Authentic Southern Pinto Beans Recipe

Slow cooked pinto beans seasoned with smoked turkey, pork bacon ends, spices, and herbs!

Table of Contents

1. How to Make Authentic Southern Pinto Beans
2. Authentic Southern Pinto Beans Tips and Tricks
3. How Should I Store and Reheat Leftover Southern Pinto Beans?
4. Why You’re Going to Love This Authentic Southern Pinto Beans Recipe
5. Print and save this Southern Pinto Beans recipe for later
6. Authentic Southern Pinto Beans

View more

 

Hey cousins! I’m back with another soul food favorite. This time around, I’m sharing a remixed recipe. I took my old Pinto Beans and Ham Hocks Recipe, and put a few spins on it. Since so many of you loved the recipe, I wanted to show you another way to make the most amazing authentic pot of southern style pinto beans.

So what’s new? Instead of using ham hocks like we did back in 2015, we’re using smoked turkey wings and bacon ends. Y’all know that I’m greedy, so I wanted to really load this dish up with a nice amount of smokey, flavorful meat. What didn’t I change? Well, I still prefer to make this dish in the slow cooker. However, if you don’t have a slow cooker, I will also share steps on how to make these delicious pinto beans on the stove top. So, are you ready to get down in the kitchen?! Let’s go!

How to Make Authentic Southern Pinto Beans

Ingredients

• Pinto Beans: I always use dry beans, and I prefer you do the same when it comes to this recipe. Canned beans have salt, and some brands add a ton of preservatives that will change the taste and quality of this recipe. So please, stick to dry beans.
• Smoked Turkey: I used a large turkey wing for this recipe; however, you can use smoked turkey tails, legs, thighs, etc. Just make sure that it’s the same amount that I use (recipe will be below). Also ,make sure that the turkey is SMOKED! Do not use plain turkey in this recipe. Flavor comes from the smokiness.
• Bacon Ends: One of my secret weapons! This smoky, fatty cut adds flavor to the beans. Also, the bacon pretty much melts while it cooks, resulting in a nice creamy bean gravy!
• I Bean Business Baby: This is a blend by my company, Rosamae Seasonings. It’s an all purpose bean seasoning that has salt, herbs, peppers, onion, and even smoky flavor. A little goes a long way. If you don’t have it – I suggest you get some, OR use your favorite all purpose seasoning, and toss in a few more spices for your liking!
• Onion: Now y’all know I love me some onion, and it adds so much flavor.
• Garlic: Same thing goes with garlic. I love it, so I add it.
• Thyme: Keep in mind when you’re using this herb that a little goes a long way! I prefer fresh thyme, but you can use dry thyme as well.
• Water: With all the flavor coming from the other ingredients, you don’t need to use broth, baby. Water will do just fine!

Instructions

Slow Cooker

1. Start off by making sure that the smoked turkey wing is clean. I like to do so by rinsing it off with water and a little apple cider vinegar.
2. Next, add the smoked turkey to the slow cooker along with 8 cups of water.
3. Turn the slow cooker on high, and place the lid on top.
4. Next, roughly chop the bacon ends, then toss them into a medium-sized skillet.
5. Turn the skillet on medium-high, and cook the bacon until it’s golden brown.
6. Next, start adding in the chopped onion, and cook until softened.
7. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and garlic. Stir.
8. Cook for 2 minutes then turn off the heat.
9. Next, place the beans on a flat surface and sort through them. I want you to look for anything that shouldn’t be there, such as rotten beans, pebbles, etc.
10. Discard all the stuff we don’t want, then toss the beans into a colander, rinse the beans thoroughly, and set the beans to the side.
11. Now add the bacon and onions mixture to the slow cooker, followed by the beans.
12. Sprinkle in the I Bean Business Baby Seasoning (or your favorite all purpose blend), and stir.
13. Cover the slow cooker with the lid, and cook for 3 hours.
14. After 3 hours, remove the turkey wing from the pot, and shred the meat off of the bones. Discard the bones, and toss the turkey meat back into the slow cooker.
15. Cook for an additional 1 hour.
16. Serve with hot white rice and cornbread, and top with green onions.

Stovetop

1. Start by making sure that the smoked turkey wing is clean. Rinse it off with water and a little apple cider vinegar.
2. Place the beans on a flat surface and sort through them. Look for anything that shouldn’t be there, such as rotten beans, pebbles, etc. Discard all the unwanted stuff, then toss the beans into a colander, rinse them thoroughly, and set them aside.
3. Place the smoked turkey wing in a large pot.
4. Add 8 cups of water, and bring it to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour until the turkey is tender and the water is well flavored.
6. While the turkey is simmering, roughly chop the bacon ends and toss them into a medium-sized skillet.
7. Turn the skillet on medium-high and cook the bacon until it’s golden brown.
8. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened.
9. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and minced garlic, stir, and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, turn off the heat.
10. Add the rinsed pinto beans to the pot with the turkey and water.
11. Add the bacon and onion mixture to the pot.
12. Sprinkle in the I Bean Business Baby Seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose blend) and stir everything together.
13. Bring the pot back to a boil.
14. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
15. After about 2 hours, check the beans. If they’re tender, you’re almost done. If not, let them cook a bit longer until they’re soft and flavorful.
16. Once the beans are tender, remove the turkey wing from the pot.
17. Shred the meat off the bones, discard the bones, and return the shredded turkey meat to the pot.
18. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
19. Serve the pinto beans with hot white rice and cornbread. Garnish with green onions.
20. There you have it! Southern Pinto Beans cooked on the stovetop, just as hearty and delicious. Enjoy, y’all!

Authentic Southern Pinto Beans Tips and Tricks

Do pinto beans have to be soaked before cooking?

Absolutely not! However, soaking helps cut down on the cooking process. Since we’re not babysitting these pinto beans, and they’ll be sitting in the slow cooker for a while, you are good to go. No soaking is required!

How to make beans taste good

It’s all about seasoning! This particular dish is seasoned to perfection with smoked meats, herbs, and spices; therefore, you won’t have any issues, darling!

What goes well with southern pinto beans?

I personally love to serve my southern pinto beans with hot white rice and cornbread. If I’m making a full southern meal, I’m also serving it with fried chicken, collard greens, and plenty of hot sauce.

How Should I Store and Reheat Leftover Southern Pinto Beans?

Well, honey, let’s make sure those leftover southern pinto beans stay as delicious as when you first made them. Here’s a little guide to help you out:

Storing Leftover Pinto Beans

1. Cool Them Down: Before you stash those beans away, let them cool to room temperature. This helps avoid any condensation, which can make them watery and bland.
2. Choose Your Container Wisely: Use an airtight container to keep the beans fresh. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are perfect. Just make sure they have a good seal.
3. Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator. Your beans will stay good for up to 4-5 days. If you think you won’t get to them in time, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pinto Beans

Microwave Method

• Place the beans in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Add a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out.
• Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
• Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stir, and heat in 30-second intervals until they’re warm enough.

Stovetop Method

• Pour the beans into a saucepan.
• Add a bit of water or broth to help rehydrate them.
• Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until they’re heated through.

Why You’re Going to Love This Authentic Southern Pinto Beans Recipe

• Affordable: This recipe is super budget friendly. You can feed a crowd with about $20.
• Family Approved: All age groups love this recipe. Even the picky little ones.
• Fool Proof: Since we’re making this in the slow cooker, there’s no room for mistakes. Simply follow the recipe as written, and you’re good to go!
• Make it a Freezer Meal: Did you know that beans are extremely easy to freeze, and reheat for later use? You can make this meal ahead of time, and reheat whenever needed!

Check out some of my other recipes!

Soul Food Style Pork Neck Bone Soup

Southern Fried Pork Chops

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Greens with Smoked Oxtails

Print and save this Southern Pinto Beans recipe for later

Don’t forget to tag and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, and check out I Heart Soulfood, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie and A Cousin Rosie Holiday with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.