My grandfather relied on this every single week during tough times. With just three simple ingredients and a slow cooker, it turns into one of the most filling, comforting meals you can make.

This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Poor Man’s Potato and Butter Beans is a classic pantry-style comfort meal that turns a few simple staples into something hearty and satisfying. The natural starch from the potatoes creates a creamy, gravy-like texture as everything slowly cooks together. Simmered with butter beans and a bit of fat like bacon grease or butter, it develops a rich, savory flavor that feels much bigger than the ingredient list suggests. The result is a humble, filling dish where the potatoes soften into the broth, creating a cozy meal with minimal cost and effort.

Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Poor Man’s Potato and Butter Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes (russet or yellow, cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 2 cans butter beans (lima beans, drained and rinsed)
• 4 tbsp bacon grease (or lard or unsalted butter)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (optional)

Directions:

Step 1:
Place the potato chunks evenly in the bottom of a 4–6 quart slow cooker so they cook uniformly.