was kind enough to help me pick one out of the brands my store carried.
Long story short, this recipe is DELICIOUS! It’s not only easy to make it has an easy clean up. Win win!
My first time making something like this and my husband and I absolutely LOVED it! We served over white rice and a side salad. My husband wanted a second bowl no rice so he could taste just the dish. This ones a keeper!
I couldn’t find Creole seasoning but a quick googling led me to a blend I could use at home.
Also I didn’t soak the beans ahead of time, just a quick rinse after picking over. They were fine at 8 hours on low.
My brother swears soaking is just to get the farts out but I think it has to do with how fresh the beans are. Just my theory.
I’ve saved this recipe because I definitely will want to do it again!
Bethy says
Also, I used my own chicken stock I made and had on in the freezer. So worth it!
Melanie Cagle says
Bethy,
Thank you so much for the review... I'm just so glad you enjoyed it as much as we do! (can't comment on the farts - not heard that one but that's hilarious!)
Jessie says
OMG!!! This was so good and I was so hungry all day long smelling it. But it was so worth its.
veenaazmanov says
This is definitely a comforting meal option. Full of nutrition, flavor and creaminess. I love the Crock pot cooking option. Makes life easier.
Anjali says
These pinto beans turned out perfectly in my slow cooker!! They were flavorful, hearty and delicious!
Melanie Cagle says
Some people like to caramelize them first in a skillet, it adds another flavor dimension.... however, they're just as good just thrown in there. I usually am short on time 😉
Thanks for asking though!
Marisa F Stewart says
I guess I can say I'm an Honorary Southerner -- we spend about half the year there. And, yes, this is truly a recipe the Southerners would love. I made it for our family gathering and everyone couldn't get enough of it. Of course I did make some Corn bread to go along with it. So very satisfying and hearty. It was so easy making it the the slow cooker -- helps to keep the kitchen cool and the cook fresh and sassy!! Thank you -- I've printed out the recipe and keeping it in a safe place.
Jarrod says
I am making our third batch of these right now and the house smells fantastic! Can't wait till we get to sit down for another bowl of these beans. I stick to your recipe with minimal modifications. I omit the celery just because it competes against the bean flavor for my palate. I love celery in everything otherwise. The other modification is I use 1/2lb ground beef and 1/2 lb Jimmy Dean ground sage sausage.
I serve these over piping hot homemade cornbread cooked in an iron skillet with a dash of Trappey's Tabasco vinegar sauce. My wife and I absolutely love these. I have added a handful of fresh chopped kale as well when on hand and I like the texture it adds, but it is not needed at all. It is still awesome without that. Thank you.
Melanie Cagle says
Sounds delicious, thanks for the review!
Lori says
I added green chilies and paired with green chili corn bread made in the skillet.
Melanie Cagle says
Sounds delicious!
Paula Washington says
This recipe is Amazing! I've made this twice and have another in the crock pot as I write. Seasoning are on point, but I use leftover frozen ham (from Easter) because my husband doesn't eat beef and it taste even better. Thank you for this recipe.
Melanie Cagle says
That's great Paula, glad you enjoy it!
Amy says
Do they turn out the same if cooked on high for four hours in the crockpot?
Melanie Cagle says
If they have been soaked overnight, then the four hours on high will probably work. I just love the flavor of a good pinto beans recipe when they're cooked low and slow...
Jennifer says
Made this today with ground turkey and turkey smoked sausage and it was delicious!!! Will make this a regular on our dinner rotation😋
Melanie Cagle says
Thanks Jennifer, glad you liked it!!
Glenda Parker says
When do you put the bay leaves in?
Melanie Cagle says
You would add the bay leaves with all the other ingredients. Remove them once you're ready to serve.
Fran says
I have this in my crockpot right now it’s almost done and I can’t wait I used smoked sausage and I cooked them for 5 hours on High
Rachel Jackson says
I don't have any creole seasoning, but I do have Cajun seasoning. Would that work? What are the differences?
Melanie Cagle says
Hi Rachel, Cajun seasoning is a perfect alternative. The difference between the two is that Cajun seasoning can have more ground peppers in there, whereas Creole seasoning has more ground herbs like oregano and thyme.
Sheila says
Is a “link” half of the smoked sausage or all of it? Since it comes in a u shaped I wasn’t sure if it need to use all.
Melanie Cagle says
Hi Sheila, no, it's not half. It's the full 'U-shaped' link!
Morgan says
For freezing this meal for later, do you cook it through entirely then freeze?
Then for warming back up, do you put it back in the crock pot on low for 4 hours? Or how do you suggest reheating?
Melanie Cagle says
Yes, it's best to freeze it after they have cooked entirely. You could either reheat one portion at a time in the microwave, or you could add back to the crock pot but the pinto beans will only need to be heated through to eat them. 4 hours on low may do it - it could be a bit less time needed than that though. The crock pot pinto beans really reheat well and taste awesome as leftovers!
Victoria says
Wow!!! I just had to leave a review for this recipe. I am making these beans for dinner tonight and I have been smelling them all day. I finally couldn't resist and had to sneak a taste before serving my family and they are absolutely delicious! What a great comforting smell in the house, and they taste even better! I can't wait til the rice is done so I can try them with it, but even just on their own, this is a 5 star recipe that I will definitely be making again and again! And the prep couldn't be easier, I only spent about 20 minutes this morning chopping and cleaning up and the crock pot has done the rest. Thanks so much!!!
Melanie Cagle says
Hi Victoria! Thanks so much for the review, I know what you mean about the comforting smell in the house - for some reason crock pot pinto beans just have this delicious aroma that makes you desperate to try them! We're making them tomorrow for the football games 😉
Halie says
Do you think this would freeze well?
Melanie Cagle says
Yes, crock pot pinto beans do freeze well. I have done so many times with our leftovers!
Lewis says
Just made this tonight. Tastes delicious but it’s so mushy! There’s also no liquid left, is this correct? I would love to try again and get it right!
Melanie Cagle says
That doesn't sound right. Did you perhaps stir it a lot during the cooking process (which will also let a lot of the steam out each time). My crock pot pinto beans are just about perfect every time.
Jacob says
If I’m using beans that are already cooked how long would you say in the crockpot 2 to 4 hours?
Melanie Cagle says
If the pinto beans are already cooked, then yes, 2-4 hours will probably do it. It would be the other ingredients that still need to cook down some though.
Jinna says
If using canned beans, would you still make the rest as listed and then just add in the beans closer to the end? I so want this for dinner tonight, lol. I have everything BUT the soaked beans 🫘 😩
Melanie Cagle says
I haven't made it like that, but it sounds like it should work?
Kayla Whetzel says
How long would this recipe take in the pressure cooker?
Melanie Cagle says
The last time I cooked my pinto beans in a pressure cooker I want to say it only took about 30 minutes - this was after they were soaked too.... let me know if you do this, I'd love to know how they come out.
Shanita says
Delicious!
Shelley says
I wanted a Pinto bean recipe that was not flavored with Mexican spices. This one hit the mark! My beans were kind of old so even after soaking overnight I had to cook these for about 13 hours on low. I was worried that they would never get tender but they did and they were so delicious! Even though the only meat I used was a pound of smoked sausage, these beans ended up perfectly creamy and so so good! This will be my go-to when I want smoky, perfectly seasoned beans rather than Mexican (which we also love). Thanks for a wonderful keeper recipe!
Melanie Cagle says
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe Shelley, thanks for the kind comment and rating.
Dani says
I don't usually leave reviews, but this is my absolute favorite recipe and I'm sure everyone else (like me) is sick of sifting through the low quality recipes on Pinterest. I highly recomend making this. It's savory and delicious.
It also freezes well and is perfect for re-heating on camping or hunting trips.
The only changes I make are swapping the green pepper for a pablano pepper and my husband doesn't like onions so I just add a bit of onion powder instead (he hasn't noticed lol).
I typically serve this over cornbread, but you could also just eat it as a stew.
Next I'm going to try swaping the pinto beans for another pound of ground beef to make it a keto recipe.
Melanie Cagle says
Thanks Dani, for leaving your review - it helps a lot.
I'm so HAPPY you enjoyed this recipe ❤️
Dave Powell says
This recipe sounds awesome and can't wait to make. love Creole and Cajun. One question I have is on the amounts of garlic and onion powder. Tablespoon seems like a lot. is that correct?
Melanie Cagle says
Hi Dave, Yes, those numbers are correct. Trust the process.
Dotty says
how long do you cook if didn't soak beans
Melanie Cagle says
This can differ sometimes, due to the age of the beans.... but I have found that putting the slow cooker on high to start for 2 or 3 hours that helps. Do that and you should be able to stick to the 8 hours required cooking time.