Cooking beans in the crockpot
by adustyframe ~ October 10th, 2007This week, I wondered if beans could be cooked in the crockpot.
I searched online and found some basic directions and gave it a try.
Here’s what I did.
1. Sort and rinse 1 lb of beans. I tried navy beans.
2. Put them in the crockpot with 8 c. of water.
3. Cook on high for about 1 hour then turn to low.
4. Watch them to be sure they stay covered with water. Add more water as necessary. I added about 2 more cups during the cooking process. This probably depends on your crockpot.
5. After 5-6 hours test to see if they’re done. Mine were cooked relatively quickly, but navy beans are small.
About 1/2 way through, I added 1/2 a package of onion soup mix and a few slices of bacon.
These beans were very yummy! We ate quite a bit and put 2 portions in the freezer for another day.
Now that I’ve tried this and discovered how easy it is, I think I will not buy canned beans anymore. I know how to cook beans on the stove top, but I’m not always home most of the day to watch them and keep them cooking. This crockpot method will save me from resorting to canned beans.
$$ savings here I come!
October 10th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
I love beans!! This is a great way to cook. I need to try it instead of the pressure cooker. Only thing is, I can’t have the sodium in the packaged soup mix, but I’m sure I can season them with garlic and other stuff instead.
October 10th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Great tip! I’ve tried this, but forget to check them often enough and end up with mushy beans. It’s worth attempting to perfect the technique, though–besides bulk beans being far cheaper than canned, I have control of how much (if any) salt, sugar, etc. goes in.
October 10th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Coming from Louisiana, we eat lots of red beans and rice. I’ll email you my recipe. It’s done in the crock-pot, and it’s one of my husband’s favorite comfort foods.
October 11th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I cook red beans in the crockpot alot. If I want them done for lunch or early afternoon meal, I start them at bedtime. Just make sure to cover with alot of water. When you first wake up, check them.
For red beans, I season with a little salt, couple of shakes of pepper, and put in lots of chili powder. They’re awesome!
October 11th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Oh, Chel, will you send me your recipe too? I don’t have a good one for red beans and rice.
Thanks!
October 12th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
I’d be happy to share my recipe. It’s an old Louisiana recipe.
I’ll get it to ya’ll this weekend – via Lizzie, if it’s okay with her.
oh yes! Please do share!
October 12th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Probably a dumb question, but did you cook your bacon first before putting it in the crockpot? Also, I would love to try the red beans and rice recipe? Have you tried black beans in the crockpot? I am thinking of trying it. Thanks for the recipe. You and your family are still in my prayers.
No, I didn’t. I threw it in frozen! I’ve only tried the navy beans so far. Thanks for your prayers:)
October 13th, 2007 at 7:16 am
Ok, I hate to be recipe girl, but I have a good one for black bean soup that you can do in the Crock-pot, too. I’ll send it, too, if you want it. (I’m a big Crock-pot fan.)