How Long Do You Cook Beans In The Crockpot

You can cook beans in a crockpot in about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, depending on the type of bean and whether you soaked them first.
 
That said, the real answer to how long do you cook beans in the crockpot is a little more flexible than a single number.
 
Some beans finish faster, some take longer, and a few stubborn varieties can take almost all day.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself how long do you cook beans in the crockpot, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll break down cook times by bean type, cover how soaking changes things, and share tips so your beans come out tender every single time.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

How Long Do You Cook Beans in the Crockpot?

 
The short answer is that most beans need 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high when soaked.
 
If you skip soaking, add roughly 2 more hours to those numbers.
 
Here’s the thing about cooking beans in a crockpot: slow cookers hold steady, gentle heat, which is actually perfect for breaking down the starches in beans.
 
That gentle heat is why so many people swear by their crockpot for beans.
 
You just dump everything in, walk away, and come back to a pot of soft, creamy beans.
 
But how long you cook beans in the crockpot also depends on a few key factors.
 
Things like bean size, age, and your specific slow cooker model all play a role.
 

1. Cook Times by Bean Type

 
Different beans need different amounts of time in the crockpot.
 
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long to cook beans in the crockpot for the most common varieties.
 
Black beans usually need 6 to 8 hours on low, or about 3 to 4 hours on high.
 
Pinto beans take roughly the same amount of time.
 
Kidney beans need 7 to 8 hours on low, and they must be boiled before going into the crockpot.
 
Navy beans and great northern beans cook in about 6 to 7 hours on low.
 
Chickpeas are the longest, needing 8 to 10 hours on low because they’re larger and denser.
 
Lentils are the exception, taking only 3 to 4 hours on low.
 

2. Low vs. High Setting

 
So how long do you cook beans in the crockpot on high versus low?
 
On high, most soaked beans finish in 3 to 4 hours.
 
On low, plan for 6 to 8 hours.
 
The low setting gives you more forgiving results because it’s harder to overcook.
 
The high setting is great when you’re short on time but check them early.
 
Beans can go from perfect to mushy fast on high.
 

3. How Soaking Changes the Time

 
If you soak your beans overnight, you cut cooking time significantly.
 
Soaked beans cook in about 6 to 8 hours on low.
 
Unsoaked beans, sometimes called quick-soaked or no-soak, can take 8 to 10 hours on low.
 
That’s the honest answer to how long do you cook beans in the crockpot when you skip the soak.
 
Soaking also helps beans cook more evenly and reduces the gas they cause.
 

Tips for Cooking Beans in the Crockpot

 
Getting tender beans isn’t just about time.
 
A few small habits make a huge difference in how your beans turn out.
 

1. Never Add Salt Too Early

 
Salt can toughen bean skins if you add it at the start.
 
Wait until the beans are fully soft, then season to taste.
 
This one tip alone fixes most “why are my beans still hard” problems.
 

2. Skip the Acid Until the End

 
Tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus also slow down softening.
 
Add them after the beans are tender, not before.
 
That’s why chili recipes often call for tomatoes near the end.
 

3. Use Enough Liquid

 
Beans need plenty of water or broth, usually 3 to 4 cups per cup of dried beans.
 
They absorb a lot, so keep them covered by an inch or two.
 
Check halfway through and add hot water if needed.
 

4. Keep the Lid On

 
Every time you lift the lid, you lose heat and add cooking time.
 
Resist the urge to peek, and trust the process.
 

Do You Have to Soak Beans Before Cooking Them in a Crockpot?

 
No, you don’t have to soak beans before cooking them in a crockpot.
 
You can cook dry beans directly in the slow cooker, but they’ll take longer.
 
Unsoaked beans usually need 8 to 10 hours on low to get fully tender.
 
There’s one big exception, though: kidney beans.
 
Raw kidney beans contain a toxin that slow cooking doesn’t destroy.
 
You must boil kidney beans for at least 10 minutes before adding them to the crockpot.
 
That step keeps them safe to eat.
 

So, How Long Do You Cook Beans in the Crockpot?

 
You cook beans in the crockpot for about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high when they’ve been soaked.
 
If you skip soaking, add a couple of hours to the total.
 
The exact time depends on the bean type, your slow cooker, and how old the beans are.
 
Remember to hold off on salt and acid until the end, keep the lid on, and check for tenderness before calling it done.
 
With these tips, you’ll know exactly how long do you cook beans in the crockpot every time.