Slow Cooker Ham and Beans
Simple ham and beans recipe using leftover ham and ham bone. Great served over rice with cornbread.
Simple ham and beans recipe using leftover ham and ham bone. Great served over rice with cornbread.
- 1 bay leaf
- salt & pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- cooked rice
- 1 package dried great northern beans 1 pound- soaked
- 1 ham bone can use 2 to ham hocks if no bone
- 1 ham leftover, depending on amount on the bone
- 4 cups chicken broth no salt- 32 ounces
- 2 cups water or 2 more cups chicken broth
- 1 seasoning packet from beans
- Carbohydrate 6.568776125 g
- Cholesterol 480.5226875 mg
- Fat 96.503458125 g
- Fiber 0.137108750125766 g
- Protein 121.665083125 g
- Saturated Fat 27.7716941916667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (728g)
- Sodium 722.286633335337 mg
- Sugar 6.43166737487423 g
- Trans Fat 8.27675532916667 g
- Calories 1413 calories
Step-by-step
- Pick over and rinse the beans, soak overnight according to the package.
- Place the beans, ham bone, leftover ham, onion, garlic and bay leaf in the slow cooker. Mix in the chicken broth. Save the seasoning packet for later, depending on the ham bone.
- Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, depending on how you like your beans. After 6 or 7 hours, remove the bone and ham. Strip the meat from the bone and shred or cut up the leftover ham. Mix back into the slow cooker. Discard the bone.
- Stir, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with the seasoning packet, pepper and salt.
- Serve over rice (I like yellow rice) and with cornbread.
My Simple Slow Cooker Ham and Beans
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a hearty and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I've fallen in love with slow cooker recipes. They are lifesavers! This slow cooker ham and beans recipe is a perfect example of simple cooking done right. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and tastes absolutely fantastic.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often use leftover ham from previous meals, turning what might otherwise be discarded into a delicious and satisfying main course. Don't underestimate the power of a ham bone! It adds so much depth of flavor to the beans. If you don’t have leftover ham, a ham hock works just as well. I usually soak my beans overnight, but if you’re short on time, you can use quick-cooking beans. The choice of rice is entirely up to you; I personally love the subtle saffron flavor of yellow rice, but regular white rice works just as well.
The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. The result is a tender, flavorful stew that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The best part? It's incredibly forgiving. If you slightly adjust the cooking time or add a little more or less of a particular ingredient, the end result will still be delicious. This recipe is my go-to when I need a comforting and satisfying meal that's both easy to prepare and tastes amazing. The ham and beans are hearty and filling, perfect for a chilly evening. Paired with some fluffy cornbread, it’s a true comfort food classic, updated for the modern, busy woman.
I often make a double batch of this recipe, freezing half for a future meal. It's a great way to save time and ensure that I always have a delicious and nutritious meal on hand. The leftovers are also fantastic; they make a wonderful addition to sandwiches or salads. This recipe has become a staple in my household, and I hope it will become a favorite in yours as well. Its simplicity makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, while the rich, savory flavors make it suitable for a more leisurely weekend meal. It's the kind of recipe that makes you feel warm and cozy inside, and that's what truly matters to me in a meal.
Ingredients:
This recipe's simplicity and flexibility are part of its charm. Feel free to experiment and adapt it to your liking. You can add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients and flavor. A touch of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, complementing the ham beautifully. The beauty of this slow cooker recipe is that it’s very forgiving. If you don’t have exactly the right amount of this ingredient or that one, it will still taste amazing! Adjustments are easily made as you go. Feel free to add some diced tomatoes to the pot for extra depth of flavor or a bit of sweetness. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami note that elevates the overall flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions:
While the ham and beans are delicious on their own, serving them with cornbread takes the meal to a whole new level. The slightly sweet cornbread perfectly complements the savory beans and ham, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. You could also serve this with other sides such as coleslaw or a simple green salad for a lighter touch. I love adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish to add a touch of freshness. No matter how you choose to serve it, this slow cooker ham and beans recipe will surely become a family favorite. It’s the perfect combination of comforting and delicious; a real feel-good meal!
Conclusion:
This slow cooker ham and bean recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the joy of simple cooking and the power of repurposing ingredients. It's a recipe born from a desire for efficiency and a love for hearty, flavorful food. It's a recipe that embodies the spirit of resourcefulness and the satisfaction of transforming humble ingredients into something truly special. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do!
