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You can cook beans in the crockpot for anywhere from 3 to 10 hours, depending on the type of bean and whether you soaked them first.
If you’re wondering how long do you cook beans in the crockpot, the short answer is that most beans take between 4 and 8 hours on low heat.
Smaller beans like black beans or navy beans cook faster, while larger beans like kidney beans or chickpeas need more time.
The beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it, letting the beans simmer gently while you go about your day.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long you cook beans in the crockpot, plus tips for getting them perfectly tender every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Long Do You Cook Beans in the Crockpot?
The exact time for how long do you cook beans in the crockpot depends on a few key factors, but here’s a general guide to get you started.
When you cook beans in the crockpot, always use the low setting for best results.
High heat can cause the beans to split and turn mushy on the outside while staying hard on the inside.
1. Soaked Beans: 3 to 5 Hours on Low
If you soaked your beans overnight, you’ve already cut down the cooking time significantly.
Soaked beans typically cook in the crockpot in about 3 to 5 hours on low.
This is because soaking softens the outer skin and rehydrates the bean, allowing heat to penetrate faster.
For example, soaked black beans might be ready in as little as 3 hours, while soaked chickpeas could take closer to 5.
Always check them at the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
2. Unsoaked Beans: 6 to 8 Hours on Low
If you forgot to soak your beans, don’t worry, you can still cook beans in the crockpot without pre-soaking.
Unsoaked beans just need more time, usually 6 to 8 hours on low.
The longer cook time allows the beans to gradually absorb water and soften all the way through.
Just make sure you add plenty of liquid since dry beans soak up a lot of water as they cook.
A good rule of thumb is to use about 6 to 8 cups of water for every pound of dry unsoaked beans.
3. Larger Beans Need More Time
Not all beans are created equal when it comes to crockpot cooking times.
When you cook beans in the crockpot, larger varieties like kidney beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas generally take longer than smaller ones.
Kidney beans might need 8 hours on low if unsoaked, while black beans or lentils could be done in 4 to 5.
Lentils are actually the fastest cooking legume and can be ready in as little as 2 to 3 hours on low in a crockpot.
4. Altitude and Crockpot Size Matter Too
If you live at a high altitude, beans take longer to cook because water boils at a lower temperature.
So the answer to how long do you cook beans in the crockpot can shift by an hour or more depending on where you live.
Also, a larger crockpot with more empty space may cook beans a bit faster than a smaller one packed full.
Tips for Cooking Beans in the Crockpot Perfectly
Now that you know the basics of how long do you cook beans in the crockpot, here are some tips to make sure they turn out tender and flavorful.
1. Never Add Salt Too Early
Salt can toughen the skins of beans if added at the beginning of cooking.
Wait until the beans are fully tender before adding salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar.
Acid has the same effect as salt, so hold off on those until the end too.
2. Keep Beans Covered with Liquid
Beans need to stay submerged in liquid the whole time they cook.
If they peek above the water line, they’ll stay hard no matter how long you cook them.
Check your crockpot every couple of hours and add more hot water if needed.
3. Stir Occasionally If You Can
You don’t have to hover over the crockpot, but a gentle stir every now and then helps beans cook evenly.
It also keeps them from sticking to the bottom and burning.
4. Test for Doneness Before Turning Off
The best way to know if your beans are done is to taste one.
It should be soft all the way through with no chalky center.
If it’s still firm, keep cooking and check again in 30 minutes.
Common Mistakes When You Cook Beans in the Crockpot
Even with the best intentions, some mistakes can ruin a batch of beans.
1. Using the High Setting
High heat cooks the outside of the bean too fast while the inside stays tough.
Always choose low and slow for the best texture when you cook beans in the crockpot.
2. Not Using Enough Water
Dry beans absorb a surprising amount of liquid.
If you start with too little water, you’ll end up with dry, crunchy beans by the time they’re supposed to be done.
3. Adding Acid Too Soon
Tomatoes, lemon juice, and vinegar all slow down the softening process.
Save these ingredients for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
So, How Long Do You Cook Beans in the Crockpot?
You cook beans in the crockpot for 3 to 5 hours on low if they’re soaked, or 6 to 8 hours on low if they’re unsoaked.
Larger beans like kidney beans and chickpeas need more time, while smaller beans and lentils cook faster.
The key is to keep them covered with liquid, avoid salt and acid early on, and always use the low setting.
Once you know how long do you cook beans in the crockpot for your favorite variety, you’ll have perfectly tender, flavorful beans ready for soups, stews, and more.
Give it a try and enjoy the hands-off convenience of slow-cooked beans.