By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On April 2, 2023

An easy recipe for Crockpot Black Beans with pre-soak and no-soak instructions. You're going to love the taste and texture of these homemade slow cooker black beans.

These crockpot black beans are simple to make and less expensive than buying store bought black beans.

We use this crockpot black bean recipe to make up a big batch of black beans to use in several recipes, including our Gluten Free Chili Recipe and our Gluten-Free Black Bean Burgers. You can also switch out the white beans for these black beans in Crack Chicken Chili.

Black Bean Crockpot Recipe

Did you know it's less expensive to make this black bean crockpot recipe than it is to by the equivalent at the store of canned beans? It costs an average of $1 for a one-pound bag of black beans (some stores sell black beans for up to $2 a pound).

The cheapest I've found canned black beans in my area is about .98 cents a can. This black bean crockpot recipe makes about 6 cups of cooked black beans and they are incredible when they are fresh cooked. That's 3-4 cans of black beans. Cooking black beans in a crockpot saves you 50-75% off the purchase price.

You can control the amount of salt and spice. You can also cook these crockpot black beans for more time for a more tender texture, or for less time if you like them on the firm side.

How to make crockpot black beans

1. Remove any broken or cracked beans. Place beans in a bowl of water to soak for 8 hours, or overnight (or don't soak them and increase the cooking time).
2. Drain the water and add the soaked beans into the inner pot of the slow cooker.
3. Add the water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and stir until combined (pictured above).
4. Turn your slow cooker on HIGH and cook for 3 hours (or low for 6-7 hours). Check for doneness and add more cook time in 30-minute increments, if needed.

See the printable recipe card below for the full recipe and list of ingredient quantities.

Should I soak black beans?

We prefer to soak black beans because it speeds up the cooking time, helps them cook evenly, and it makes them easier to digest (we get less gassy). Soaking helps to reduces the phytic acid. You don't have to soak black beans before cooking them but you should always rinse them. See the notes in the recipe card below for cooking times when cooking un-soaked black beans.

Can I make other beans in a crockpot?

Yes, this crockpot black beans recipe isn't limited to just black beans. You can make pinto beans and white beans using the same recipe. Simply swap out the black beans and add in your favorite bean.

Instant Pot Black Beans

Add the beans, garlic, and onion powder to your Instant Pot and cook on HIGH pressure for 9 minutes for soaked beans. Let the pressure naturally release then stir in the salt. For un-soaked beans, cook on HIGH pressure for 25 minutes and letting pressure release for 20 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release then stir in the salt. 

Do black beans need to be rinsed before cooking?

Yes, you should always sort any broken beans out and rinse the beans before cooking them. Like I mentioned above, we like to soak our beans but you don't have to. Make sure to give them a good rinse before cooking them.

How long do you crockpot black beans?

If you pre-soak the black beans, you'll want to cook them for 3 hours on high, or 6 hours on low. If you don't pre-soak them, you'll want to cook them for 3.5-4 hours on high and 7 hours on low. Check for doneness in 30-minute increments after that.

Tips for cooking slow cooker black beans:

• Make sure your beans aren't old or they may not cook properly.
• Sort the broken beans out.
• Soak the black beans overnight for best results and even cooking.
• Use filtered water.
• Add fresh chopped onion or minced garlic for extra flavor.

How long will crockpot black beans stay good?

You can store these crockpot black beans in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also drain the liquid and freeze them for up to 6 months.

Did you make these crockpot black beans? Please leave a comment below letting me know what you thought.

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Yield: 6 cups

Crockpot Black Beans

Print

An easy recipe for Crockpot Black Beans with pre-soak and no-soak instructions. You're going to love the taste and texture of these homemade slow cooker black beans. They are simple to make and less expensive than buying store bought black beans.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 12 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1-pound bag dried black beans
• 6 cups water + more for soaking (if pre-soaking)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Remove any broken or cracked beans. Place beans in a bowl of water to soak for 8 hours, or overnight.
2. Drain the water and add the soaked beans into the inner pot of the slow cooker.
3. Add the water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and stir until combined.
4. Turn your slow cooker on HIGH and cook for 3 hours (or low for 6-7 hours). Check for doneness and add more cook time in 30-minute increments, if needed.
5. Unplug your slow cooker and allow the beans to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
   

Notes

• Make sure your beans aren't old or they may not cook properly.
• Sort the broken beans out.
• Soak the black beans overnight for best results and even cooking.
• Use filtered water.
• Add fresh chopped onion or minced garlic for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

½ cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 57Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 182mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 0gProtein: 4g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.