Slow Cooker Black Beans

First Published: December 4,2018... Last Updated: September 9, 2019

Black Beans are a staple in my kitchen.

In addition to using them in casseroles and serving them as a side dish, I love using them in salads, bowls, and wraps.

In the past, I never considered making dried black beans.  It seemed like just one more thing to do.

And why bother when you could just pop open a can?

Five or six years ago, I started reading about the harmful effects of BPA, which is found in most canned goods.

Once I started learning more, I vowed to make an effort to ditch plastics and use fewer cans.

Since beans can be made at home fairly easily, I decided that this was a fabulous place to start.

I used to make them in my pressure cooker, which was a convenient way to do it. Then my pressure cooker died.  (Edit:  I have a new one but still frequently use this method of cooking.)

When my pressure cooker died, I decided to start making black beans on the stove top.

Who needs fancy gadgets, right?

This worked great until one day I got busy with Skye and forgot about the beans I had cooking. I had set a timer, but one of the boys canceled it when they cooked their lunch.

They cooked so long that all the water cooked out and burned the bottom of my favorite pot. It was not a pretty picture.

That was when I decided to make Slow Cooker Black Beans.

Why didn't I do this sooner?

Guys...it is so easy.

You just dump everything in and hit the button.

Want to make them vegetarian, just skip the bacon! Like pork? Use a ham hock. Don't have one of the spices? No worries, this recipe is not fussy in the least bit.

Making your own black beans is a great way to save money on groceries, which is becoming more and more important now that I have teen boys!

How to Make Slow Cooker Black Beans

1 First, rinse your beans overnight.

2 Drain and rinse, and place them in your crockpot.

3 Add bacon, onion, garlic powder, bay leaf, cumin, ancho chili powder, and oregano.

4 Add the broth.

5 Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4.

6 Add salt in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have to Soak Beans Before Cooking?

No. If you don't want to soak them, you don't have to. You can simply put rinsed black beans into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20 minutes to an hour or until tender.  (Depending on your slow cooker this could take a bit longer.)

Why Should You Soak Beans Cooking?

As stated above, you don't technically have to soak black beans when you are cooking them in the slow cooker. I like to, however, because it helps to remove anti-nutrients that can lead to gastrointestinal upset.  Keep in mind that many people do just fine with unsoaked beans, so this is a personal decision for you and your family.  I have a very sensitive stomach and feel that I benefit from soaking.   It addition to helping with digestion, soaking beans also softens them and helps them cook faster.  

What is The Best Way to Store Cooked Black Beans?

The best way to store cooked black beans is in their cooking liquid. This helps them to stay plump and firm on the outside and tender on the inside. 

How Long Will They Keep in the Fridge or Freezer?

Stored in airtight containers and covered with cooking liquid, you can refrigerate the beans for up to five days, and freeze for up to six months. I recommend freezing them in 1 ½ cup portions since this is approximately equivalent to a can and is an amount commonly used in recipes. Alternatively, if you are making them to add to salads, you can freeze them in single portions. (I usually add between ⅓ cup and ½ cup of beans to a salad.)

Can I Saute' the Onions and Bacon First? 

I like to saute the onions and bacon because I think that it helps the flavors to develop, but if I don't have the time the dumping method I've used here works very well.  Really, this one is a matter of personal preference.

What are the Health Benefits of Black Beans? Are They Good for You?

Yes! Black Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and provide a host of nutritional benefits. Among them are:

Supports Heart Health - Black beans can help keep your arteries clear and help to prevent plaque buildup. This is thanks to the soluble fiber, quercetin, and saponins. They work to protect your heart from disease and reduce inflammation by removing wastes and toxins.
Metabolic Boost - Black beans help to control fat metabolism thanks to the rich flavonoid content. They have magnesium which helps with protein synths and molybdenum which assists your cells in creating energy.
May Help to Prevent Cancer - The antioxidants in black beans may help to keep tumor growth at bay, and can help to prevent DNA damage from free radicals. Black Beans are a great source of selenium which helps the liver detoxify compounds that cause cancer.
Disease Preventative - Black Beans are an excellent source of folate. Folate has been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and heart disease.

What are some easy ways that I can use black beans?

There are so many ways that you can use black beans. And they are all delicious! Here are a few ideas to get you started!

• Add them to a rice bowl
• Use them to make vegetarian quesadillas
• Add them to soup to make it more hearty
• Make a simple meal of rice and beans
• Serve as a meal topped with Pico de Gallo and Queso Fresco
• Puree them with lime juice, cilantro, taco seasoning, and water for a delicious dip.
• Use them to make cheesy black bean nachos

Tips for Making Crockpot Black Beans

• Do not skip soaking and rinsing! This is technically an options step, but I encourage you not to skip it.
• Beans should not be soaked for more than 24 hours.
• I recommend testing at the 6-hour mark if you are cooking on low or at 3 hours if cooking on high. 
• This recipe freezes very well! I like to divide store them in 1 ½ cup portions, which is the same as most cans.  To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.  (See FAQ for more on freezing.)

Variations

• For an extra kick, add in ¼ - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• I like to serve these with a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top.
• Add in dried avocado leaves.  Avocado leave add an authentic Mexican flavor that is reminiscent of anise.
• Add in a diced green onion.

Serving Suggestions

• I love these served with Mexican Style Quinoa  or Spanish Cauliflower Rice
• Use them in Bean & Quinoa Tacos
• Make Black Bean Quinoa Cheddar Burgers

Like This Recipe? You May Also Like:

• Slow Cooker Collard Greens are an easy side and a fabulous way to up your consumption of greens.
• Spicy Slow Cooker Almonds are a great way to liven up a salad, and the perfect snack for meal-prep.
• Looking for more Crockpot Inspiration? You will love these 34 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes!
• The whole family will love these Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Tacos.

Tools Needed to Make This Recipe:

• Crock Pot or Multi-Cooker

Slow Cooker Black Beans

Once you try these Slow Cooker Black Beans, you won’t want to go back to canned! Smokey and flavor-packed, they are the perfect way to add an extra burst of flavor to any dish. 

More Great Ways to Use Black Beans:

• These Avocado Black Bean Quesadillas from Gimme Delicious prove that easy meals can still pack a punch in the flavor department.
• Corn and Black Bean Tacos from Cookie and Kate are perfect for Meatless Monday. (And no one will miss the meat!)