Slow Cooker Depression Era Liberty Beans

Slow Cooker Depression Era Liberty Beans: These slow cooker liberty beans are a simple, budget-friendly meal made with just four ingredients. Ground beef, pinto beans, and green chiles cook together low and slow for a warm, hearty bowl full of flavor. It’s an easy, filling dinner that costs little but feels like a lot.

Liberty beans are a simple, humble dinner that shows how good cooking can come from just a few pantry foods and a little bit of patience. This slow cooker version brings back that old-time, Depression-era way of cooking, where a few simple ingredients turn into a warm, filling meal full of flavor from green chiles and slow-cooked beans. It’s the kind of food people made a long time ago when money was tight but everyone still needed a full belly, and it’s still just as nice today for busy nights when you want something easy, cheap, and cozy.

Serve liberty beans with a piece of cornbread, a pan of warm skillet biscuits, or plain buttered toast to soak up all the tasty juices. A crunchy cabbage slaw, some sliced onions, or a spoonful of sour cream on top can make the bowl even better. If you want a bigger meal, try serving it next to simple fried potatoes or a bowl of cooked rice.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw ground beef
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, undrained
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Slow Cooker Depression Era Liberty Beans: Directions

1. If you want easier cleanup later, lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker. Place the raw ground beef in the bottom, breaking it apart into a few big chunks with your hands or a spoon. Then sprinkle the chopped onion evenly over the top of the beef.
2. Pour the chopped green chiles over the beef and onion. Next, add both cans of pinto beans, along with all the liquid from the cans, right into the slow cooker.
3. Using a large spoon, stir everything together well. Try to break the ground beef into smaller pieces as you mix, so it spreads evenly through the beans.
4. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should be fully cooked with no pink left, the onion should be soft, and all the flavors should be blended together nicely.
5. Give the beans one more good stir before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve while hot.