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Learn how to freeze beans and skip the store bought canned beans. You will save time and money with this crockpot beans recipe.
How to freeze beans
Today I wanted to help show you another way to save money in the kitchen. I am going to teach you how to freeze beans and make your own “canned” beans. You are just going to store yours in the freezer instead of canning them.
These are so easy to make and a big money saver. Plus, no worries about any extra salt or other ingredients in the canned beans. I love knowing exactly what is going into the beans and it is super easy.
Can cooked dried beans be frozen?
Yes! This is one of our favorite money saving tips. The slow cooker makes it really easy and you just toss and go. It is so easy to freeze them too.
How Frugal is it to make crock pot beans?
1 can of beans cost around $1 on sale. 2 pounds of dried beans (making 7 to 8 cans) are around $2 or less.
That means each new “can” in the freezer is only costing you around $.25. That is one nice savings!
This will add up over time especially combined with other savings.
What about the health?
Real canned beans have a ton of sodium in there. By making your own you are able to control that, meaning a cheaper and healthier alternative. These actually taste better too!
I hope this helps you save money! What are you waiting for? Go get you some dried beans!!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds any kind of dried beans
- 10 cups water
- salt (optional)
How to cook dried beans and freeze them:
Rinse your dried beans and place them in the crockpot (you do not have to presoak your beans). Cover with water (about three times as much water as the beans).
Season with salt if you want. I usually don’t and I just season them when I use them. This is optional!
Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. (If you are nervous about the gas that comes in beans, some say you can add a tablespoon or two of baking soda to your beans while cooking and that should help.)
How to freeze crock pot beans:
Separate into freezer friendly containers (I used the Ziploc ones that I got for cheap).
You can also place in freezer bags. I generally will keep some of the liquid in the containers with the beans.
Allow to cool completely before placing in the freezer.
2 lbs makes 7 to 8 cans of beans. Since my family eats about 2 cans in one dinner, I normally will freeze them in 2 can quantities, but that is up to you.
Now you know how to freeze beans!
How to reheat:
Take straight from the freezer and place directly in crockpot if you are using them in a crockpot recipe. You can cook them on low (directly from freezer) in a medium size pot until thawed and heated through.
You can also place them in the fridge the night before you plan to use them. I normally just take them straight from the freezer.
Give it a try!
Try making slow cooker pinto beans, black beans, navy beans and more. You can use freezer bags or containers. We used the crock pot but the instant pot is a great idea too.
The ideas are endless and you can even flavor the beans with ham hock if you prefer.
Make sure you have a good crock pot for this recipe.
The slow cooker does all the work for you and keeps your house cool. No need to heat up the kitchen!
If you need a new crockpot, I really love this one. I use mine frequently and it’s a good one! It has a lid that locks so it’s great for other recipes that might spill. There are several others on sale here.
Another favorite is this programmable crock pot for when I am am not at home all day. I love coming home to everything ready and waiting!
Be sure to check out all of our delicious Crock Pot Recipes here.
Print this crockpot beans recipe below:
How to Freeze Beans
Ingredients
- 2 pounds any kind of dried beans
- 10 cups water
- crockpot
- salt (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse your dried beans and place them in the crockpot (you do not have to presoak your beans). Cover with water (about three times as much water as the beans).
- Season with salt if you want. I usually don’t and I just season them when I use them.
- Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. (If you are nervous about the gas that comes in beans, some say you can add a tablespoon or two of baking soda to your beans while cooking. That should help.)
- Separate into freezer friendly containers (I used the Ziploc ones that I got for cheap). You can also place in freezer bags. I generally will keep some of the liquid in the containers with the beans.
- Allow to cool completely before placing in the freezer. 2 lbs makes 7 to 8 cans of beans. Since my family eats about 2 cans in one dinner, I normally will freeze them in 2 can quantities, but that is up to you.
How to reheat:
- Take straight from freezer and place directly in crockpot if you are using them in a crockpot recipe. You can cook them on low (directly from freezer) in a medium size pot until thawed and heated through. You can also place them in the fridge the night before you plan to use them. I normally just take them straight from the freezer.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Also try these other freezer tips:
- how to freeze corn on the cob
- how to freeze cheese to save you money
- download our FREE Freezer cooking guide
- How to freeze garlic bread
- 10 Easy Crock Pot Freezer Meals Ready in an Hour
- How to freeze chopped onions
Try these other easy crock pot recipes:
- Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Crock Pot Mango Salsa Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Root Beer Chicken Sandwich
- Slow Cooker: Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
- Crock pot Chili Lime Drumsticks Recipe
- Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Crock Pot Beef Barbacoa Recipe
- Crock Pot Shredded Beef Recipe
- Easy Crock Pot Beef Burgundy Recipe
- Mississippi Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Beef Tips and Rice
- 4 Ingredient Crock Pot Beef Teriyaki Recipe
- Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Crock pot Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- The Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe – only 3 ingredients
- Crockpot Bacon Chicken Recipe
- Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe
Be sure to check out all of our delicious Crock Pot Recipes here.
I recently learned how easy it is to make beans from dried beans instead of opening a can. Where has that idea been all my life? So easy, and I love that I can control everything about it!
How much is in a “can”?
Approximately 16 oz. Thank you!
This is an excellent way to save money! I had no idea I could freeze beans until I found this recipe and tried it! Now, when I need beans for a recipe, I grab them from the freezer!! Thanks!