Description
This Great Northern Beans Crock Pot Recipe is a cozy, hearty, and budget-friendly meal. Slow-cooked beans with vegetables and smoky spices create a nourishing dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Pantry Staples
- 1 pound dried Great Northern beans, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- 1 cup diced ham, bacon, or smoked turkey leg
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili powder
- Parmesan rind for extra depth
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse beans thoroughly, removing any debris. If desired, soak overnight for quicker cooking.
- Load the Crock Pot: Add beans, vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beans are tender.
- Finish: Season with salt and pepper in the last hour. For creamier texture, mash some beans and stir them back in.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with cornbread, rice, or a crisp salad.
Notes
- Avoid adding salt at the start—it toughens bean skins.
- Fresh beans cook faster than older beans.
- This recipe freezes beautifully for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g