Slow Cooker Ranch Style Beans are pinto beans cooked in the crock pot for simple, versatile, delicious ranch beans that are great as a summer side dish with BBQ!
Place beans in a colander, rinse well, and remove any stones.
Pour beans into slow cooker and cover with water (about 6 cups). Add salt pork or bacon and garlic. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until tender. Periodically check that the beans remain covered with water, and add additional hot water, if necessary, or if you would like extra bean broth.
When beans are almost done, stir in the chili powder. Sample the broth and season generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Allow the flavors to blend for an hour or so before removing the salt pork/bacon and serving.
Notes
Don't salt your beans until they're almost done cooking, as adding salt too soon can make them tough.