This 5-ingredient slow cooker supper is the kind of easy, stick-to-your-ribs meal I leaned on during busy planting seasons out here in the Midwest. You start by laying raw bacon right in the bottom of the crock, then pile on just a few pantry staples for a hearty, earth-friendly dish that uses simple, whole ingredients.
Slow cooker ingredients spread across a country kitchen table
Slow cooker ingredients spread across a country kitchen table
It reminds me of the thrifty one-pot meals my mother made to stretch the budget and avoid turning on the oven. Everything cooks low and slow until the bacon seasons the vegetables and beans, and you end up with a cozy bowl that will have your husband asking for seconds without you fussing over the stove.
Spoon this bacon, potato, and bean mixture into warm bowls and serve with a simple green salad or steamed frozen vegetables to round out the meal. A slice of crusty bread or a warm biscuit is wonderful for soaking up the flavorful juices at the bottom of the bowl.
Hearty bowl of bacon, potato, and bean supper on a supper table
Hearty bowl of bacon, potato, and bean supper on a supper table
If you like a little brightness, pass lemon wedges or a splash of vinegar at the table, along with black pepper and hot sauce so everyone can season their own serving.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Bacon, Potato & Bean Supper
Servings: 4
Ingredients
8 slices thick-cut bacon, raw
4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 cans (15 ounces each) great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Layered ingredients inside a slow cooker before cooking
Layered ingredients inside a slow cooker before cooking
Directions
Lay the raw bacon slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer on the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. This will let the bacon render its fat slowly and flavor the whole dish.
Spread the sliced onion evenly over the bacon, letting some pieces fall down between the slices so they can soften and sweeten as they cook.
Add the potato chunks on top of the onions in an even layer. Do not stir; just let them sit right on top so they steam and turn tender instead of getting soggy.
Potatoes and onions layered in a crock from a top corner view
Potatoes and onions layered in a crock from a top corner view
Scatter the drained and rinsed beans over the potatoes, again keeping the layers mostly intact. The beans will soak up the seasoned broth and some of the bacon drippings as they cook.
Pour the chicken broth gently over everything, trying not to disturb the layers too much. The liquid should come about halfway up the potatoes and beans; if your slow cooker is wider and shallower, you can add an extra splash of broth or water so there is enough moisture.
