This Slow Cooker New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Peas Recipe is one of my favorite traditions to start the year with warmth, flavor, and a little luck. Black-eyed peas are said to bring prosperity, but even if you just want a hearty, cozy meal, this recipe will deliver. With tender beans, smoky sausage, and simple seasonings, it is the kind of dish that simmers while you go about your day. It is one of those easy Slow Cooker Meals that feels like a reward when you finally lift the lid.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

It cooks itself in the slow cooker, leaving you more time to enjoy the day.
The flavor deepens as it simmers, creating a rich, comforting broth.
It is budget-friendly and full of protein and fiber for a satisfying meal.
Perfect for New Year’s Day, Sunday supper, or anytime you crave a cozy bean recipe.

Ingredients You Will Need

Dried black-eyed peas: These are the heart of the dish and become creamy and tender as they cook.
Smoked sausage : Adds savory depth and that classic Southern touch.
Onion, celery, and bell pepper: The holy trinity of flavor in many Southern dishes.
Garlic and spices: A little garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper bring everything together.
Chicken broth: Keeps the peas tender and flavorful.
Bay leaf: Adds a gentle herbal note that rounds out the dish.

Step by Step Instructions

Rinse and sort the dried black-eyed peas to remove any debris.
In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in a little oil until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the vegetables to your slow cooker and add the peas, sausage, garlic, seasonings, and broth.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the peas are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and taste for salt before serving. Add a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

Helpful Tips and Variations

If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
Try using leftover ham from the holidays to add smoky flavor.
For creamier beans, mash a few peas right in the pot and stir before serving.
Serve with a side of cornbread or white rice for a full meal. You can also check out my black beans and rice with sausage for another comforting bowl.
Love bean dishes? You might also enjoy my Louisiana red beans and rice or my creamy white bean dish.

Serving and Storage

Serve your Slow Cooker New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Peas warm with cornbread, rice, or collard greens. It makes a wonderful centerpiece for a cozy New Year’s meal or a simple weeknight dinner.

Slow Cooker New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Peas

This hearty Slow Cooker New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas recipe blends tender black-eyed peas, smoky sausage, and Southern-style vegetables in a flavorful broth. It's a cozy, budget-friendly dish traditionally enjoyed for good luck and perfect for starting the year with warmth and comfort.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb dried black-eyed peas
12 oz smoked sausage or ham hock sliced or whole
1 onion chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp black pepper
6 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Skillet

Method

Rinse and sort the dried black-eyed peas to remove any debris.
In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in a little oil until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the vegetables to your slow cooker and add the peas, sausage, garlic, seasonings, and broth.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the peas are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and taste for salt before serving. Add a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

Notes

Try using leftover ham, and for a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. Mash some peas to thicken or remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid. Pairs well with cornbread or rice.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make Black Eyed Peas In Crock Pot without soaking them first?

Yes, you can cook them without soaking. The slow cooker’s gentle heat will soften the beans beautifully. However, soaking them for a few hours can help them cook a bit faster and more evenly. Either way, you’ll end up with tender, flavorful peas that taste like they simmered all day.

How can I thicken my Slow Cooker Meals like this one?

If your beans are a little thin, remove about one cup, mash them with a fork, and stir them back into the pot. This will thicken the broth naturally. You can also remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid reduce.

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried ones?

You can, but adjust the cooking time. Add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t turn mushy. Dried peas will give you the best texture and depth of flavor, but canned ones work in a pinch.

What other meats can I use in this Bean recipe?

You can swap sausage for diced ham, bacon, or even leftover smoked turkey. Each option gives a slightly different flavor, so use what you have on hand. The slow cooker brings it all together beautifully.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra volume. Keep the same cooking time and add a little more broth if needed to keep everything covered while it cooks.

Final Thoughts from Ama

There is something special about starting the year with a pot of slow-simmered black-eyed peas. The house smells like comfort, and every bite feels like good luck. Whether you’re keeping a family tradition or just looking for a hearty bowl to warm up a winter day, this recipe will take care of you. Remember, good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Let the slow cooker do the work, and enjoy every cozy spoonful.

Black Eyed Peas ( Slow Cooker Recipe)