Basic Red Beans(Crock-Pot)
Creamy, flavorful red beans cooked slowly with ham and aromatics, perfect for hearty meals and comfort food lovers seeking a tender, savory dish with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- The night before, wash and sort dried beans.
- Wash beans 2 to 3 times, alternating between crock-pot and colander.
- When water runs clear, cover beans in crock-pot with about 2 inches of cold water and add the whole peeled onion.
- Turn crock-pot to low and cook overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. If you don't have ham, smoked sausage or turkey can work as great substitutes. To save time, consider using canned beans; just reduce the cooking time. Remember to soak the beans if you want a softer texture. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste, similar to Pork Tenderloins With Dilled Mushroom Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the red beans over a bed of rice for a classic pairing. You can also enjoy them with cornbread or as a filling for tacos. For added flavor, top with green onions or a dollop of sour cream. This dish pairs beautifully with Hawaiian Bean Casserole for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing the beans for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Red Beans(Crock-Pot) contains roughly 36 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker option. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the crock-pot. Reduce the cooking time to about 2 hours on low, since they are already cooked.
How can I adjust the seasoning for my taste?
You can customize the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or spices like cumin and chili powder to enhance the flavor. Taste the beans towards the end of cooking and adjust as needed for your preference.
What can I serve with red beans?
Red beans are delicious served over rice, but you can also pair them with cornbread or a fresh salad. For a hearty meal, serve alongside a meat dish like pork chops or consider incorporating them into a sandwich for a satisfying lunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).