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Crock Pot Great Northern Beans

Crock Pot Great Northern Beans
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Crock Pot Great Northern Beans is a hearty, comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender Great Northern beans simmered with aromatic vegetables and savory broth. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights, this easy-to-make dish delivers a mellow, versatile flavor and wholesome nutrition, ideal for meal prep and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried Great Northern beans, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 diced jalapeño (for spicy kick)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or splash of tomato sauce (for tomato-based variation)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (for herb boost)
  • Chopped smoked sausage (for smoky twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Beans: Rinse the dried Great Northern beans thoroughly under cool water to remove any dust or debris. Soaking overnight is optional but can reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to blend well into the dish and provide an aromatic base.
  3. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Add the soaked or unsoaked beans, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, bay leaves, and broth into your slow cooker. Include any optional smoked ingredients or spices if desired.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beans are tender and flavors meld perfectly.
  5. Season and Serve: Once cooked, season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if preferred, and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Soaking beans overnight cuts down cooking time and improves digestibility.
  • Add salt at the end of cooking to prevent beans from toughening.
  • Use quality broth instead of water for better flavor.
  • Stir halfway through cooking if possible for even heat distribution.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs or smoked ingredients early for deeper flavor layers.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; flavors improve overnight.
  • Freeze extras in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding broth or water as needed to maintain creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Great Northern beans, crock pot beans, slow cooker beans, easy bean recipe, healthy bean stew, gluten free, vegetarian bean dish, meal prep beans

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