Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Dried beans are a healthy alternative to canned beans which are typically high in salt, sugar and have added preservatives.

Unfortunately, most people tend to avoid dried beans since they take longer to cook in traditional stove-top methods. However, the crockpot – or slow cooker – can help save time by cooking the dried beans for you while you are at work or running errands. If you have extra time and the recipe calls for it, simply soak dried beans overnight, then drain and place in crockpot with other ingredients.

Try one of these top ten dried beans crockpot recipes for a satisfying, healthy meal.

10. Barbecue beans

Bring the taste of a barbecue to your dried beans by adding barbecue sauce to a crockpot filled with dried beans. Add bacon, onions and pepper for extra sizzle and even sausage as in a recipe featured on the Food Network.com.

9. Black bean soup

Prepare a black bean soup with dried beans for a healthy, fiber-rich meal that’s ready for you when you come home from work to eat. Convert this simple Black Bean Soup recipe to a slow-cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours instead of stove-top cooking.

8. Bean casserole

Casseroles can be made in a crock-pot vs. the oven for a quick and easy meal preparation. Combine dried beans, onions and broth with bacon and/or sausage as in the Bean Sausage Casserole found on CDKitchen.com.

7. Chili

A hearty chili is both ideal comfort foods on chilly evenings and for entertaining guests gathered for an afternoon of football viewing. Prepare a crockpot chili with dried beans in addition to lean ground beef or leave the meat out altogether for a vegetarian option.

6. Dal

Dal is a favored Indian dish that is both healthy and satisfying to the plate. Combine beans with various vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, onions and carrots, broth and spices such as curry in a crockpot for approximately 6 to 8 hours.

5. Beans and ham

A traditional favorite in the south, baked beans and ham is a crock-pot friendly meal that will have friends and family asking for seconds. Combine soaked beans with a ham bone and ham meat, onions, water and spices and cook for 7 to 8 hours for a filling meal.

4. Basic baked beans

Bake beans in the crock-pot by throwing soaked dried beans together with brown sugar, ketchup and barbecue sauce. Add vegetables such as onions and bell peppers for extra flavor.

3. Beans and beef

Make an easy meal out of beans and beef by placing browned beef with beans, onions, tomato sauce and various spices in a slow cooker. Browning the meat beforehand by sautéing it increases the flavor and ensures thorough cooking.

2. Mexican beans

Use the crockpot to make a hearty Mexican meal by combining pre-soaked and simmered dried pinto beans with tomatoes, garlic and onion. Top your finished meal with cheese and tortillas for an additional Mexican-inspired twist.

1. Pineapple baked beans

Yes, you can combine dried beans with pineapple tidbits for a unique twist on traditional beans recipes. Simply add a can of drained pineapple slices with pre-soaked beans, onion, barbecue sauce, salt and pepper. Add meat such as beef or pork if desired for a heartier meal.