Slow Cooker Amish Pork and Butter Beans is the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that makes a family dinner feel extra special. Tender pieces of pork slowly simmer with creamy butter beans in a savory, homestyle broth until everything is rich, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying.
This simple slow cooker meal uses affordable ingredients and very little hands-on preparation. Let the crockpot do the work while the pork becomes fork-tender and the beans soak up all that delicious flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker preparation: Just prepare the ingredients and let them cook slowly.
- Budget-friendly: Pork and dried butter beans make a filling meal without expensive ingredients.
- Comforting flavor: A savory broth, tender pork, and creamy beans create a hearty combination.
- Great for family dinners: This recipe makes generous portions.
- Perfect for leftovers: The flavors become even more developed after resting overnight.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound dried large butter beans, sorted and rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Beans
Sort through the dried butter beans and remove any small stones or damaged beans. Rinse them thoroughly under cool running water.
For a more even cooking result, soak the beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before using.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the soaked butter beans in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion and pork pieces. Sprinkle the black pepper over everything.
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the beans are covered with liquid. Add a little water if necessary.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for approximately 5–6 hours, until the beans are completely tender and the pork is cooked through and easily pulls apart.
Cooking time can vary depending on the slow cooker and the age of the dried beans.
Step 4: Check the Consistency
Stir gently to combine the pork and beans.
For a thicker, creamier consistency, mash a small portion of the cooked butter beans against the side of the slow cooker and stir them back into the broth.
If the mixture is too thick, add a little hot water or additional broth.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Spoon the pork and butter beans into bowls and serve hot.
Enjoy with cornbread, biscuits, or a simple green vegetable for a comforting meal.
Tips for the Best Pork and Butter Beans
- Choose pork shoulder: Its marbling helps the meat stay tender during long cooking.
- Soak dried beans: Overnight soaking encourages more even cooking.
- Check the beans: Older dried beans may require additional cooking time.
- Keep everything covered: Make sure the beans remain submerged in liquid while cooking.
- Adjust the thickness: Mash a few beans for a naturally creamy broth.
Important bean safety note: Do not use raw dried kidney beans in this recipe. Butter beans are lima beans, not kidney beans. Soaking and slow cooking are appropriate for butter beans, but they must be cooked until completely tender. If your package gives specific preparation instructions, follow them.
Easy Recipe Variations
These additions are optional and will increase the ingredient count.
- Smoky flavor: Add smoked paprika or a little smoked ham.
- Garlic twist: Add minced garlic before cooking.
- Southern-style: Add chopped celery and a pinch of thyme.
- Vegetable version: Stir in chopped carrots during the last few hours of cooking.
- Richer broth: Stir in a small pat of butter just before serving.
What to Serve with Amish Pork and Butter Beans
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Warm homemade cornbread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Steamed green beans
- Buttered cabbage
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
- Sliced crusty bread
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Cool leftovers promptly and store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the beans have thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned butter beans instead of dried?
Yes. Use drained and rinsed canned butter beans, but add them during the final 1–2 hours of cooking so they do not become mushy. Reduce the broth to approximately 2 cups and cook the pork until tender.
Do I have to soak the butter beans overnight?
Soaking is recommended for more even cooking. If you skip soaking, the beans may need significantly longer to become tender, and the cooking result can be less predictable.
What cut of pork works best?
Boneless pork shoulder is an excellent choice because it becomes tender during slow cooking. Pork butt also works well.
Can I make this recipe thicker?
Yes. Mash some of the cooked beans directly in the slow cooker and stir. Their natural starch creates a thicker, creamier broth.
Can I cook this recipe on HIGH?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 5–6 hours, checking that both the pork and beans are fully cooked and tender. LOW is preferred for the most tender texture.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Amish Pork and Butter Beans is a simple, satisfying meal inspired by traditional country-style cooking. Tender pork, creamy butter beans, and a savory broth come together in one comforting crockpot dinner.
Serve it with warm cornbread or biscuits, and enjoy a hearty homemade meal that brings old-fashioned comfort to the table.
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Amish Pork and Butter Beans
Prep Time: 15 minutes, plus overnight bean soaking
Cook Time: 8–10 hours on LOW or 5–6 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 8–10 hours, plus soaking
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound dried large butter beans, sorted, rinsed, and soaked overnight
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Sort, rinse, and soak the butter beans overnight. Drain before cooking.
- Place the beans in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add pork, chopped onion, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth, adding enough water if needed to cover the beans.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours.
- Check that the pork is cooked through and the beans are completely tender.
- Mash a few beans into the broth if a thicker consistency is desired.
- Serve warm with cornbread or biscuits.