Introduction

Great Northern Beans in the Crockpot is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week.
These tender white beans slowly cook to perfection, soaking up rich flavors from broth, herbs, and aromatics.
The best part? You can simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work — no soaking or fuss required.
Whether you enjoy them as a main course or a side dish, this recipe delivers creamy, flavorful beans every time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried Great Northern beans, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Optional add-ins:
• 1 cup diced ham or smoked sausage (for a heartier meal)
• 1 chopped carrot and 1 chopped celery stalk (for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse and sort through the beans to remove any debris or broken pieces. No need to soak unless you prefer a softer texture.
2. Add to Crockpot: Place the beans in the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, bay leaf, thyme, and olive oil.
3. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the beans are completely covered (add more liquid if necessary).
4. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally if possible.
5. Optional Add-Ins: About 1 hour before the beans are done, stir in diced ham, sausage, or vegetables if using.
6. Finish: Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with cornbread or over rice.

Description

This dish is the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction.
The beans become creamy and rich as they simmer slowly, absorbing the deep, savory flavors of the broth and spices.
Each bite feels like homemade comfort, and the versatility of this recipe means you can customize it with your favorite meats or vegetables.

Tips

• No Soak Tip: Great Northern beans cook beautifully in the slow cooker without soaking, but if you soak them overnight, they’ll cook a bit faster and more evenly.
• Texture Control: For creamier beans, mash a small portion with a spoon near the end of cooking and stir it back in.
• Flavor Boost: A dash of hot sauce, vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Correction

If your beans come out tough, it’s likely due to:

• Using old beans (which never soften well).
• Adding acidic ingredients (like tomatoes or vinegar) too early in the cooking process — always add these at the end.

Enjoy

Serve your Great Northern Beans with warm cornbread, over rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome and comforting meal.
Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and ease that only slow-cooked beans can bring! 🍲✨