Slow Cooker Northern White Bean Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that makes weeknight dinners effortless and flavorful. These creamy white beans simmered to perfection with aromatic herbs, garlic, and just the right amount of seasoning, creating a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness.
Whether you serve them as a side dish or let them take center stage, this slow-cooked classic is as versatile as it is delicious.
Pair it with buttery Cornbread to soak up all the rich, savory juices, and a chilled glass of Iced Tea for a refreshing Southern touch. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, lazy Sundays, or any time you want a meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with inviting aromas.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Low-effort, high-reward: Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
- Incredibly creamy and flavorful: The long, slow cooking process brings out the beans’ natural creaminess and blends the flavors beautifully.
- Customizable and nutritious: Add smoked sausage, ham, or your favorite veggies to make it your own.
- Great for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day!
Slow Cooker Northern White Bean Recipe
This hearty dish combines tender great Northern beans with smoky neck bones for a comforting, flavorful meal. A touch of soul seasoning, vinegar, and hot sauce adds depth and a hint of spice.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large container for soaking beans
- Plate for shredding meat
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried great Northern beans rinsed
- 2 large smoked neck bones
- 2 14 ounce cans chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon soul seasoning
- ½ onion finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar or to taste (Optional)
- 1 pinch white sugar or to taste (Optional)
- 1 dash hot sauce or to taste (Optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Beans:
- Place the beans in a large container and cover with several inches of cool water. Soak for 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the beans, then set aside.
Start the Slow Cooker:
- Add smoked neck bones to the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the bones and sprinkle with soul seasoning.
Cook the Neck Bones:
- Set the slow cooker to High and cook for about 1 hour, or until the meat falls off the bones.
Shred the Meat:
- Remove the neck bones and meat from the slow cooker. Shred the meat from the bones and discard the bones.
Combine Ingredients:
- Stir the soaked beans, chopped onion, vinegar (if using), sugar, and hot sauce (if using) into the slow cooker. Spread the shredded meat over the bean mixture.
Cook the Beans:
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours, or on High for 2 to 4 hours, until the beans are tender and flavors are well combined.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm as a hearty main dish or pair with cornbread for a traditional touch.
- This slow cooker recipe is perfect for cozy days, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of Southern flavors while the beans and neck bones cook to perfection!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 252 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Sodium | 1150 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Pro Tips for Perfect Beans!
- Soak the Beans: Let beans soak overnight in plenty of water to ensure even cooking and reduce cooking time. For a quicker method, boil the beans for 1 minute, then let them sit for an hour before draining.
- Rinse and Drain: After soaking, rinse the beans well to remove any residual starch that can cause foam during cooking.
- Smoked Neck Bones: These add incredible depth to the dish. If unavailable, substitute with smoked turkey wings or ham hocks.
- Layering the Ingredients: Add the neck bones and broth first to infuse maximum flavor into the beans and seasoning.
- Cooking Time: For the best texture, slow cook on Low for 4-6 hours. Cooking on High (2-4 hours) works for a quicker option, but the flavors may not develop as deeply.
- Season Gradually: Add the vinegar, sugar, and hot sauce to taste at the end of cooking to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Shredded Meat: Shred the meat finely and mix it back into the beans for a rich, hearty texture.
- Thicker Broth: For a thicker consistency, mash a small portion of the beans in the slow cooker and stir to create a creamy base.
- Storage: Cool completely and store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the beans have thickened.
- Serve it Right: Enjoy these beans as a comforting side dish or a hearty main, paired with cornbread, rice, or a fresh green salad.
This dish is a true comfort food classic, perfect for any season!
