Crockpot Bacon, Potato & Bean Supper
Looking for a hearty dinner that is easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavor? This Crockpot Bacon, Potato & Bean Supper is a simple, satisfying meal that brings together tender potatoes, creamy beans, and smoky bacon in one cozy dish.
Everything cooks slowly in the crockpot, allowing the flavors to blend together while the potatoes become perfectly tender. It’s an excellent recipe for chilly evenings, busy weekdays, or anytime you want a filling homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Supper
- Easy one-pot preparation
- Hearty and filling
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Smoky, savory flavor
- Great for busy weeknights
- Minimal hands-on cooking
- Perfect comfort food for cooler weather
Ingredients
For this cozy crockpot supper, you’ll need:
- Bacon, chopped
- Baby potatoes or diced potatoes
- Canned beans, drained and rinsed
- Onion
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Garlic
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional herbs such as thyme or parsley
The bacon adds a smoky richness to the broth while the potatoes and beans make the dish hearty and satisfying.
How to Make Crockpot Bacon, Potato & Bean Supper
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Cut the bacon into small pieces.
For extra flavor, you can cook it briefly in a skillet until it begins to crisp. Drain excess grease before adding it to the crockpot.
If you prefer a true dump-and-go recipe, you can add the chopped bacon directly to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Beans
Place the potatoes and drained beans into the crockpot.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, then season everything with black pepper and your favorite herbs.
Step 3: Add the Bacon and Broth
Add the bacon and pour in enough broth to create a flavorful cooking base without completely flooding the ingredients.
Give everything a gentle stir.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 6–8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
You can also cook on HIGH for a shorter period, checking the potatoes toward the end of cooking.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve the supper hot, with plenty of the flavorful broth spooned over the potatoes and beans.
Tips for the Best Results
Choose Potatoes That Hold Their Shape
Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or other waxy varieties work especially well because they tend to stay intact during slow cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Beans
Since canned beans are already cooked, they don’t need excessive cooking. If you prefer firmer beans, add them later in the cooking process.
Crisp the Bacon for Extra Texture
Cooking the bacon separately before adding it can give you a combination of smoky flavor and crispy pieces.
Season Gradually
Bacon and canned beans can already contain a fair amount of salt, so taste the finished dish before adding additional salt.
What to Serve With This Supper
This crockpot meal is filling enough to enjoy on its own, but you can add a few simple sides if you’re feeding a crowd.
Try serving it with:
- Warm crusty bread
- Cornbread
- Green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls
- Pickles or a simple relish
A slice of crusty bread is especially good for soaking up the savory broth.
Easy Variations
Add Sausage
Replace part of the bacon with sliced smoked sausage for an even heartier meal.
Add Greens
Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or cabbage toward the end of cooking for extra vegetables.
Make It Creamy
For a richer version, add a small amount of cream or softened cream cheese near the end of cooking.
Add More Vegetables
Carrots, celery, corn, or bell peppers can easily be added to make this supper even more substantial.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different beans?
Yes. Navy beans, cannellini beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans can all work well.
Do I have to cook the bacon first?
No. You can add chopped bacon directly to the slow cooker. However, cooking it first creates a crispier texture and can add extra depth of flavor.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh potatoes generally provide the best texture, but frozen potato chunks can also work. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Store the cooked supper in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
How long do leftovers last?
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use them within 3–4 days. Reheat until hot throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Bacon, Potato & Bean Supper is the kind of comforting meal that makes slow cooking so convenient. Smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and hearty beans come together in a flavorful broth with very little hands-on preparation.
It’s warm, filling, affordable, and easy enough for a busy weeknight. Serve it with some crusty bread and enjoy a cozy homemade supper straight from the crockpot.