How to Make Great Northern Beans in a Crockpot

Using a crockpot is one of the easiest methods for preparing dried Great Northern beans. This simple recipe will help you make the most delicious homemade Great Northern beans from scratch in your slow cooker. Let's dive in!

This guide provides detailed recipe instructions, nutritional information, storage tips, seasoning variations, and more.

Why Choose Crock Pot Great Northern Beans?

Effortless Cooking

If you prefer an easy, hands-off approach to cooking, then the slow cooker is perfect for you! It's a "set it and forget it" method, allowing you to add the ingredients, walk away, and return to perfectly cooked beans without the risk of burning (unlike stovetop cooking). You can start them in the morning, and they'll be ready by dinnertime!

No Pre-Soaking Required

Soaking dried beans isn't necessary when using a slow cooker. This recipe allows you to prepare Great Northern beans without soaking, saving you time and effort.

Budget-Friendly

While canned beans are inexpensive, cooking dried beans is even more cost-effective. Using a crock pot, you can cook a large batch of Great Northern beans and freeze portions for later, making them just as convenient as canned beans. Check out "You Can Freeze Beans!" for a full tutorial on how to do this.

Delicious and Customizable

The slow cooker ensures your beans turn out tender and creamy. Plus, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Homemade beans always taste better!

For more on cooking beans in bulk and storing them for later, check out "How to Freeze Beans."

No Pre-Soaking Needed!

Pre-soaking beans is often done to speed up cooking, but since slow cooking takes time anyway, it's unnecessary. However, if you prefer to soak them, you can use the "quick soak" or "overnight soak" methods to reduce cook time by 1-2 hours.

Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

Step 1

Rinse your dried beans under cool, clean water to remove any dirt or dust.

Step 2

Add the beans and salt to the slow cooker along with any seasonings or additional ingredients (see variations below).

Pour in enough water to cover the beans by at least an inch (about 5 cups of water per 1 lb of beans).

Step 3

Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to either:

• High: 4-6 hours
• Low: 7-9 hours

Step 4

Towards the end of the cook time, you'll want to check in on your beans.  It's ok to remove the lid and do a taste test! 

When beans have reached your desired consistency, drain any extra water and enjoy!

How to Tell When Beans Are Done

• Appearance: Great Northern beans will plump up, and some skins may slightly split.
• Texture: They should be tender and creamy, easily mashed with a fork.

If freezing for later, slightly undercook the beans so they don't become mushy when reheated.

Variations

If you prefer to season your beans while cooking, try these simple flavor combinations:

• Basic: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 2 bay leaves per pound of beans.
• Spicy: Add jalapeños, chili powder, or smoked paprika for extra heat.
• Savory: Enhance the depth of flavor with a ham hock, cooked bacon, or sausage.
• Vegetarian: Add diced onions, carrots, and celery (no pre-cooking needed).

Additional Seasoning Ideas:

• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Use broth instead of water for a richer taste.

How to Use Crock Pot Great Northern Beans

These beans are delicious as a main or side dish. Try them:

• As a side with grilled meats and vegetables.
• In soups, stews, or chilis.
• Salads
• Casseroles
• Dips and Spreads

Great Northern Bean Recipes to Try:

• Hearty Butternut Squash Soup
• 15 Minutes Garlic Parmesan White Beans
• White Bean Gratin Casserole
• Lemony White Bean Dip

Storage and Reheating

Storing:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
• Freeze by following the instructions in "How to Freeze Cooked Beans."

Reheating:

Stovetop:

• Add beans to a pot with a splash of water.
• Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally.

Microwave:

• Place beans in a microwave-safe dish with a vented cover.
• Heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each.

Nutrition

Great Northern beans are a nutritious powerhouse packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are low in fat and a great source of iron, potassium, and B vitamins, which support heart health and energy production.

Their high fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Beans too hard? Add more water and continue cooking until tender.
• Beans too mushy? Reduce cooking time next time or use a lower setting.
• Lack of flavor? Don't skip the salt! Also, try seasoning with spices, broth, or aromatics.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you make the perfect batch of slow-cooked Great Northern beans! Did you try any of the variations? Do you have any tips for cooking beans in a crockpot? I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!

✌️ Ems

Recipe

Crockpot Great Northern Beans

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Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes

Servings: 7 ½ cup servings

Calories: 102kcal

Using a slow cooker is a very easy way to prepare delicoius, homemade Great Northern benas.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb Dried Great Northern Beans
• 1 tablespoon salt (or more or less to taste)

Instructions

• Rinse your dried beans under cool, clean water to remove any dirt or dust.
• Add the beans and salt to the slow cooker along with any seasonings or additional ingredients (see note below).

  Pour in enough water to cover the beans by at least an inch (about 5 cups of water per 1 lb of beans)*.
• Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker:

  High: 4-6 hours Low: 7-9 hours
• Towards the end of the cook time, you'll want to check in on your beans.  It's ok to remove the lid and do a taste test! (see blog post for tips on how to know if they are done).
• When beans have reached your desired consistency, drain any extra water and enjoy!

Did you try this recipe?Please give it a star rating or leave a comment!

Notes

* If the water level gets low during cooking, add more to keep the beans from drying out. You can always drain excess liquid once they're done.

I purposely left this recipe very plain so you could add your Great Northern beans into any recipe, but if you'd like to add more flavor, check out the "Flavor Variations" section above.  

 

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 1006mg | Potassium: 899mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 4mg