Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

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Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a timeless comfort dish that brings together tender beans, smoky ham, and a rich, savory broth into one hearty, satisfying meal. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations because it’s simple, affordable, and incredibly filling. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish with minimal effort.

Whether you’re using leftover ham from a holiday meal or starting fresh, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With its warm, rustic appeal and nourishing ingredients, slow cooker ham and beans is a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples that create bold, comforting flavor.

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried navy beans (or great northern beans)
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced (or ham bone)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Optional Enhancements

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Why These Ingredients Work

Beans: Provide protein, fiber, and a creamy texture.
Ham: Adds smoky, savory flavor.
Vegetables: Build depth and balance.
Broth: Forms a rich base.
Seasonings: Enhance overall taste.

How To Ham and Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse and sort dried beans to remove debris.

Optional: Soak beans overnight for faster cooking and easier digestion.

Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

Dice ham, chop vegetables, and mince garlic

Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker

Place in slow cooker:

  • Beans
  • Ham
  • Onion
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic

Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasoning

Pour in broth.

Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cook on:

  • LOW for 7–8 hours
    or
  • HIGH for 4–5 hours

Beans should be tender and creamy.

Step 6: Adjust Texture

If too thick, add more broth.

If too thin, mash some beans to thicken.

Step 7: Serve

Remove bay leaf and serve hot.

You Must Know

1. Don’t Add Salt Too Early

It can slow bean softening.

2. Use Enough Liquid

Beans absorb a lot of liquid.

3. Soaking Helps

Optional but improves texture and digestion.

4. Stir Occasionally

Ensures even cooking.

5. Taste Before Serving

Adjust seasoning at the end.

Topping Variations

Fresh Herbs

Parsley or thyme adds freshness.

Hot Sauce

Adds heat and depth.

Crumbled Bacon

Adds crunch and smokiness.

Sour Cream

Adds creaminess.

Green Onions

Adds mild onion flavor.

Shredded Cheese

Adds richness.

Make It A Meal

Serve With Bread

  • Cornbread
  • Dinner rolls
  • Crusty bread

Add Vegetables

  • Green beans
  • Collard greens
  • Roasted carrots

Full Comfort Meal

Serve with:

  • Salad
  • Bread
  • Dessert

Meal Prep

Portion into containers for easy meals.

Pro Tips

1. Use a Ham Bone

Adds incredible flavor.

2. Add Vinegar at the End

Brightens the dish

3. Don’t Overcook

Beans should be tender, not mushy.

4. Use Low Sodium Broth

Control salt levels.

5. Make Ahead

Tastes better the next day.

6. Freeze Portions

Freeze up to 3 months.

7. Adjust Thickness

Mash beans or add broth.

Recipe FAQs

Do I have to soak the beans?

No, but it helps with texture and digestion.

Why are my beans still hard?

They may need more cooking time or fresher beans.

Can I use canned beans?

Yes, reduce cooking time significantly.

How long do leftovers last?

Up to 4 days in the fridge.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit ham and use vegetable broth.

Can I add potatoes?

Yes, for a heartier dish.

Can I cook on HIGH?

Yes, but LOW gives better flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough.

Print

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Ham & White Beans – our favorite way to use our leftover holiday ham! Only 3 ingredients – ham, onion, and dried great northern beans. Cover with water and cook. Serve with some homemade cornbread. Comfort food at its best!

  • Author: Brandy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb package dried northern beans
  • 1 ham bone, , hocks, shanks or diced ham (about 1 pound)
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 6 cups water
  • salt and pepper, , to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and sort the beans for any pebbles. Add the rinsed beans, onion powder, salt, pepper, and ham to the crockpot. Add water. Cover and cook on low about 8 hours, until beans are tender.
  2. Remove ham bone, shanks or hocks and pull off the meat. Add meat to the crockpot and mix. Serve with cornbread.