best ham and beans recipe

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best ham and beans recipe
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The Best best ham and beans recipe

I’ve been making this ham and beans recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The best part is that it’s a one-pot wonder, so you can throw all the ingredients in a big pot and let it cook while you do other things.

I love that it’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My kids devour it, and I know they’ll be asking for seconds before the first serving is even gone. This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family, and I’m so glad I can share it with you now.

It’s a true comfort food classic that never fails to please. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes. Want more beans?

Add them! Want less ham? Reduce the amount!

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and I love that about it. Plus, the slow-cooked flavors are just incredible – it’s like a taste explosion in your mouth! And let me tell you, my family loves when I make this recipe on busy nights because it’s just so easy to prepare.

Just toss everything in the pot, turn on the stove, and voila! Dinner is served.

Best Ham and Beans Recipe

Best Ham and Beans Recipe

4.5 from 1482 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beans and flavorful ham. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ham and Beans

1 lb dried beans
1 lb ham hock
1 large onion
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
6 cups water

For the Seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp brown sugar
1 bay leaf

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold water.
2Pick out any debris or small stones.
3Place the beans in a large pot, cover with 6 cups of water, and bring to a boil over high heat.
4Reduce heat to medium and allow the beans to simmer for 30 minutes until the beans have softened slightly.
5Drain the beans and set aside.
6In the same pot, add the ham hock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
7Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
8Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
9Stir well to combine.
10Add the drained beans back to the pot.
11Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
12Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
13Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until the beans are tender.
14The ham hock should be cooked and falling apart.
15Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.
16Return the shredded meat to the pot.
17Continue to simmer the ham and beans for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
18Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
19Serve the ham and beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Strainer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use canned beans to reduce the cooking time, but adjust the liquid accordingly.

Watch Video Of How Best Ham and Beans Recipe Works

This ham and beans recipe is truly one of my favorites – it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need something comforting on a weeknight evening.

The best part is that it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or even taking on-the-go meals to work or school.

One of my favorite ideas is to serve this over rice or egg noodles – it adds an extra layer of creaminess to the dish without overpowering the flavors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Beans

Q: What type of ham should I use in this recipe?

I recommend using a smoked ham or a cured ham for this recipe. The smoky flavor adds depth to the dish and pairs perfectly with the beans.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can definitely use canned beans if you prefer. However, keep in mind that canned beans will have a softer texture than cooked dried beans.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including browning the ham and sautéing the onions.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! In fact, this recipe was originally designed for slow cooking. Simply brown the ham and cook the onions before adding everything to your slow cooker.

Q: What if I want to add some extra flavor to my ham and beans?

You can definitely add some extra flavor to your dish by adding some diced bell peppers or sliced jalapeños for added spice.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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