ham and beans crock pot recipe

4.8 from 884 votes

A hearty and comforting slow cooker dish featuring tender white beans and smoky ham. This easy meal simmers all day for a rich, savory broth.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time6 hours

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time6 hours 15 mins

Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans and Ham

1 pound dried great northern beans, rinsed and sorted

1 1/2 pounds ham bone or ham hock

1 cup diced cooked ham

8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris.

2Place the beans in the slow cooker along with the ham bone or ham hock and diced ham.

3Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.

4Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring the beans are fully submerged by at least 2 inches.

5Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.

6The beans should be tender and easily mashed, and the ham should be falling off the bone.

7Remove the ham bone or ham hock from the slow cooker.

8Shred any remaining meat from the bone, discarding the bone and any fat, then return the meat to the pot.

9Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

10Remove the bay leaf before serving.

11For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)

Cutting board

Chef’s knife

Measuring cups and spoons

Colander

Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water. Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time by about 1 hour. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Ham and Beans Crock Pot Recipe Works

I keep this ham and beans crock pot recipe in my regular rotation because it feeds a crowd without much work from me, which makes it an easy choice for family gatherings and holiday weekends.

You can start it in the morning and have a pot of tender beans and smoky ham ready by dinner, and it holds well on a buffet table while everyone gets a plate.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Beans Crock Pot

1. What type of ham should I use in this recipe?

The type of ham you should use in this recipe depends on your personal preference and what you have available in your pantry. You can use either boneless or bone-in ham, but I find that boneless works best in this recipe because it’s easier to slice and serves more people.

2. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans instead of dried if you prefer. However, keep in mind that canned beans may contain added salt or preservatives that can affect the flavor of your dish.

3. How long does this recipe take to cook?

This recipe takes about 6-8 hours to cook on low in the crock pot. You can also cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.

4. Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Of course! This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.

5. How do I store leftover ham and beans?

You can store leftover ham and beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

ham and beans crock pot recipe

The Best ham and beans crock pot recipe