Use beans in the most delicious way with these 5 slow cooker recipes

Beans are one of those staple ingredients that are so delicious and cheap, it seems too good to be true that they are regarded as some of the healthiest morsels out there. Beans are so healthy in fact, that experts recommend that you consume up to three cups of legumes each week. This is one assignment that we are more than happy to complete this week! Especially since beans are beyond-perfect companions for your slow cooker. As beans are naturally predisposed to the low and slow method, the combination of hearty beans and your handy slow cooker creates the perfect blend of ease and deliciousness—with no guilt involved!

Try out these 5 delicious bean recipes for your slow cooker and see for yourself!

If you have never discovered the wonder that is ‘drunken beans’ before (also known as Frijoles Borrachos), now is the time to try! In its most basic form, drunken beans are simply beans slowly simmered together with bacon and beer…sounds like heaven! What’s more, in this stand-out recipe for Drunken Beans from Gimme Some Oven, the addition of onion, spices, and fresh lime juice brings this dish to a whole new level.

For a serving suggestion, Ali recommends, “Then serve warm, and sprinkle on a little cilantro for freshness. And dive in with a spoon.”

Get the full recipe here.

Taco seasoning—made with dried ground chilies, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic, and other spices—turns ground beef into the kind of taco filling dreams are made of. Add diced tomatoes, fire-roasted green chilies, and sharp cheddar cheese and you’ve got yourself a seriously crave-worthy taco. This easy crock pot low-carb slow cooker soup recipe gives you all those taco flavors you love without all the pesky carbs. Thickened with cream cheese, it is rich, creamy, and super satisfying.

Get the full recipe here.

Baked beans are a hallmark of summer barbecues, game days and delicious family dinners. But baked beans out of a can just don't have the same taste as the homemade variety. This recipe combines convenience of canned beans and a little home loving to save time in the kitchen while still giving you that homemade baked bean flavor.

Get the full recipe here.

This recipe for Hawaiian Barbecue Baked Beans from Carl’s Bad Cravings has everything that you crave; it’s tangy, sweet, savory, and packs a mean punch. This playful take on classic baked beans is sure to be the shining star of the neighbourhood barbecue, or the empty bowl at the end of a wonderful family dinner!

Get the full recipe here.

Probably the most comfort-food-worthy dish on our beantastic list—this recipe for Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup from Gimme Some Oven is one of those meals that is equally as comforting on a cool rainy night as it is refreshing on a hot summers’ day. Beautiful fresh Mexican ingredients and spices combine perfectly to create this whimsical family feast!

For serving suggestions, Ali adds, “I love just topping mine with some simple fresh cilantro and avocado, but a dollop of sour cream, some chopped red onions, a sprinkling of crushed tortilla chips, or any other toppings would also be tasty.”

Get the full recipe here.