Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Description

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly meal made with tender beans, smoky ham, and flavorful seasonings simmered low and slow. This classic dish is packed with protein, fiber, and rich homemade flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy cold-weather meals. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious, satisfying bowl of comfort.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) dried navy beans or great northern beans, rinsed and sorted
2 cups cooked ham, diced
1 ham bone or ham hock (optional, for extra flavor)
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley, chopped
Green onions, sliced
Crusty bread or cornbread for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse and sort the dried beans, removing any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Place beans, ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaf into the slow cooker. Add the ham bone or ham hock if using.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

Low: 8–10 hours
High: 5–6 hours

Cook until the beans are tender and creamy.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Remove the ham bone or hock. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaf.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with fresh parsley and crusty bread.

Notes

No soaking is required for most modern dried beans, but soaking overnight can reduce cooking time.
Ham bone adds incredible depth of flavor.
If the soup becomes too thick, add extra broth before serving.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Tips for Success

Use leftover holiday ham for the best flavor.
Avoid adding extra salt until the end since ham is naturally salty.
Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
For a creamier texture, mash some of the cooked beans before serving.
Freeze individual portions for easy future meals.

Servings

Makes: 6–8 servings

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)

Calories: 290
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 9g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 650mg
Potassium: 850mg
Iron: 15% DV

Health Benefits

High in Protein

Ham and beans provide long-lasting energy and help maintain muscle health.

Rich in Fiber

Beans support digestion, gut health, and promote fullness.

Heart-Friendly

Beans contain nutrients that may help support healthy cholesterol levels.

Budget-Friendly Nutrition

Provides a filling, nutrient-dense meal using affordable ingredients.

Excellent for Meal Prep

Stores and reheats well, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

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

A: Yes. Use 3–4 cans of drained beans and reduce cooking time to 3–4 hours on low.

Q: What beans work best?

A: Navy beans and Great Northern beans are traditional choices, but pinto beans also work well.

Q: Can I freeze ham and beans?

A: Absolutely. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Q: How long will leftovers last?

A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I make this without a ham bone?

A: Yes. Simply use extra diced ham and broth for a delicious result.

Q: What can I serve with ham and beans?

A: Cornbread, dinner rolls, biscuits, or a simple green salad pair perfectly.

Recipe Summary

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender beans, smoky ham, vegetables, and savory herbs slow-cooked to perfection. It’s economical, nutritious, easy to prepare, and ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week. 🍲✨