Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

This Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is the ultimate comfort food—smoky sausage, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, Cajun spices, and rice simmered to perfection!

this Recipe

You ever make a dish that instantly takes you back to your childhood? For me, that’s Hoppin’ John.

Every New Year’s Day, my family had this bubbling away on the stove, promising luck, wealth, and happiness for the year ahead. As a kid, I didn’t care much about the superstition—I was just in it for the smoky sausage, tender black-eyed peas, and that one-of-a-kind brothy rice that soaked up all the Cajun flavors.

Fast forward to adulthood, and I still crave Hoppin’ John. But let’s be real—who has time to babysit a pot on the stove for hours? Enter: Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John. All the flavor, all the comfort, but with zero effort. Just dump everything in the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and come back to a meal that tastes like it took all day (even though you barely lifted a finger).

Now, I make this dish all year long. Whether it’s for a cozy winter night, a lazy Sunday dinner, or just when I need a meal that feels like home, this slow cooker version of Hoppin’ John never fails.

And who knows? Maybe that good-luck tradition really does work—because anytime I make this, it’s a good day.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John Recipe?

• It basically cooks itself. Dump, set, and walk away. No stirring, no stressing.
• Bold, smoky, slightly spicy perfection. The sausage, black-eyed peas, and Cajun seasoning make this burst with flavor.
• It’s a one-pot wonder. Meat, beans, rice, and veggies—boom, full meal.
• The leftovers? Even better. Letting it sit overnight makes the flavors even richer.
• It brings a little good luck! Or at least, a whole lot of good food. Either way, you win.

Ingredient Notes:

This dish is all about big flavors from simple ingredients—no fancy tricks, just good food done right.

• Smoked Sausage – Brings that deep, savory, slightly crispy bite. Browning it first? Totally worth it.
• Black-Eyed Peas – The heart of Hoppin’ John. Using canned peas saves time but still delivers that classic, creamy texture.
• Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles – Adds a little tang, a little heat, and a ton of flavor.
• Beef Broth – The secret to a rich, smoky, bold base.
• Onion & Green Bell Pepper – Classic Southern aromatics that add a little sweetness and crunch.
• Cajun/Creole Seasoning – The game-changer. Spicy, herby, and impossible to skip.
• Garlic Powder & Black Pepper – Because no dish is complete without garlic.
• Boil-in-Bag Rice – The ultimate lazy-day hack for perfect, no-fuss rice.

Pro Tip: Want a little extra heat? Use andouille sausage instead of regular smoked sausage.

How To Make Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John?

If you can brown sausage and toss things into a slow cooker, you can make this dish.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage (Trust Me on This One)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the sliced smoked sausage for about 5 minutes, just until it gets a little crispy on the edges. Could you skip this? Sure. Should you? Nope. That extra caramelization adds tons of flavor.

Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sausage to your slow cooker, then add the black-eyed peas (undrained), diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), beef broth, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir.

Step 3: Let the Magic Happen

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. During this time, the flavors meld together, the beans get creamy, and your kitchen starts smelling dangerously good.

Step 4: Add the Rice

After 6 hours, open the boil-in-bag rice (because trust me, someone always forgets to take it out of the bag) and stir it right into the slow cooker.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Turn the slow cooker up to HIGH and let everything cook for another 20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and has soaked up that rich, smoky broth.

Step 6: Dig In!

Give everything one last stir, then grab a bowl and go to town.

Storage Options:

This dish only gets better with time, so leftovers are a major win.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it gets too thick.

Pro Tip: The rice keeps soaking up liquid, so don’t be afraid to add a little extra broth when reheating!

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to tweak it? Here are some easy swaps and add-ins:

• Switch up the protein. Try andouille sausage, ham, shredded smoked turkey, or even bacon.
• Add extra smokiness. Stir in a dash of liquid smoke or swap in smoked paprika.
• Kick up the heat! Toss in cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
• Go traditional. Use dried black-eyed peas instead—just soak overnight and increase the broth to 4 cups.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John?

While this dish is already a full meal, you can level it up with these classic Southern sides:

• Cornbread – Sweet, buttery, and perfect for sopping up all that broth.
• Collard Greens – If you want extra luck, add a side of greens!
• Hot Sauce – Because some like it hot.
• Fried Okra – Crispy, golden, and impossible to resist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak them overnight and increase the broth to 4 cups.

What’s the best sausage to use?
Smoked sausage is classic, but andouille sausage will give it even more heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and dump it into the slow cooker in the morning.

If you’re looking for a rich, hearty, insanely easy meal that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is the answer. Whether you make it for New Year’s luck or just because you’re craving something warm and comforting, this dish never disappoints.

So tell me—are you Team Extra Hot Sauce or keeping it mild? Let’s chat in the comments!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini

Easy to Make Delmonico Potatoes – The Perfect Side Dish

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Immerse yourself in the comforting hug of Slow Cooker Hoppin' John, a dish that goes beyond the ordinary with its blend of flavors and easy preparation. Imagine slices of savory sausage mingling with earthy black-eyed peas all immersed in a flavorful broth infused with Cajun spices, garlic and a touch of black pepper. The tender bites of green bell pepper and onion bring a touch of sweetness and crispness creating a balance that dances on your taste buds. As the rice soaks up all these flavors transforming into grains of pure comfort this dish becomes a tribute, to Southern cuisine that invites you to relish each mouthful with delight and satisfaction. Whether it's for busy days or special get-togethers this Slow Cooker Hoppin' John is more, than a meal; it's an unforgettable experience that embraces you warmly and leaves behind a lingering feeling of contentment.

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8 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
• 4 15- ounce cans black-eyed peas undrained
• 2 10- ounce cans diced tomatoes and green chiles undrained
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 teaspoons Cajun/Creole seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 family-size package boil-in-bag rice uncooked (about 1-½ cups uncooked)

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Instructions

 

1. Heat the smoked sausage slices in a skillet, over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until they turn a nice brown color.
2. Transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. Add the peas (without draining), diced tomatoes and green chiles (also without draining), beef broth, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, Cajun/Creole seasoning, garlic powder and black pepper. Mix everything together.
3. Cover the cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours.
4. After 6 hours add the rice from the boil-in-bag package. Stir it in. Cover the slow cooker again.
5. Increase the cooker setting to HIGH. Let it cook for another 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
6. Give everything a stir before serving your delicious Hoppin' John hot! Enjoy!

Notes

Transforming this comforting Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John into a gluten-free delight is as simple as a few thoughtful ingredient swaps. First, ensure your smoked sausage is labeled gluten-free, as some varieties may contain gluten fillers. Next, swap out the regular beef broth for a certified gluten-free version to ensure no cross-contamination. Lastly, when it comes to the boil-in-bag rice, opt for a gluten-free labeled brand, or better yet, use your favorite type of gluten-free rice, adjusting the cooking time as needed. With these easy modifications, you can savor the rich, savory flavors of this Southern classic with confidence, knowing it suits your gluten-free lifestyle beautifully.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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