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Crock Pot Great Northern Beans

Crock Pot Great Northern Beans

This Crock Pot Great Northern Beans recipe offers a warm, hearty, and flavorful slow-cooked bean dish that’s effortless to prepare. Using simple pantry staples and a slow cooker, the beans become tender and infused with savory seasonings, making it a comforting and customizable meal perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Great Northern Beans, rinsed and soaked
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 medium Carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks Celery, chopped
  • 4 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme

Instructions

  1. Prep the Beans: Rinse and sort the Great Northern beans to remove any debris. For best results, soak the beans overnight or use a quick soak method to soften them and reduce cooking time.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Add the soaked beans, diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaves, and broth into the slow cooker. Stir well to mix all flavors together.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Set the crock pot to low heat and cook the beans gently for 6 to 8 hours, allowing them to absorb the seasonings and become tender without breaking apart.
  4. Season and Finish: After cooking, remove the bay leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional preferred spices. Stir thoroughly and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Serve Warm: Scoop the beans into bowls and enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal. Garnish as desired with fresh parsley, olive oil, or grated Parmesan.

Notes

  • Use soaked beans to ensure even cooking and reduce cooking time.
  • Cook on low heat to achieve tender beans without them falling apart.
  • Layer flavors by adding vegetables and herbs to enrich the dish naturally.
  • Check liquid levels during cooking, adding more broth if the beans absorb too much.
  • Salt towards the end of cooking to prevent beans from toughening.
  • For a thicker stew texture, mash a portion of the beans near the end or add cornstarch mixed with water.
  • This recipe is versatile: use vegetable broth and extra veggies for a vegetarian version or add smoked sausage for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crock Pot, Great Northern Beans, slow cooker recipe, hearty beans, vegan beans, easy bean recipe, meal prep beans