My Own Favorite Bean Dishes in a Crock Pot

Beans have been a favorite in my family since grandma first made her famous bean bake. In this fast pace world, time is important and saving time means either fast food or cooking with a crock pot so you can go about your business without the worry of what is for dinner or if it is proper nourishment for our family. Beans are great cooked in a crock pot and you can skip soaking them ahead of time because you are cooking them extra long.

Beans not only provide nearly as much protein as meat, they also are loaded with anti-oxidants known to fight certain cancers. Beans are high in fiber. They are easy to digest and they are low in calories (about 100-125 per half cup) yet filling. They are also still one of the best buys you’ll find for an inexpensive meal.

Dry beans store well for months as long as no moisture is allowed near them. You can be assured never to be without a meal as long as you have a bag of beans. I like to store mine in an air tight container.

Navy Bean Green Chile and Bacon Soup

1 pound dry navy beans,

Rinse and put in crock pot with 1 quart of water

Cook on high until water is absorbed, add another quart of water and turn heat to low,

Add half cup of chopped green chilies and a half cup of real bacon bits.

Cook at low 4-5 hours, cook at high one hour before serving. Salt and pepper to taste.

Beefy Pinto Bean Soup

1 pound dry pinto beans

Rinse and put in crock pot with 1 quart of water

Cook on high until water is absorbed, add another quart of water and turn heat to low.

Add 1 pound ground or cubed beef

Cook at low 4-5 hours, cook at high one hour before serving.

Add more water if desired. Salt and pepper to taste.

Northern Beans and Ham Soup

1 pound dry northern beans

Rinse and put in crock pot with 1 quart of water

Cook on high until water is absorbed, add another quart of water and turn heat to low.

Add desired amount of cubed ham or ham bone from picnic ham with meat left on it.

Cook at low 4-5 hours, cook at high until beans are tender before serving.

Add more water if desired. Salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with your favorite baking powder biscuit recipe.

My Best Chili

1 pound dry kidney beans

Rinse and put in crock pot with 1 quart of water

Cook on high until water is absorbed, add another quart of water and turn heat to low.

Add 2 cups fresh skinned tomatoes, can be left whole or diced.

1 pound ground beef or combo of ground beef and pork.

Cook 4-5 hours then add:

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons chili powder

½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Add more water if desired,

Cook on high until beans are tender before serving.

Beans and Rice Mexican Style

Prepare rice (bring 4-5 cups water to boil, add 1 ½ cup rice, cover and simmer 15 minutes)

Stir in precooked or canned diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and black beans about a cup each or as desired.

Simmer another 10 minutes or so. Shut off heat and let stand until sauce is absorbed.

Or it can be placed in crock pot on low until ready to serve.

Serve on corn tortillas. This is also great by itself.