Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe

There are days when dinner needs to feel like a deep breath—and that’s exactly where this Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe comes in. It’s hearty, comforting, and wonderfully low-effort, which makes it a true lifesaver for busy weeknights, long weekends, or anytime you want food that tastes like home without hovering over the stove.

This is one of those recipes where the slow cooker quietly does all the work while you live your life—run errands, help with homework, binge one episode too many, or simply enjoy the smell of something amazing simmering away. If you love cozy meals that practically cook themselves, you’re going to want this one on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe

Let me count the ways—because this dish checks all the comfort-food boxes.

  • No soaking required. Yes, really. Toss the dried peas straight into the slow cooker and move on with your day.
  • Big, bold Southern-style flavor. Bacon, ham, tomatoes, and aromatics come together for that rich, savory depth we all crave.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd. Or for cooking once and enjoying leftovers all week (future you will be grateful).
  • Budget-friendly and filling. Simple ingredients, serious satisfaction.

This recipe has “Sunday supper” energy, even if you make it on a Wednesday.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this cozy pot of goodness—nothing fancy, just solid, reliable comfort food staples:

  • 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas (no presoak needed!)
  • 7 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and sliced
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • ½ cup diced sweet onion
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • About ¼ tsp salt, added at the end
  • For serving (optional but highly encouraged):
    • Cornbread or garlic bread
    • Collard greens
    • Steamed white rice

How to Make Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe (Step-by-Step)

This is truly a “dump, stir, and walk away” situation—my favorite kind of cooking.

Step 1: Add the Peas

Pour the dried black-eyed peas directly into your slow cooker. No soaking, no extra bowls, no stress.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cooked bacon, diced ham, onion, garlic, oregano, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavors start mingling early.

👉 Important note: Do not add the salt yet. Trust me on this one—salt goes in at the end for the best texture.

Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on HIGH for 7 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid—every peek lets out heat and slows things down.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Once cooking is done, add salt to taste. Start small and adjust as needed.

Step 5: Make It Creamy (Optional but Amazing)

For extra creamy beans, scoop out about 1 cup of the peas, mash them, and stir them back into the slow cooker. This little trick gives the broth a thicker, richer texture—like a cozy hug in a bowl.

Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe served in a white bowl with bacon, greens, and cornbread on the side
This Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe is rich, cozy, and packed with bacon, tender peas, and comforting Southern flavor.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

  • Don’t rush the salt. Adding it at the end keeps the peas tender instead of tough.
  • Want extra smoky flavor? Use smoked ham or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
  • Too thick? Add a splash of broth. Too thin? Mash a few more beans—it’ll fix itself.
  • Feeding picky eaters? Serve over rice with cornbread on the side. Somehow that combo works magic.

If your slow cooker smells incredible halfway through cooking… that’s normal. Torture, but normal.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first made this Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe during one of those weeks where everything felt nonstop—work deadlines, laundry piles, and the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question. I needed something comforting but hands-off.

By dinnertime, the house smelled warm and savory, like the kind of meal that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?” We ate it with cornbread, and I remember thinking, Why don’t I make this more often?

That’s the magic of slow cooking—it gives you comfort without demanding your time.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Absolutely. You can skip the bacon and use extra ham, or leave both out for a lighter version. The peas will still be flavorful thanks to the broth and seasonings.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes! Vegetable broth works well if you want to keep things lighter or closer to vegetarian (just skip the meat).

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better overnight.

Can I freeze black-eyed peas?

You sure can. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What should I serve with this?

Cornbread is classic, but garlic bread, collard greens, or steamed white rice all pair beautifully with this dish.

A Bowl of Pure Comfort

If you’re craving something warm, filling, and deeply comforting, this Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s the kind of meal that welcomes you home, feeds a crowd, and makes busy days feel a little softer.

So grab your slow cooker, let it do the heavy lifting, and enjoy a dinner that tastes like time well spent—without actually spending much time at all. Happy slow cooking!

More Cozy Ideas to Serve Alongside This Dish

If this Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe brought a little extra comfort to your table, here are a few more warm, satisfying favorites that pair beautifully with it or keep that cozy slow-cooker vibe going all week long:

These cozy combinations make it easy to turn one simple slow-cooker meal into a full spread that feels warm, welcoming, and wonderfully homemade.

Print
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Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe served in a white bowl with bacon, greens, and cornbread on the side

Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe is a cozy Southern-style comfort dish made with bacon, ham, and tender peas simmered low and slow for rich, satisfying flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (no presoak)

  • 7 cups chicken broth

  • 1 (14 oz) can petite diced tomatoes

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and sliced

  • 1 cup diced ham

  • ½ cup diced sweet onion

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 teaspoon oregano

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon salt, added at end (or to taste)


Instructions

  1. Add the dried black-eyed peas directly to the slow cooker. No soaking required.

  2. Pour in the chicken broth and add diced tomatoes, bacon, ham, onion, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

  3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 7 hours without opening the lid during cooking.

  4. Once the peas are tender, add salt to taste and stir well.

  5. For a creamier texture, remove 1 cup of peas, mash them, then stir back into the slow cooker before serving.

Notes

Always add salt at the end to keep the peas tender.

For extra creaminess, mash more peas or simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.

Leftovers taste even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Southwest

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg