How to Make Delicious Ham and Beans in a Crockpot

Ham and beans is a classic, comforting dish that everyone loves. The combination of smoky, salty ham with creamy beans is deeply satisfying. While ham and beans traditionally simmers for hours on the stovetop, using a crockpot cuts down the hands-on time substantially. You can have tender beans and rich broth ready with minimal effort using a crockpot.

The slow cooker does all the work for you when making ham and beans The beans cook low and slow all day infusing the broth with their creamy flavor And the smoky ham adds salty, meaty depth. Follow this simple guide for foolproof ham and beans in the crockpot.

Benefits of Making Ham and Beans in the Crockpot

Here are some of the advantages of using a crockpot for ham and beans:

• Hands-off cooking: Once you add the ingredients, the crockpot does the work. No need to watch a simmering pot.

• Uses tough cuts: The moist heat tenderizes ham hocks, bones and other tough cuts.

• Extracts flavor Long cooking draws out flavor from the ham bone into the beans and broth.

• Doesn’t overcook: Beans cook through without getting mushy in the crockpot.

• Makes leftovers Easily doubles or triples to have leftovers for lunches or future meals

• Perfect weeknight meal: Easy dinner with little last minute work required.

Now let’s look at some tips for success and the simple recipe method.

Tips for Making Ham and Beans in a Crockpot

Follow these tips for the very best crockpot ham and beans:

• Sort through beans and rinse well before cooking. Discard any dirt, stones or shriveled beans.

• Use aflavorful smoked ham hock, ham bone or ham steak. Avoid mild deli ham.

• Dice aromatics like onion, celery and carrots small so they cook through.

• Add bay leaf, cloves, garlic and other seasonings for extra flavor.

• Cook on low for 7-8 hours. High can lead to overly mushy beans.

• Use dried beans for best texture and from-scratch flavor. Canned beans work too.

• Before serving, remove ham bone and bay leaf. Mash beans to thicken broth.

• Add leftover cubed ham just before serving to retain moisture and flavor.

It only takes a few easy steps to make this satisfying classic.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound dried navy or great northern beans
• 1 smoked ham hock or 1 pound cubed ham
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 cups water or broth
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse and sort beans. Discard any dirt, debris or shriveled beans.

2. Place beans, ham, onion, celery, garlic, bay leaf, cloves and pepper in crockpot.

3. Add enough water or broth to cover beans by 2-3 inches.

4. Cook on low setting for 7-8 hours until beans are very tender.

5. Remove bay leaf and ham bone. Mash some beans against pot to thicken.

6. Stir in any cubed ham and season with salt to taste.

7. Serve ham and beans into bowls. Enjoy!

That’s all there is to it! The crockpot does the work for you.

Recipe Variations

• Use great northern, cannellini, pinto or baby lima beans.

• Add smoked turkey wings or neck bones instead of ham.

• Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes.

• Top with hot sauce, shredded cheese or green onions.

• Make it vegetarian by using smoked paprika and mushrooms.

• Cook on high for 3-4 hours if short on time. Check beans for doneness.

No matter how you customize it, crockpot ham and beans is the perfect hearty, comforting dish. The tender beans and rich broth are so satisfying.

More Tips for Crockpot Ham and Beans

Here are some additional pointers for success:

• Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time slightly.

• For smokier flavor, use ham broth instead of plain water.

• Add a pinch of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage.

• Cooking on high can lead to burst beans and mushy texture.

• Let soup sit 10-15 minutes before serving to thicken broth.

• Freeze leftovers in portions to reheat later for quick meals.

With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you can come home to a hot pot of ham and beans thanks to the crockpot. The flavorful, comforting dish makes great leftovers too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of ham to use?

For the most flavor, use a smoked ham hock, ham bone, or ham steak. Deli ham lacks the smoky depth.

How long should you cook ham and beans in a crockpot?

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check beans for tenderness and adjust time if needed.

Do you need to soak the beans first?

Soaking is optional but reduces cooking time slightly. Skipping soaking is fine too. Just cook 1-2 hours longer.

Can you use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, canned beans can be substituted to save time. Drain and rinse them before adding to the crockpot.

How do you thicken the broth?

Mashing some of the cooked beans against the side of the crockpot will release starch to thicken the broth.

Enjoy Effortless Ham and Beans

Let the crockpot do the work for you when making hearty ham and beans. With minimal hands-on time, you can come home after a long day to a hot pot of creamy beans and smoky ham waiting. Customize the basic recipe with your favorite herbs, seasonings or toppings. Thanks to the simplicity of the crockpot, ham and beans can be on the menu any night of the week.