Slow Cooker Ranch Beans

Growing up in Georgia I never even heard for Ranch Beans, most likely because of the absence of ranches. Sure we ate beans, a whole mess of beans.  But mostly beans flavored with pork and served with a big hot piece of cornbread.  I first encountered these beans at a local steak house and to say that I was underwhelmed by the lack of flavor in these beans is an understatement.  I swear they just cracked open a can of pinto beans, tossed them into a pot and warmed them up.  Okay, they served them in a large dutch oven for effect, but the taste was still lousy.  After some research I learned that this recipe should be much more flavorful and rich. Of course, I still served mine with a big hot piece of corn bread. 

2 cups dried pinto beans, soaked overnight

2 cups vegetable broth

1-14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes

1 cup rotel tomatoes

2 cups water

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chipotle powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1. Combine the above ingredients in a large sauce pan or soup pot.  Bring to a hard boil, lower to a simmer and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the liquid has started to thicken up a bit. 
2. Transfer the beans and liquid to the slow cooker, add some additional water if needed and cook on low of 8 hours or until the beans are tender. 
3. Serve with cornbread and enjoy!