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Crock Pot Great Northern Beans

Crock Pot Great Northern Beans
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This Crock Pot Great Northern Beans recipe offers a comforting, easy-to-make dish packed with tender, flavorful beans slow-cooked to creamy perfection. Ideal for busy schedules, this hearty meal requires minimal hands-on time and uses simple pantry staples for a nutritious, filling, and budget-friendly option that can be customized with various additions and served in multiple ways.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Great Northern Beans, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 medium Carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks Celery, sliced
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

Optional Additions and Variations

  • 1–2 diced Jalapeños or pinch of Cayenne Pepper (for spicy kick)
  • ½ cup diced Smoked Ham or 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (for smoky flavor)
  • Extra vegetables: Bell Peppers, Tomatoes (for vegetarian version)
  • Fresh Thyme or Rosemary, to taste (for herbal freshness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse and sort the Great Northern beans to remove debris or damaged beans. Soaking overnight is optional but not required due to the long slow-cooking time.
  2. Chop Your Vegetables: Dice onion, slice celery, and chop carrots evenly. Mince garlic finely to maximize flavor release.
  3. Assemble Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place rinsed beans, chopped vegetables, garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth until beans are just covered. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set crock pot to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing beans to become tender and creamy without disintegrating.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove bay leaves once cooking is complete. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs. Serve warm with your choice of garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Use fresh homemade or high-quality broth to elevate flavor.
  • Monitor beans to avoid overcooking; aim to preserve creamy texture without mushiness.
  • Don’t skip bay leaves—they add essential complexity to the flavor.
  • Keep extra broth or water handy to add mid-cook if beans absorb too much liquid.
  • Sautéing onions and garlic before adding to crock pot deepens flavor.
  • For thicker, creamier beans, mash a few beans near the end of cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently, adding broth or water if beans thicken too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: Great Northern Beans, Crock Pot Beans, Slow Cooker Beans, Easy Bean Recipe, Healthy Beans, Vegetarian Crock Pot, Budget Meals

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/crock-pot-great-northern-beans/