Ham And Beans Recipe | Slow Cooker Ham And Beans

PUBLISHED November 14, 2025· MODIFIED November 13, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1469 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to make, this Slow Cooker Ham and Beans recipe is just what you need. It’s a hearty, protein-packed meal with tender beans, smoky ham, and a flavorful broth that simmers to perfection in your crockpot.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

Effortless Preparation. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Budget-Friendly. Uses simple, affordable ingredients, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Great for Leftovers. Tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Versatile. Easily adaptable with different beans, seasonings, or additional veggies.
Protein-Packed. A nutritious, filling meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or a ham hock for added depth, this dish is a budget-friendly classic that never disappoints.

What Do Ham And Beans Taste Like?

Ham and beans are comfort food at its finest, delivering a smoky, savory, and slightly creamy taste that pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something simple yet incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dried Beans– The heart of the dish, navy beans, great northern beans, or pinto beans create a creamy and tender texture as they cook. Using a slow cooker eliminates the need for overnight soaking, making this an easy, hands-off meal.
Ham Hock or Ham Bone– This is the secret to deep, smoky flavor in the broth. As the ham hock or bone slowly simmers, it infuses the beans with richness. If you have leftover ham, it works just as well and adds extra meaty bites.
Onion– A key aromatic, onion provides a savory base flavor that enhances the overall depth of the broth.
Garlic– Brings bold, aromatic depth, elevating the dish with its natural umami-rich flavor.
Chicken Broth or Water– The foundation of the soup, providing moisture and enhancing the flavors as everything simmers together. Broth creates a richer taste, but water works well, especially when using a ham hock or bone to build depth.
Bay Leaf & Thyme– These classic herbs add warmth, subtle earthiness, and complexity, giving the dish a deep, comforting aroma.
Salt & Black Pepper– Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors in the soup. Black pepper adds mild heat, while salt brings out the natural richness of the ingredients.
Worcestershire Sauce– A flavor booster that adds a hint of umami depth with a slightly tangy, savory kick.
Red Pepper Flakes– Perfect for those who enjoy a spicy touch, adding mild heat that enhances the smoky flavors.
Fresh Parsley– Adds a pop of freshness to the final dish, balancing the rich and hearty flavors with a bright, herby finish.

Each ingredient works together to create a warm, comforting, and flavorful slow cooker meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners or easy meal prep.

How To Make Ham And Beans

Prep the Ingredients. Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris or broken beans. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery for added flavor and texture.
Add Everything to the Slow Cooker. Place the beans, ham hock (or ham bone), onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme into the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth or water until the beans are fully submerged.
Cook Low and Slow. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender and creamy. If using high heat, cook for 5-6 hours, but low and slow provides the best texture.
Remove the Ham Bone & Shred the Meat. Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock or bone, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Stir everything together and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if desired.
Serve & Enjoy. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Serve with cornbread, biscuits, or a crusty baguette for a satisfying meal.

Tips And Tricks

Making Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is easy, but a few expert tips can help you achieve the best flavor and texture. Here are some key tricks to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:

No Need to Soak Beans. The slow cooker softens the beans perfectly without pre-soaking. If you prefer a softer texture, a quick soak (boil for 2 minutes, then let sit for 1 hour) works too.
Use Leftover Ham. If you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner, chop it up and use it instead of a ham bone.
For a Thicker Broth. Mash some of the beans with a spoon before serving. This creates a naturally creamy texture.
Add Greens for Extra Nutrition. Stir in chopped spinach or kale 30 minutes before serving for a nutritional boost.
Make it Spicy. Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Variations

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a versatile dish that can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some creative variations to try:

Smoky Cajun Style– Add smoked sausage, Cajun seasoning, and diced tomatoes for a Southern twist.
Tex-Mex Version– Stir in green chilies, cumin, and chili powder and top with shredded cheese.
Vegetable-Packed– Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Creamy– Blend half the soup for a richer, creamier texture.
Maple-Glazed Flavor– Stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup for a slightly sweet balance to the smoky ham.

What To Eat With Ham And Beans

Ham and beans is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides to enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some of the best dishes to serve alongside ham and beans:

Cornbread– A classic pairing that soaks up all the delicious broth.
Biscuits– Buttery, flaky biscuits complement the rich soup.
Rice or Quinoa– Serve the beans over cooked rice or quinoa for extra heartiness.
Salad– A crisp, refreshing salad adds balance to the meal.
Pickled Vegetables– The acidity of pickled onions or jalapeños pairs well with the smoky, savory flavors.

How Long Does It Last?

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Can You Freeze It?

If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Once cooled, transfer the ham and beans to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space for expansion. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

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