Name: Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas; 7 cups chicken broth; 14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes; 6 slices bacon, cooked and sliced; 1 cup diced ham; ½ cup diced sweet onion; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp. oregano; ¼ tsp. pepper; about ¼ tsp. salt, add to taste at the END of cooking time; cornbread or garlic bread; collard greens; steamed white rice

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Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas are more than just a hearty dish; they symbolize good fortune and prosperity, especially in Southern culture. Inspired by countless family dinners and gatherings, this recipe hits all the right notes with tender peas and succulent flavors that make every bite memorable. Cooking them low and slow allows the ingredients, especially that rich chicken broth, flavorful bacon, and petite diced tomatoes, to meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

When I first discovered how effortless it is to prepare black-eyed peas in a slow cooker, I felt like I had found a hidden gem. There’s something beautifully satisfying about tossing in a few ingredients and letting the magic happen while it simmers away. Whether it’s New Year’s Day or a cozy winter night, this Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe will warm your heart and belly. So gather around, friends; it’s time to whip up these incredible flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With minimal prep and no need to pre-soak the peas, this dish is ready to enjoy without the hassle.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with savory goodness, thanks to the combination of smoky bacon and tender beans simmered in herbs and spices.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and vegetables make this dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even on its own with cornbread – it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make this dish gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free bacon and broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb. dried black-eyed peas: These provide the base of the dish; they’re packed with protein and flavor.
7 cups chicken broth: It adds depth to the beans and prevents them from drying out; you can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes: The tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness; make sure to choose a can without added sugars.
6 slices bacon, cooked and sliced: Bacon adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish – slab bacon or turkey bacon can be used as alternatives.
1 cup diced ham: This adds a savory heartiness; feel free to swap with smoked sausage for a different flavor.
½ cup diced sweet onion: It gives a slight sweetness; yellow or white onions work best here.
1 garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor; powdered garlic can be substituted if fresh isn’t available.
1 tsp. oregano: This herb adds a fragrant note that complements the other flavors.
¼ tsp. pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper will elevate the overall taste.
About ¼ tsp. salt, add to taste at the END of cooking time: Waiting to add salt until the end prevents the beans from becoming tough during cooking.
Cornbread or garlic bread: These are perfect sides, adding a delicious carb element.
Collard greens: A traditional side, providing extra nutrients and flavor.
Steamed white rice: This adds a comforting base to soak up all the savory juices.

How to Make Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas to the slow cooker. There’s no need to soak them ahead of time, which saves you prep time!
Add Ingredients: Pour in 7 cups chicken broth, add the entire can of 14 oz. petite diced tomatoes, 6 slices of cooked and sliced bacon, 1 cup diced ham, ½ cup diced sweet onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp. oregano, and ¼ tsp. pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine; just remember to hold off on adding salt for now.
Set to Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 7 hours. Resist the urge to peek during cooking; it’s essential to maintain that lovely steam.
Season to Taste: Once the cooking time is finished, carefully remove the lid and stir in salt to your liking.
Create a Creamy Texture: For creamier beans, remove 1 cup of the beans from the slow cooker and mash them with a fork. Stir this mixture back into the pot.

If you’re up for soaking the black-eyed peas, you’ll want to follow these steps:

Soak Overnight: Place the 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas in the slow cooker, cover with water, and let them soak overnight for at least 8 hours without turning on the cooker.
Drain and Add Ingredients: In the morning, drain off the soaking water, and you’ll only need 5 cups of chicken broth for your recipe. Add this, along with the remaining ingredients (minus the salt), to the slow cooker.
Cook on Low or High: Place the lid back on and cook on LOW for 10 hours or HIGH for 6 hours, depending on your time constraints. Remember to mash 1 cup of the beans if you want that creamier texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze this dish, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed for consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: Always keep an eye on your cooking time, as overcooked beans can become mushy. Taste at the 7-hour mark if you’re cooking on HIGH.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh herbs and vegetables if possible; they enhance the flavor significantly.
Freezer-Friendly Tip: Portion out individual servings before freezing for easy, quick meals later.
Texture Troubles: If you find the beans are too firm, give them extra time to cook, checking every 30 minutes until they’re tender.
Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider adding a shot of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper to the mix.

Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas are not just delicious, they embody warmth and comfort like no other dish. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight and special enough to serve on festive occasions. Dive in and let the flavors embrace you! Feel free to experiment with your choice of herbs and the meat used or even go meatless for a different take.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use canned black-eyed peas. Just rinse and drain a couple of cans (about 3-4 cans) and reduce the cooking time to 1-2 hours on low to heat through all the flavors without overcooking.

What can I serve with black-eyed peas?

Cornbread or garlic bread is a classic pairing! Steamed collard greens or even simple steamed white rice also complement the dish wonderfully.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon and ham. You might want to add extra spices like smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.

Can I prepare black-eyed peas in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and then pop everything in the slow cooker the next day. This makes it an excellent option for busy days!

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas