Find out everything you need to know about How to Cook Dried Beans in a CrockPot or Slow Cooker! I tried cooking beans that had been soaked and beans that had not been soaked. This post has everything you need to know to make perfect slow cooker beans.
It’s important to know how to cook dried beans in a crockpot slow cooker because this post explains why I believe it’s worth the time and effort to make your own beans from scratch. It also shows you how to easily cook dried beans in a slow cooker and discusses the differences in cooking times and outcomes between soaking and not soaking beans. This post has all the information you need to make perfect slow cooker beans.
After you learn how easy it is to cook dried beans in a slow cooker, you won’t want to buy canned beans again. Instead of buying canned beans, I think you should cook up a bunch of dried beans to store in the freezer. You’ll save money, and the beans you cook yourself will taste a lot better!.
Beans are an affordable, plant-based protein that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes While cooking beans on the stovetop is simple, using a slow cooker makes the process even easier The low, gradual heat of a slow cooker breaks down the beans’ tough cell walls to produce uniform tenderness. With just a few easy tips, you’ll be able to cook beans to creamy perfection in your slow cooker.
Benefits of Cooking Beans in a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker to make beans has several advantages
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Convenience – Simply add ingredients, turn on, and walk away No need to monitor stovetop pots
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Flavor – Beans soak up aromatics and seasonings over the long cook time.
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Texture – The gradual heat helps beans cook evenly without getting mushy.
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Versatile – Almost any bean variety can be made in the slow cooker.
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Energy efficient – Slow cookers use less energy than stovetop cooking.
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Safety – No worries about burning beans or boiling over since it’s unattended.
Bean Varieties to Try
Almost any dried bean will turn out perfectly cooked and intact in the slow cooker. Some top options include:
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
- Garbanzo beans
- Cannellini beans
- Navy beans
- Cranberry beans
- Lentils
The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size and age of the beans. Start checking at the low end of the time range.
Tips for Cooking Beans in a Slow Cooker
Follow these simple tips for tender beans every time:
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Soak beans beforehand – Soaking softens the beans and reduces cooking time. Cover with water for 8 hours or quick soak for 1 hour.
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Use enough liquid – The beans should be fully submerged, with extra liquid to absorb. Add more during cooking if needed.
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Season at the end – Salt and acidic ingredients like tomatoes can toughen beans if added too soon. Stir in gently at the end.
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Cook on low – The low setting distributes heat most evenly for maximum bean creaminess.
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Don’t overfill – For even cooking, don’t fill the slow cooker more than 2/3 full.
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Keep an eye on time – Check beans at the low end of the time range for perfect doneness.
Slow Cooker Bean Recipe
With just 5 simple ingredients, you can make tender beans in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried beans, soaked 8 hours or quick soaked
- 6 cups water or broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions:
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Drain and rinse pre-soaked beans.
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Lightly coat slow cooker with oil. Add beans, water, onion and garlic.
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Cook on low setting for 7-9 hours. Check frequently after 7 hours.
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Beans are done when very soft and creamy. Add salt and seasonings to taste.
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If the beans look too dry during cooking, add more hot water as needed.
The beauty of this easy recipe is that you can customize the flavor profile. Add smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, bay leaves, or other aromatics of choice.
Using Slow Cooker Beans
The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying tender slow cooker beans. They can be used in:
- Burritos and tacos
- Hearty soups and stews
- Rice bowls
- Chili
- Hummus
- Bean salads
- Veggie burgers
- Casseroles and pasta bakes
Partially mash or puree them to use as a dairy-free, protein-packed base for dips, spreads, and gravies. The smooth, creamy texture of slow cooker beans is perfect for blending.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Beans
Properly stored, cooked beans will keep:
- In the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- In the freezer for up to 6 months
To store: Transfer beans and cooking liquid to airtight containers and refrigerate. The liquid helps keep them moist.
To freeze: Portion beans into freezer bags or containers, removing excess liquid. Lay flat initially for faster cooling.
Satisfying, Nutritious Meals Made Easy
Now that you know how to cook beans to tender perfection in a slow cooker, you can start incorporating more of this budget-friendly protein into your diet. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the convenience of homemade beans whenever you need them. Experiment with different bean varieties and flavor profiles for an easy, nutritious addition to any meal.
Do you need to soak the beans before cooking then in a Slow Cooker?
I got one of those great ideas from food blogging: how to cook dried beans in a crockpot slow cooker. I did the following experiment to see how soaking the beans would change the cooking time after I tried cooking them this way. Some people cook their beans on low for longer if they won’t be home for a while. I cooked mine on high. The exact amount of time it takes to cook dried beans depends on how fresh they are, so I can’t give you an exact number. I can give you a range of times, though.
Why Bother with Cooking Dried Beans from Scratch?
And dried beans that are cooked from scratch are much cheaper than canned beans. Beans from a can just don’t compare to the taste of freshly cooked dried beans! You can cook a batch of beans and freeze them in small containers to keep in the freezer. And cooking your own beans eliminates the cans that fill up your recycling container!.
Slow cooker pinto beans
FAQ
Can you cook raw beans in a slow cooker?
Is it better to cook beans on low or high?
What beans should not be cooked in a slow cooker?
Is slow cooking beans better?
How do you cook beans in a slow cooker?
Transfer the beans to a slow cooker. Add aromatics: Place the aromatics on top of the beans. Cover with water: Pour enough water over the beans to cover them by about 2 inches. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours: Cover the pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
What is the best way to eat beans?
The best way to eat beans is to first cook them in a large pot of water, about 4 cups of water to every 1 cup of beans. Adding lemon grass or other herbs to the water can improve the flavor. Once beans are cooked the best thing to do is combine them with cooked rice, this is because beans are low in methionine and rice is low in lysine, so combining them makes a more complete protein.
Can You boil beans before putting them in a slow cooker?
Prolonged boiling can cause the exterior of a bean to overcook before the interior is fully cooked, meaning the beans might fall apart. (see review) is designed for stovetop use. This allows us to boil beans at the start of cooking before placing the insert in the slow cooker. Some slow cookers can cook hotter or cooler than others.
How long do you cook soaked beans in a slow cooker?
Put soaked beans back into the slow cooker and add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Turn cooker to HIGH and cook beans until they’re tender and cooked through, about 3-4 hours for soaked beans. (You can also cook the soaked beans on low, which would take about twice as long.) Drain beans.