How Long Do You Cook Beans In A Slow Cooker

You can cook beans in a slow cooker in about 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high, depending on the type and size of the beans.
 
The good news is that cooking beans in a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to get creamy, tender results without standing over a hot stove.
 
If you’ve been wondering how long to cook beans in a slow cooker, the answer really depends on a few key factors we’ll get into.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how long to cook different beans in a slow cooker, how to prep them, and the mistakes that can leave you with tough beans.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Long Do You Cook Beans in a Slow Cooker?

The short answer is that most beans take between 6 and 8 hours on low in a slow cooker.
 
But that number shifts quite a bit depending on whether you’re using dried or canned beans, and what variety you’re working with.
 
Here’s a closer look at how long you cook beans in a slow cooker for the most common types.
 

1. Black Beans and Pinto Beans

Black beans and pinto beans typically take 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
 
These medium-sized beans cook fairly evenly and hold their shape well.
 
If you want them extra soft for refried beans or soups, lean toward the 8-hour mark.
 

2. Kidney Beans and Great Northern Beans

Kidney beans and great northern beans usually need 7 to 9 hours on low.
 
They’re a bit larger and denser, so they take longer to soften all the way through.
 
Just be sure to boil kidney beans for at least 10 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker, since raw kidney beans contain a toxin that slow cooking alone won’t destroy.
 

3. Chickpeas and Navy Beans

Chickpeas take the longest, often 8 to 10 hours on low.
 
Navy beans and other small white beans cook faster, usually 5 to 7 hours on low.
 
When you cook beans in a slow cooker, smaller beans always finish first, so keep that in mind if you’re mixing varieties.
 

4. Canned Beans

If you’re using canned beans, you barely need to cook them at all.
 
Just drain and rinse them, then add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
 
That’s really all the time they need to soak up flavor without turning to mush.
 

How to Prep Beans Before They Go in the Slow Cooker

How long you cook beans in a slow cooker also depends on how you prep them.
 
Get this part right and your beans will come out tender every single time.
 

1. Rinse and Sort

Start by spreading your dried beans on a baking sheet and picking out any small stones or shriveled beans.
 
Then rinse them under cool running water until the water runs clear.
 

2. Soak Overnight (or Quick Soak)

Soaking isn’t strictly required, but it helps beans cook faster and more evenly.
 
For an overnight soak, cover the beans with a few inches of water and let them sit for 8 hours.
 
In a hurry?
 
Bring them to a boil for 2 minutes, then let them sit covered for an hour.
 

3. Skip the Acid Until the End

This is the mistake that trips up most people.
 
Tomatoes, vinegar, and lemon juice all slow down the softening process.
 
So if you’re making a tomato-based bean dish, add those acidic ingredients during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
 

4. Season With Salt Early

Despite the old myth, salting beans at the start actually helps them soften and season them from the inside out.
 
Add about a teaspoon of salt per pound of beans before you turn on the slow cooker.
 

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beans

Once you know how long to cook beans in a slow cooker, a few simple habits make the results even better.
 

1. Use Enough Liquid

Beans need plenty of water to cook properly.
 
Cover them with at least 2 to 3 inches of water or broth, and check halfway through to make sure they haven’t dried out.
 

2. Keep the Lid On

Every time you lift the lid, you lose heat and add cooking time.
 
Resist the urge to peek, and let the slow cooker do its thing.
 

3. Test for Doneness

Around the 6-hour mark, scoop out a bean and taste it.
 
If it’s still firm in the center, keep cooking and check again in 30-minute increments.
 

4. Adjust for Altitude and Age

Older beans and high-altitude kitchens both require longer cooking times.
 
If your beans are more than a year old, expect to add an hour or two to how long you cook beans in a slow cooker.
 

So, How Long Do You Cook Beans in a Slow Cooker?

You cook beans in a slow cooker for about 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high, with larger beans like chickpeas taking closer to 10 hours.
 
The exact time depends on the bean variety, whether you soaked them, and how old they are.
 
Canned beans only need about 30 minutes at the end, so they’re a great shortcut on busy days.
 
Now that you know how long to cook beans in a slow cooker, you can set it, forget it, and come home to a warm, flavorful pot of beans ready for dinner.