Welcome back to our series of slow cooker recipes! In our last article, we shared a delicious and easy slow cooker southern pinto bean recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights. But, did you know that aside from being a convenient and time-saving cooking method, slow cooking also has health benefits? That's right, it's not just about the tasty and comforting meals, but slow cooking can also help you achieve a healthier lifestyle. Let's explore the health benefits of slow cooking and how it can enhance this southern pinto bean recipe.
Slow Cooker Spicy Vegetarian Pinto Bean and Chard...
Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Water, Chopped Onion, Ground Cumin, Garlic
If you're looking for a meatless beer can chicken recipe, this one is for you. It's packed with protein and flavor from the combination of pinto beans and chard. Simply place the chicken on top of a can of beer in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with some warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a delicious and healthy meal.
2of 20
Slow Cooker Chili
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Large Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper
Who says you can't have beer can chicken in the colder months? This recipe combines the best of both worlds - the tender chicken from the beer can method and the bold flavors of a hearty chili. Simply place the chicken on a beer can in the slow cooker along with your favorite chili ingredients, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day.
3of 20
Southern Pinto Beans and Hamhocks Made in the Crock Pot
Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Ham Hock, Yellow Onion, Minced Garlic
This beer can chicken recipe is a Southern comfort food staple. The combination of tender chicken and savory hamhocks creates a flavorful dish that will have you going back for seconds. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the crock pot and add in some hamhocks and pinto beans. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm cornbread for a true Southern meal.
4of 20
Slow Cooker Pinto Bean Stew With Corn Bread Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Onion, Red Pepper, Celery, Frozen Whole
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic stew and adds a twist with the addition of corn bread dumplings. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful dumplings creates a satisfying and delicious meal. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the slow cooker and add in your favorite stew ingredients. Drop in some corn bread dumplings and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for a comforting and filling dish.
5of 20
Crockpot Ham and Beans - A Southern comfort food staple
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Pinto Beans, Onion, Beans, Water, Salt, Pepper
If you're a fan of beer can chicken and Southern comfort food, this recipe is a must-try. The combination of tender chicken and savory ham creates a mouthwatering dish that will remind you of home. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the crockpot and add in some ham and pinto beans. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm cornbread for a truly comforting meal.
6of 20
Southern Crock Pot Pinto Beans With Ham Hocks
Main Ingredients: Dried Pinto Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Bay Leaves, Crushed
This beer can chicken recipe takes the classic combination of pinto beans and ham to the next level. The tender chicken and flavorful ham hocks create a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the crock pot and add in some ham hocks and pinto beans. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and enjoy with your favorite sides.
7of 20
Recipe for Slow Cooker (crock pot) Spicy Black and...
Main Ingredients: Cubed Turkey, Olive Oil, Onion, Tomato Paste, Garlic
If you're a fan of spicy food, this beer can chicken recipe is for you. The combination of tender chicken and spicy black beans creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the slow cooker and add in some black beans, spices, and your favorite hot sauce. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm tortillas for a delicious and spicy meal.
8of 20
Smoky Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Green Bell Pepper
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic side dish and adds a smoky twist. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful baked beans will have your taste buds singing. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the oven and let it cook for 1-2 hours. While it's cooking, whip up a batch of Southern-style baked beans and serve them alongside the chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
For a more traditional beer can chicken recipe, try this Southern-style beans dish. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful beans creates a classic and delicious meal. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the oven and let it cook for 1-2 hours. While it's cooking, whip up a batch of Southern beans and serve them alongside the chicken for a comforting and satisfying meal.
10of 20
Cowboy Pinto Bean Soup (Slow Cooker)
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Onion, Garlic, Pinto Beans, Water
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic soup and adds a twist with the addition of pinto beans and tender chicken. The combination of flavors creates a hearty and delicious dish that will warm you up on a cold day. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the slow cooker and add in some pinto beans, vegetables, and spices. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
11of 20
Pinto Bean Cakes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Red Bell Pepper, Green Onions, Pinto Beans
For a unique twist on beer can chicken, try this recipe for pinto bean cakes. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful bean cakes creates a delicious and filling meal. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the oven and let it cook for 1-2 hours. While it's cooking, mix up a batch of pinto bean cakes and fry them up for a tasty and creative side dish.
This beer can chicken recipe combines two classic Southern dishes - ham and brown beans. The combination of tender chicken and savory ham creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the oven and let it cook for 1-2 hours. While it's cooking, whip up a batch of brown beans and serve them alongside the chicken for a true Southern feast.
13of 20
Crock Pot Pinto Bean Chicken Chili Stew
Main Ingredients: Sesame Seeds, Green Chiles, Green Tea Powder, Olive
If you're a fan of chili, you'll love this beer can chicken recipe. The combination of tender chicken and hearty chili creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the crock pot and add in your favorite chili ingredients. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a delicious and hearty meal.
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic side dish and turns it into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken and savory pinto beans creates a dish that will have everyone going back for seconds. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the oven and let it cook for 1-2 hours. While it's cooking, whip up a batch of Southern-style pinto beans and serve them alongside the chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
15of 20
Southern Style Pinto Beans
Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Pepper
For a simpler beer can chicken recipe, try this Southern-style beans dish. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful beans creates a classic and delicious meal. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the oven and let it cook for 1-2 hours. While it's cooking, whip up a batch of Southern-style beans and serve them alongside the chicken for a satisfying and comforting meal.
16of 20
Vegan Slow Cooker Pinto Bean Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
If you're looking for a vegan beer can chicken recipe, this one is for you. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful pinto beans creates a delicious and healthy dish. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the slow cooker and add in some pinto beans, enchilada sauce, and your favorite vegetables. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm tortillas for a tasty and nutritious meal.
17of 20
Slow Cooker Pinto Bean Soup
Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Yellow Onion, Garlic Powder, Cumin
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic soup and adds a twist with the addition of pinto beans and tender chicken. The combination of flavors creates a hearty and delicious dish that will warm you up on a cold day. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the slow cooker and add in some pinto beans, vegetables, and spices. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
18of 20
Southern Cornbread Salad
Main Ingredients: Ranch, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Cornbread, Pinto Beans
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic side dish and turns it into a meal. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful cornbread salad creates a unique and delicious dish. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the oven and let it cook for 1-2 hours. While it's cooking, whip up a batch of Southern-style cornbread salad and serve it alongside the chicken for a tasty and satisfying meal.
19of 20
Slow Cooker Gluten Free Pinto Bean
Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Diced Onion, Jalapeno, Bacon, Salt, Black
This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for those who follow a gluten-free diet. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful pinto beans creates a delicious and healthy dish. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the slow cooker and add in some pinto beans, vegetables, and spices. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm corn tortillas for a tasty and gluten-free meal.
20of 20
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Red Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Pinto
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic soup and adds a twist with the addition of tender chicken and flavorful taco seasoning. Simply place the chicken on a can of beer in the crock pot and add in some beans, vegetables, and spices. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve with some warm tortilla chips and your favorite toppings for a delicious and easy meal.
Slow Cooking: A Healthier Way to Cook
Slow cooking is a method of cooking that uses low heat for an extended period of time, usually around 4-8 hours. This slow and gentle cooking process allows the ingredients to fully cook, resulting in tender and flavorful meals. But, what sets slow cooking apart from other cooking methods is its health benefits.
Retains Nutrients
One of the main advantages of slow cooking is that it retains more nutrients in the food compared to other methods like boiling or frying. The low and steady heat preserves the nutrients in the ingredients, making them more available for our bodies to absorb. This means that you can enjoy a bowl of southern pinto beans and get all its nutritional benefits without losing any of its essential vitamins and minerals.
Less Fat and Calories
Since slow cooking uses low heat and doesn't require any added oils or fats, it results in healthier and lower-fat meals. This is especially beneficial for those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight or are watching their calorie intake. Our slow cooker southern pinto bean recipe uses lean bacon and ham for added flavor, but you can easily omit them for a lighter version.
Reduces Sodium
Another health benefit of slow cooking is that it reduces the amount of sodium in your meals. When cooking on the stovetop or in the oven, we tend to add more salt for flavor. However, with slow cooking, the flavors of the ingredients are enhanced through the long cooking process, eliminating the need for extra salt. This is great for those who are watching their sodium intake or have high blood pressure.
Enhancing the Southern Pinto Bean Recipe
Now that we know the health benefits of slow cooking, let's see how it can enhance our southern pinto bean recipe. The long cooking time allows the flavors of the pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, and garlic to fully develop, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Plus, the slow cooking process makes the beans extra creamy and tender, making it the perfect comfort food.
So, the next time you're in a rush and looking for an easy weeknight meal, try our slow cooker southern pinto bean recipe. Not only will it save you time, but it will also provide you with a nutritious and delicious meal. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and spread the love for slow cooking!
