slow cooker white beans
This simple slow cooker white beans recipe delivers tender, flavorful beans that can be served as a hearty side dish or a base for a main meal. Rich in protein and perfect for meal prep, you'll enjoy the ease of a hands-off cooking method.
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 chopping board
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried white beans such as cannellini or great northern
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish Optional
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the dried white beans to remove any debris. No need to soak them beforehand.
- In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed white beans, vegetable broth (or water), diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 8 hours or until the beans are tender.
- After 8 hours, carefully taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can add cooked sausage, ham, or vegetables for more variation and flavor. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or as a topping for rice or quinoa.