Comforting Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a hearty and comforting dish that warms the heart and fills the stomach. This recipe combines tender beans with savory ham, vegetables, and flavorful broth, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or chilly nights. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare with a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it.

Why Make This Recipe

One of the best reasons to make Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is the ease of preparation. Just a little chopping and you are ready to go. Dried Great Northern beans are healthy and high in protein. Adding ham gives the dish a delicious flavor and makes it quite filling. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can let the flavors meld together while you go about your day. This recipe is also great for meal prep, as leftovers can be saved for quick lunches or dinners.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Making Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is simple. Follow these steps to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

1 pound dried Great Northern beans
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
4 medium celery ribs (diced)
4 medium carrots (diced)
2-3 cups cubed ham
8 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
4 whole bay leaves
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions:

Rinse 1 pound dried Great Northern beans thoroughly under cold water, discarding any shriveled beans. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans again before using.
Add 1 medium yellow onion, 4 medium celery ribs, 4 medium carrots, and 2-3 cups cubed ham to a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker along with the drained, soaked beans.
Pour in 8 cups chicken broth. Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 4 whole bay leaves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir until combined.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Once cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. For a creamier texture, stir the beans while mashing some against the side of the slow cooker with the back of a spoon.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Serve Slow Cooker Ham and Beans with a side of warm, crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. This dish is great on its own or as part of a larger meal. You can add a fresh salad or coleslaw as a refreshing side.

How to Store Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it can last for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it in portions. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Make sure to soak the beans overnight. This softens them and helps them cook evenly.
Use leftover ham or ham bone for extra flavor.
If you like spice, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Variation

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find a combination you love.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can use canned beans, but adjust the cooking time since they will not need as long. Add them in during the last hour of cooking.

Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some beans against the slow cooker’s side or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) towards the end of cooking.

Q: Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Follow the same steps but cook under high pressure for about 30 minutes for unsoaked beans or 15 minutes for soaked beans.

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Ham and Beans!