Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas & Pork Chops

Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas and Pork Chops is a simple recipe that's not just perfect to make New Year's Day but is a comforting, hearty meal, and delicious year-round dinner option. 

Try pairing these delicious crock pot black eyed peas with Collard Greens and Southern Cornbread or Cream of Tartar Biscuits. 

Eating black eyed peas to bring in the New Year has been something that has been done in my family for as long as I can remember. In Southern Tradition it's believed to bring good luck and prosperity into the new year and should be eaten with the first meal on the first day of the new year. 

Even though they're referred to as peas they're actually beans that are loaded with protein and fiber and can be enjoyed any day of the year. I love placing them into the slow cooker with some pork chops for a completely fuss-free dinner. 

Let's get started!

Dry Beans or Canned Beans?

I prefer easy things, remember? So I vote canned black eyed peas for this recipe. If you would like to go the extra mile, though, you can use dry beans. Just soak them overnight the night before and then you will need to add enough liquid (water, broth, or stock) to cover the beans before layering the other ingredients and cooking.

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Black Eyed Peas In The Slow Cooker?

1. Black Eye Peas - We're going to keep this recipe simple and use canned black eye peas. They will require a shorter time to cook and we're going to use the liquid to help cook the black-eyed peas recipe. Make sure they're plain black-eyed peas with no other ingredients added. 
2. Pork Chops - The meat to pair with the peas. You can use any that you prefer, but since this meal is a crock pot recipe, I prefer to use boneless thick pork chops. 
3. Onion - Use any roughly chopped yellow onion or white onion. 
4. Garlic Powder - Adds a dry intense and pungent flavor to season the pork chops. 
5. Salt - Adds season to the pork chops and the peas to bring out the ingredient flavors. Use any salt that you prefer. 
6. Ground Black Pepper - Try using freshly cracked black pepper to season the dish. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Variations for Crockpot Black Eyed Peas

I love this recipe as is but here are some variations you could make up:

Add some spice: I love a good spicy dish. Here are some ideas:

• Diced Jalapenos or other Hot Peppers: Add them to the crockpot for a fiery kick.
• Creole or Cajun seasoning: Sprinkle in some of this flavorful blend for a spicy, aromatic twist.
• Red Pepper Flakes or Cayenne Pepper: Stir in a pinch or two for heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to amp up the spice level.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Chop up some chipotle peppers and stir them into the black eyed peas along with a bit of the adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor

Make it vegetarian: Easily swap out the meat and you have a vegetarian friendly dish!

Add some veggies: Add some more vitamins into this dish by tossing in some diced carrots, diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, or celery. Canned diced tomatoes would also be a good addition.

Make it creamier: To make this dish a bit creamier, pull out about a cup of beans, mash them, and then mix them back into the slow cooker. Thickens it right up!

How To Make Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas

Grab your slow cooker, crock pot, or pressure cooker with a slow cooker setting. Season the pork chops with garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. 

Add the cans of black eyed peas to the bottom of the crock pot. Evenly top with the seasoned pork chops. 

Top with pork chops with the roughly chopped onion and season with additional salt and ground black pepper. 

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 2 to 4 hours, depending on your particular slow cooker. 

Serve warm and enjoy!

What to Serve with Black Eyed Peas

There are many options but I love pairing this recipe with some cornbread and rice. But you can also serve it alongside some Garlic Green Beans, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Southern Collard Greens, or some Southern Mac and Cheese.

Best Meat for Black Eyed Peas

I prefer to use pork chops to make things easy (which is what we are all about here). However, there are a few other pork varieties that would work well for this recipe:

• Smoked Ham Hock: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the beans.
• Smoked Turkey Wings or Smoked Turkey Leg: Provides savory smoky flavor and is the perfect substitute if you're avoiding pork.
• Ham Bone: If you have a leftover ham bone stored away in the freezer, this is the perfect recipe to put it to good use. 
• Bacon: Provides a salty and savory element to the dish. Plus delicious bacon flavor!
• Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: Adds tenderness and richness to the beans as it slowly cooks.
• Andouille Sausage: Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the dish.

​What Kind of Pork Chops?

Any pork chop that you prefer to use will work for this recipe. However, I prefer to use boneless thick chops because they hold their shape while cooking but are fall-apart tender. Bone in pork chops can be used instead. If you prefer to use thin pork chops, then I suggest adding enough to form a double layer on top of the beans. 

Storage Tips

Storage. If you have any leftover peas and pork chops, allow them to cool to room temperature. Place them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up the 3 days. 

Reheating. When ready to serve again, heat on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave for a quicker option. 

Freezing. This recipe may be stored in the freezer for 1 to 2 months. Place the cooked and cooled to room temperature recipe into a freezer-safe container and place into the freezer. When ready to serve again, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat until warm. 

Want More Recipes to Pair with These Black Eyed Peas? Try These: 

• Southern Cornbread
• Sweet and Sour Cabbage
• Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
• Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe 
• Sweet Potato Casserole 
• Southern Cheese Grits 
• Easy Cornbread Dressing 
• Easy Candied Yams 
• Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls (Dinner Rolls) 

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas for these Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

Original post date 12/31/2019. Updated 03/07/2024 and 12/09/2024.