Crock Pot Northern Beans have a way of warming you from the inside out, and this recipe is truly special. I remember my mom making a big pot of these beans on a cold, rainy Sunday. The aroma of smoky ham and savory herbs filled our entire house, making everyone gather in the kitchen, eager for a bowl. It’s the kind of comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. Learning how to cook Northern Beans in Crock Pot was a game-changer for my busy weeknights, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying dish. This Slow Cooker Northern Beans recipe is so straightforward, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Northern Beans

Incredibly rich and savory flavor from the smoked ham hock.
Minimal prep time means you can toss it in the slow cooker and forget about it.
Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice.
Super budget-friendly – dried beans and ham hocks are inexpensive staples.
This Easy Crock Pot Northern Beans recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
Perfect for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
Enjoy a comforting, hearty dish with minimal effort.
It’s the ultimate Easy Crock Pot Northern Beans for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Northern Beans

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. You’ll need 2 cups dried Great Northern beans, which are the stars of the show. Make sure to rinse them well and pick over any small stones or debris. For that incredible smoky depth, I love using 1 lb smoked ham hock, or you can substitute with 1 lb smoked ham, cut into chunks. This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover ham too! We’ll also add aromatics: 1 large yellow onion, chopped, and 4 cloves garlic, minced. The liquid base comes from 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, giving it a savory foundation. To season, grab 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Lastly, have salt to taste ready for the end. Using Crock Pot dried Northern Beans is so convenient and forgiving!

How to Make Crock Pot Northern Beans

Step 1: Begin by preparing your slow cooker. While this recipe doesn’t require preheating, it’s good to have everything ready. Place the rinsed and picked-over 2 cups dried Great Northern beans directly into the crock pot insert.
Step 2: Add your chosen smoked meat. Nestle the 1 lb smoked ham hock or the 1 lb smoked ham, cut into chunks, amongst the beans. This is where that wonderful smoky flavor truly develops.
Step 3: Scatter the aromatics over the beans and ham. Add the 1 large yellow onion, chopped, and the 4 cloves garlic, minced. These ingredients build the flavor base for your dish.
Step 4: Pour in the liquid. Add 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth to cover everything generously. This broth will become infused with the flavors of the ham and aromatics.
Step 5: Season the mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. These herbs add a lovely aromatic quality.
Step 6: Cover and cook. Secure the lid on your crock pot. Cook on the LOW setting for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The goal is for the beans to become perfectly tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they are creamy and soft. This slow cooking process is key for delicious Northern Beans in Crock Pot.
Step 7: Shred the meat. Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the ham hock or ham chunks from the crock pot. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat using two forks. Discard any bones or excess fat.
Step 8: Return meat and season. Add the shredded meat back into the crock pot with the beans. Stir everything together gently. Now is the time to season with salt to taste.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy. Ladle the hot, flavorful Northern Beans in Crock Pot into bowls. This Simple Slow Cooker Northern Beans recipe is fantastic on its own or served with your favorite crusty bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Northern Beans

Want to elevate your bean game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference for this dish. Following these tips will help you create what I consider the Best Northern Beans Crock Pot Recipe.

Don’t skip rinsing and picking over your dried beans. It’s a crucial step to remove any potential debris.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf along with the thyme and pepper.
If you want a thicker consistency, mash about a cup of the cooked beans against the side of the crock pot before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Smoked paprika is also a great addition if you don’t have a ham hock.

Crock Pot Northern Beans: 1 EASY Comfort Meal - Crock Pot Northern Beans - additional detail

What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Northern Beans?

The real magic in this Smoked Northern Beans Crock Pot dish comes from using a smoked ham hock. It infuses the beans with a deep, smoky richness that you just can’t get from other ingredients. It’s a simple trick that makes a world of difference.

Can I make Crock Pot Northern Beans ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish in the crock pot insert, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook. Just add a little extra liquid if the beans look dry when you start cooking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Northern Beans?

A common pitfall is not cooking the beans long enough, leaving them tough. Ensure they are tender before proceeding. Also, never add salt at the beginning of cooking dried beans, as it can prevent them from softening properly. Season at the end! For more information on bean preparation, you can check out resources on how to prepare beans.

Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Northern Beans

These hearty beans are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with so many dishes. My favorite way to serve them is alongside a slice of warm, crusty cornbread – the slight sweetness of the bread is the perfect contrast to the savory beans. For lighter meals, I love a big bowl of these Crock Pot Northern Beans with a fresh, crisp green salad on the side. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination. If you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day, consider using these beans as a base for a hearty soup. They are fantastic as Northern Beans for Soup Crock Pot, especially when paired with some shredded chicken or extra vegetables. You can find great soup recipes here.

Nutrition Facts for Crock Pot Northern Beans

This hearty dish is not only delicious but also quite nutritious! A serving of these flavorful beans provides a good balance of macronutrients. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 15g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 30mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of broth or the exact fat content of the ham.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Northern Beans

This delicious Northern Beans recipe slow cooker dish is perfect for making ahead, and storing it properly ensures you can enjoy it all week long. Once the beans have cooled down slightly at room temperature, transfer them into airtight containers. You can store them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option! Portion the beans into freezer-safe bags or containers, and they should last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the easiest way to reheat is in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if they seem too thick. For more tips on food storage, check out this guide on food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Northern Beans

How long to cook Northern Beans in Crock Pot?

For tender beans, cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The exact time can vary depending on your specific slow cooker and the age of your dried beans. It’s always best to check for tenderness rather than strictly adhering to the clock.

What are Northern Beans good for Crock Pot?

Crock Pot Northern Beans are incredibly versatile! They make a hearty main dish, a comforting side, or a base for soups. They’re fantastic with ham or bacon for a smoky flavor, or you can make them vegan by using vegetable broth and adding extra veggies. Think of them as a blank canvas for delicious, wholesome meals.

Can I use canned Northern Beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, substitute about 4-5 cans (15 oz each) of drained and rinsed Northern beans for the dried ones. Add them during the last hour of cooking, along with the shredded meat and seasonings, to let the flavors meld.

How can I make Crock Pot Northern Beans with bacon?

To incorporate bacon, sauté about 4-6 slices of chopped bacon until crisp before adding it to the crock pot with the beans. You can also add some of the rendered bacon fat to the pot for extra flavor. This variation brings a wonderful smoky and salty depth to your Crock Pot Northern Beans.

Variations of Crock Pot Northern Beans You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! These variations will help you explore different flavor profiles and make your Crock Pot Northern Beans even more exciting. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy a Healthy Crock Pot Northern Beans meal tailored to your tastes.

Vegan Version: For a completely plant-based meal, simply omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra flavor and texture by tossing in chopped carrots, celery, or even some diced sweet potato during the last hour of cooking.
Herbaceous Boost: If you love herbs, consider adding a bay leaf along with the thyme and pepper. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add a lovely depth of flavor, especially if you’re not using a smoked ham product.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the crock pot along with the onions and garlic.
Hearty and Savory: Elevate your beans with a classic combination like Northern Beans and Ham Crock Pot. You can also add other smoky elements like a diced smoked sausage or even a few strips of bacon cooked and crumbled on top.

Crock Pot Northern Beans: 1 EASY Comfort Meal

Author: Ennas Lopez
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 10 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This easy Crock Pot Great Northern Beans recipe delivers a comforting and hearty meal with minimal effort. It’s a versatile dish perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a warm, flavorful bean dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups dried Great Northern beans, rinsed and picked over
1 lb smoked ham hock or 1 lb smoked ham, cut into chunks
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Instructions

Place the rinsed Great Northern beans in your crock pot.
Add the ham hock or ham chunks to the crock pot.
Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the beans and ham.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
Stir in the dried thyme and black pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender.
Remove the ham hock or ham, shred the meat, and return it to the crock pot.
Season with salt to taste.
Serve hot.

Notes

For a vegan option, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for flavor.
If you prefer a thicker bean dish, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the crock pot.
Adjust seasonings to your preference. Smoked paprika or a bay leaf can add extra depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-10 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 15g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 30mg

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