Ring in the New Year—or enjoy this comforting dish any time—with a flavorful Southern-style crockpot recipe for black-eyed peas with ham. This one-pot slow cooker version uses simple ingredients, fills your kitchen with savory aromas, and makes a great budget-friendly, freezer-friendly meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Crockpot Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are actually a type of bean and a nutritious addition to your diet—rich in fiber, folate, calcium and vitamin A. This slow-cooker recipe is ideal for turning a leftover ham bone or diced ham into a hearty, flavorful pot of beans. Pair with cornbread and greens for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Why This Works!
- High in fiber — about 4 grams per serving.
- Traditional good luck when served on New Year’s Day in some regions.
- Freezer friendly — stores well for up to 3 months.
- Budget-friendly — great for stretching leftovers.
- Easy meal prep — makes multiple servings that reheat well.
New Year’s Tradition
In parts of the American South and other cultures, black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity. Some recipes include tomatoes or greens to symbolize wealth and health.
Do I need to presoak the peas?
Soaking dried black-eyed peas overnight shortens their cooking time and helps them cook more evenly. If you skip soaking, allow extra cook time in the slow cooker and check for tenderness periodically.
Ingredients
- Ham: 8 oz smoked lean ham steak, diced, or a ham bone.
- Black-eyed peas: 1 lb dried, rinsed and soaked overnight.
- Bay leaves: 2 leaves.
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion (diced), 1 medium red bell pepper (diced), 1 medium tomato (diced).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional or adjust to taste).
- Seasonings: 1 tsp olive oil for sautéing, 1/2 tsp chili powder (chipotle recommended), 1 1/2 tsp cumin, salt to taste, 1 tsp ground black pepper.
- Liquid: About 4 cups fresh water for the slow cooker (or low-sodium broth if you prefer).
How to Cook Black-Eyed Peas in the Crockpot
- Soak: Cover the dried peas with water (about 6 cups) and soak overnight. Drain and discard soak water before cooking.
- Start the slow cooker: Place the soaked peas in the slow cooker with 4 cups of fresh water, bay leaves and the diced ham or ham bone. Cover and cook on high for about 6 hours, or until peas are tender.
- Sauté the aromatics: Around the 6-hour mark, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño and tomato until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season and finish: Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt and black pepper, taste and adjust seasonings. Cover and cook on high another 1 to 1 1/2 hours to deepen flavors. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian: Omit ham and use vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free version.
- Non-pork option: Substitute smoked turkey for a similar smoky flavor.
- Bacon swap: Crisped bacon added near the end adds smoky richness.
- Adjust the heat: Reduce jalapeño or remove seeds for mild flavor; keep seeds for more heat.
- Liquid choices: Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with collard greens for a classic New Year’s combination.
- Pair with white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Enjoy as a soup alongside warm cornbread or cornbread muffins for dipping.
- Add a roasted or grilled protein, like pork chops or chicken, to make it a full entrée.
- Balance the plate with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
- Basic kitchen tools: cutting board, sharp knife, can opener, stirring spoon
Nutrition Highlights
A typical serving (about 1 cup) is roughly 115 calories, with around 8 g protein, 16 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber and minimal fat when made with lean ham. Nutrition will vary based on the type and amount of meat and seasonings used.
More Slow Cooker Ideas
- Try baked beans or other legume-based slow-cooker dishes for easy batch cooking.
- Experiment with slow cooker chicken dinners and vegetarian bean chilis for weeknight variety.
- Use the slow cooker for soups and stews that develop deep flavor over hours of gentle heat.
This crockpot black-eyed peas with ham recipe is a comforting, economical, and flavorful dish, ideal for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeks. If you try it, adjust seasonings and heat to your taste and enjoy the homey, satisfying results.