Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, aromatic scent of a hearty Italian-inspired dish that practically cooks itself! This Slow Cooker Tomato White Beans recipe is about to become your new go-to meal for effortless comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds. With just minutes of prep time and a magical 6-hour slow cooking process, you'll transform simple ingredients into a mouth-watering masterpiece that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by draining and rinsing the white beans thoroughly, chopping the onion into uniform pieces, and mincing the garlic cloves finely.
- Lightly grease the interior of your slow cooker with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Add the drained white beans to the slow cooker, followed by the diced tomatoes with their juice, ensuring even distribution across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Sprinkle the chopped onions and minced garlic evenly over the beans and tomatoes, creating a uniform layer of aromatics.
- Season the mixture with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, gently stirring to combine all ingredients and distribute the seasonings.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the beans to cook slowly and develop rich, deep flavors over 6 hours.
- Occasionally stir the beans during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution, if possible.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper to preference.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for 3-4 days.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always thoroughly rinse canned white beans to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility.
- Flavor Boosting: For an extra depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic briefly before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the dish to your taste.
- Consistency Check: If the beans seem too dry during cooking, add a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture.
- Garnish Greatness: Fresh basil is crucial - add it just before serving to maintain its bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over crusty bread, rice, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
