Skip to main content

Slow Cooker Beans

Making beans in the slow cooker is easy and can save you money. Season them the way you like and make enough to freeze for more easy meals.
Crock Pot with cooked red kidney beans.
Prep time: 5 minutes + 6 hours soaking
Cook time: 4 to 6 hours
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 cups dried beans (any type; see Notes for red kidney beans) 
4 to 6 cups water, plus more for cooking

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse dried beans of your choice in a colander under running water. Remove any rocks or leaves.
  3. In a large bowl or pot, cover beans with 4 to 6 cups water. Soak in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
  4. Drain and rinse beans, then pour into a slow cooker. Add enough water or broth to cover them plus 2 inches. Avoid filling the slow cooker more than ⅔ full.
  5. Cover and cook until the beans are soft and tender, about 4 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW. Add to any recipe or meal.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers in within 2 hours.
     

Notes

  • Red kidney beans should be boiled on the stovetop for at least 10 minutes before adding to the slow cooker. This step assures that kidney beans are fully cooked. Undercooked red kidney beans contain a high concentration of a compound that can cause sickness. Other types of dried beans contain the compound but in lower concentrations.
  • Add seasonings of your choice, before or after slow cooking. 
  • Cooked beans freeze well. Measure recipe-sized amounts into labeled freezer containers to store for up to 6 months.
  • Substitute cooked beans for canned beans. A 15-ounce can holds about 1 ¾ cup beans.

Comments

What a simple and easy way to make slow cooker beans! I used this method to make cooked garbanzo means, my favorite. They turned out tender and delicious. I'm going to use them to make a chickpea salad mix for sandwiches or salad and roast some up to top on a grain bowl. I sure love new ways to make healthy slow cooker beans :).

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Pomegranate Smoothie
glasses of Pomegranate Smoothie

Pomegranate Smoothie

This beautiful smoothie combines sparkling pomegranate seeds with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious drink.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Microwave Steamed Fish
Bowls with fish filets served with green beans and a creamy sauce.

Microwave Steamed Fish

Any type of white fish cooks to flaky, moist and fork-tender in the microwave. A quick and low-mess way to prepare fish for rice bowls, tacos and salads.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 servings
Bruschetta Salad
Flavorful salad of tomatoes, basil and croutons is shown in a serving bowl.

Bruschetta Salad

Fresh tomatoes and herbs combined with crunchy croutons make the perfect summer salad.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt
Photo of Raspberry Banana Yogurt

Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt

Sweet-tart raspberries and creamy yogurt combine to make a refreshing and tasty drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomato halves and herbs with a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the baking dish.

Roasted Tomatoes

Rich and flavorful roasted tomatoes with garlic and your favorite fresh or dried herbs.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ to 3 cups
Glazed Carrots and Cranberries
Tender carrot slices with dried cranberries in a small bowl.

Glazed Carrots and Cranberries

An amazing combination of sweet and savory, makes for a delicious side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups minutes
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.