Throw some onions, garlic and dry beans into the slow cooker, walk away, and in 4 hours you have enough savory black beans for a fair few meals. Plus it is cheaper than buying the canned version. Sound good? Read on.
I have been making my refried beans in the slow cooker for a long time. I luuuurve refried beans, but not all the added salt in the canned version. I decided to give the same recipe a shot, using some black beans, to change it up – because I am a rebel like that…I can now say I have stepped away from canned savory black beans for good! It’s now Slow Cooker Savory Black Beans, or nothing.
I am all about the frugal, if it doesn’t take me a million years to make, AND I can get a few serves knocked out at once for the freezer. This recipe ticks off all the boxes. Just 4 ingredients, not much in the way of prep work at all, half the price of the store bought version, and gives me 8 servings of savory black beans for future use. Plus you are in charge of the salt content, which is a huge plus when serving up to little ones.
We usually have a ‘make your own salad bowl’ one night a week (when I CANNOT cook another meal), and black beans are great for filling the salad out and giving a kick of flavour. You can also chuck them into some burritos, or whip up some Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers. Such a versatile bean to have on hand.
Do you have a favourite staple you cook up in the slow cooker? I would love to hear what you have to say. Be sure to leave a comment, like on Facebook, tweet on Twitter or pin to Pinterest for future use! Happy eating 🙂
- 1 lb dried black beans
- 1 onion peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and smashed with the end of a knife
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups of water
- 2 tsp salt
- Rinse and sort your black beans, being sure to remove any small stones
- Pop all of the ingredients, except the salt, into a slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Length of time will depend on your slow cooker - be sure to check after 3 hours (see notes)
- Once ready, stir in the salt and store in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze. Tip: I usually keep a bit of the leftover liquid in with the beans when storing - it stops them from drying out, especially if you plan on freezing
To check for doneness - just remove a bean from the slow cooker, and squeeze between two fingers. If it is soft, and crushes, the beans are ready
August says
I have made this myself and it is quite yummy. I have also tried adding about a teaspoon of cumin to the beans while they are cooking and it really boosts the flavor.
Good to call out adding the salt at the end! In almost all cases, if you add salt at the beginning, your beans take longer to cook and are kinda tough. Do it at the end! This is even true when you are making bean soups like pasta fagioli, lentil, etc!
Donna says
Thanks for taking the time to pop back and let us know August! I haven’t made these in so long, will have to try adding come cumin to my next batch!
Meghan says
Hi! Would this short cook work on other beans as well?
Donna1 says
Hi Meghan, I actually haven’t tried this with any other beans, but I can’t see why it wouldn’t. Be sure to pop back and let me know if it works for you 🙂
Lexi says
I’ve never made beans like this before. This would be good to make for taco bowls.
Jenni S. says
Black beans are one of my favorite foods– I’ve never tried making them in the slow cooker before, though!
Debra says
This sounds absolutely amazing! I would love try this!
nicole says
Love beans and I think I have a slow cooker, a must try.
Bonnie @ Living a Fit and Full Life says
Yummy! I love beans!
ana says
I love me some black beans and they really are the most versatile food that you can have. Make a stew or a burrito anything goes.
Monroe says
Simple, easy breezy and tasty … Adding to my menu
Cynthia @craftoflaughter says
I love black beans and eat them in everything. I didn’t realize they were easy to make! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Becca says
I don’t usually like beans. But you have me wondering if I’d like them better when they’re not from a can!
Jen K says
I love black beans. I have not had them in awhile. I will need to try this!
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories says
Yum, I love black beans and rice. I love even more that this is a slow cooker recipe! Hope you’ll stop by and link up with us at Small Victories Sunday Linkup, open all week long!
Whole Food Bellies says
Oh yes I will indeed Tanya 🙂
stephanie says
okay all i have to say is looking at that big bowl of beans on day 4 of whole30 was absolutely torture. and the words you used to describe them… THEY LOOK SO TASTY!!! hahaha.
Whole Food Bellies says
Oh haha sorry Stephanie 🙂 Good luck!!
Michelle says
Yummy! Making beans can be such a pain but this seems so easy, thanks!
Whole Food Bellies says
Oh I know Michelle, between the soaking, the rinsing and the sorting, I don’t really bother anymore…unless I can chuck them in the slow cooker and forget about them 🙂