Crockpot Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks and Chiles

Here’s a delicious and simple recipe for Crockpot Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks and Chiles. I’ll break it down step by step so you can make it flavorful and hearty.

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

• 1 pound dry pinto beans, rinsed and picked over

• 1–2 smoked ham hocks (or leftover ham bone)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2–3 fresh or canned chiles (like Anaheim, Hatch, or poblano), roasted and chopped

• 1–2 jalapeños (optional, for heat), minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 bay leaf

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prep the Beans:
   Rinse the dry pinto beans and remove any debris. You can soak them overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, but it’s optional with a slow cooker.

2. Prepare the Chiles:
   Roast fresh chiles over a gas flame or under the broiler until the skin is charred. Place in a bowl and cover to steam for 10 minutes. Peel, remove seeds, and chop.

3. Load the Crockpot:
   In the slow cooker, combine the beans, ham hocks, chopped onion, garlic, chiles, jalapeños, spices, and bay leaf. Pour in the broth or water.

4. Cook Low and Slow:
   Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the beans are tender and creamy.

5. Season and Finish:
   Remove the ham hocks, shred the meat, and return it to the beans. Discard bones. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Serve:
   Ladle the beans into bowls and garnish with cilantro, extra diced onion, and lime wedges if desired. Serve with warm tortillas or cornbread.

Tips for Best Flavor

• Smokier beans: Add a few dashes of liquid smoke if your ham hocks aren’t very smoky.

• Creamier texture: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end (optional twist).

• Extra heat: Leave some jalapeño seeds in, or add a pinch of cayenne.

If you want, I can also give you a “one-pot shortcut version” that doesn’t require soaking beans and is super hands-off in the crockpot, perfect for busy days.