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Can You Freeze Cooked Beans and skip the store bought canned beans. You will save time and money with this crockpot beans recipe.
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. These are the perfect addition to your soup recipes. You may also want to check out these 35 Easy Freezer Meals.
Table of Contents
Why We Love to Freeze Cooked Beans
Making slow cooker pinto beans, black beans, navy beans and more to stock your freezer is a great way to save money. The ideas are endless and you can even flavor the beans with ham hock and onions if you prefer.
This is one of my favorite favorite freezer tip as the ingredients and prep time is very minimal. You can cook Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe or Crock Pot Pinto Beans instead of the stove top for a easy variation.
Ingredients
- Dried Beans – Feel free to use different types of beans including kidney beans or white beans
- Water – Make sure to cook beans in fresh water
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
How to Cook Dried Beans and Freeze Them
Step 1 – Rinse the beans thoroughly and remove any debris (rocks, clumps, dirt, etc) from the beans.
Step 2 – Place the beans in a medium size saucepan. Add in the water and make sure that the beans are covered by at least 2 inches over the top of the beans (add more water if needed).
Step 3 – Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. Watch the beans closely as they cook as you don’t want them to get too soft before freezing them.
Step 4 – Once the beans are cooked through, drain them in a colander and rinse them immediately with cold water to cool them off immediately.
Step 5 – Once the beans have cooled completely, sort the cooked beans in freezer containers or labeled bags.
Step 6 – Seal the container or bags and place them directly in the freezer until ready to use.
Expert Tips
- Cooking Beans – When cooking the beans, make sure to not overcook them. You do not want them to be too soft as they could get mushy when they thaw.
- Freeze in Smaller Portions – Since we usually add these beans to soups, I like to freeze in small portions. Measure out 2 cups of beans and place in a freezer-safe container, plastic freezer bags or airtight container. This will equal the size of 1 can of beans.
- Thawing Beans – When you are ready to use, defrost the beans out completely in the refrigerator overnight or place them in warm water to thaw them quicker. Then the beans are ready to use in your favorite recipes just like a can of drained beans.
How to Use Frozen Cooked Beans
Leftovers make it easy to use your frozen cooked beans in many recipes. We love to use them in Ham & Bean Soup Crock pot recipe, Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, Cincinnati Chili Recipe and 3 Bean Salads Recipe.
You can even make Easy Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Take straight the frozen beans 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. We have also reheated in the microwave or the stovetop in a large pot to serve as a side dish.
More Easy Freezer Tips
Freezer Meal
How to Freeze Corn on the Cob
Cooking Tips for Beginners
Can you Freeze Cheese? Tips and Tricks
Freezer Meal
Freezer Tip: Can You Freeze Tortillas?
We love to hear from you. If you try to Freeze Cooked Beans, make sure to comment below or leave a star review.
Can You Freeze Cooked Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound Dried Beans
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the beans thoroughly and remove any debris (rocks, clumps, dirt, etc) from the beans.
- Place the beans in a medium size saucepan. Add in the water and make sure that the beans are covered by at least 2 inches over the top of the beans (add more water if needed).
- Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. Watch the beans closely as they cook as you don’t want them to get too soft before freezing them.
- Once the beans are cooked through, drain them in a colander and rinse them immediately with cold water to cool them off immediately.
- Seal the container or bags and place them directly in the freezer until ready to use.
- When you are ready to use, defrost the beans out completely in the refrigerator overnight or place them in warm water to thaw them quicker. Then the beans are ready to use in your favorite recipes just like a can of drained beans.
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!
Approximately 16 oz. Thank you!
How much is in a “can”?
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!