Crock Pot Great Northern Beans
This Crock Pot Great Northern Beans recipe offers a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutritious white beans simmered with vegetables and seasonings. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, it’s perfect for busy schedules, meal prepping, and customizable to suit vegetarian or smoky tastes.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Great Northern Beans (soaked overnight or quick soaked)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 4 oz smoked ham or bacon, chopped
- Prep Your Beans: Rinse the Great Northern beans thoroughly under cold water. For best results, soak them overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling for a few minutes and then letting them sit for an hour to soften and reduce cooking time.
- Assemble Ingredients in Crock Pot: Add the soaked beans, chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the crock pot. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, add bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. If using smoked ham or bacon, place it on top.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours. This allows beans to absorb the flavors and become tender without breaking apart.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove and discard bay leaves before serving. For a thicker broth, mash a few beans with the back of a spoon to naturally thicken the liquid.
Notes
- Soak beans first for even cooking and better digestibility.
- Cook on low heat to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Add delicate fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley near the end to maintain freshness.
- Season with salt towards the end of cooking to avoid tough bean skins.
- Monitor liquid levels and add broth or water as needed during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Beans, Great Northern Beans, Slow Cooker Recipe, Hearty Bean Stew, Easy Bean Dinner, Vegetarian Option, Comfort Food