By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 2, 2026

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Slow Cooker Beans

Serves 6

377 cal · 450 min

Slow Cooker Beans

Recipe GLPR12f6b0b94476a2

4.5(1)
Side Dish
450 min
377 cal
Servings: 6
Slow Cooker
SNAP eligible

Tender pinto beans infused with onion, chili powder, and a tangy barbecue sauce blend. This slow cooker side dish is savory, slightly spicy, and perfect for serving alongside your favorite grilled or smoked meats.

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Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed

4 cups hot water

2 onions, chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

3/4 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1 1/2 tablespoons mustard

2 dashes hot sauce

Directions

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before beginning food preparation.

  2. Rinse the dried pinto beans under cool water and add them to a slow cooker along with the hot water, chopped onions, and chili powder. Stir to combine.

  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 7 hours, or until the beans are completely tender and easily break apart when pressed.

  4. Carefully drain the cooked beans in a colander, discarding the cooking liquid.

  5. Return the drained beans to the slow cooker and stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce until everything is evenly combined.

  6. Cover and cook on the high setting for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the beans are heated through and the sauce is hot to the touch (165°F internal temperature).

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.5

This is a true weeknight workhorse: dried pinto beans run about $0.50 a pound at any Charlotte grocer, onion costs pennies, and the condiments (barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce) are staples in every household, making the cost per serving well under $1. The 450-minute stated time is honest—it accounts for the full slow cooker soak and cook, though you'll want to add 10 minutes of chopping upfront. This feeds a family of six with zero fuss and requires only one trip to any store; the real advantage is that it reheats beautifully and freezes perfectly, turning any random weeknight into next week's easy lunch. North Carolina barbecue beans are a cultural fit, and the slow cooker means it runs unattended while you handle the rest of dinner.

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