Slow Cooker Ham and Beans: A Comforting Classic Made Easy

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of ham and beans. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that evokes memories of cozy evenings and home-cooked goodness. While traditionally simmered on the stovetop for hours, this recipe brings the timeless classic into the modern kitchen with the convenience of a slow cooker. Using a slow cooker not only simplifies the process but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in an even richer and more satisfying dish. This recipe for Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a simple, delicious, and fuss-free meal. Let’s dive in and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece.

Why Slow Cooker Ham and Beans?

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s explore why using a slow cooker is an excellent choice for preparing ham and beans:

* **Effortless Cooking:** Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. No constant monitoring or stirring required.
* **Intensified Flavors:** The slow, gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.
* **Tender Beans:** The low and slow cooking ensures that the beans become incredibly tender and creamy.
* **Convenience:** Perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to come home to a ready-made, comforting meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ham and beans is already an economical dish, and using a slow cooker can help you save even more on energy costs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that combine to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **1 pound dried Great Northern beans (or navy beans):** These beans are the star of the show. Great Northern beans offer a mild, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture. Navy beans are a good substitute.
* **1 smoked ham hock (or 1 pound cubed ham):** The ham hock provides a smoky, savory flavor that infuses the entire dish. Cubed ham can be used as a substitute, but the ham hock will provide a deeper, richer flavor.
* **8 cups chicken broth (or water):** The liquid base for the soup. Chicken broth adds more flavor, but water can be used in a pinch.
* **1 large onion, chopped:** Onion provides a foundational aromatic flavor.
* **2 carrots, chopped:** Carrots add sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **2 celery stalks, chopped:** Celery contributes a savory, slightly peppery flavor.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Thyme adds an earthy, herbaceous flavor.
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano:** Oregano adds a slightly peppery, savory flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Smoked paprika enhances the smoky flavor of the ham.
* **1 bay leaf:** The bay leaf adds a subtle, complex flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season to your liking.
* **Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar:** A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors.
* **Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped:** For garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making Slow Cooker Ham and Beans:

**Step 1: Rinse and Sort the Beans**

* Pour the dried beans onto a large baking sheet or clean surface.
* Carefully sort through the beans, removing any small stones, debris, or shriveled beans.
* Place the sorted beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.

**Step 2: Soak the Beans (Optional but Recommended)**

While not strictly necessary, soaking the beans overnight can significantly improve their texture and reduce cooking time. It also helps to remove some of the indigestible sugars that can cause gas.

* **Overnight Soak Method:** Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and cover them with at least 2 inches of cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before using.
* **Quick Soak Method:** If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method. Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and cover them with at least 2 inches of cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before using.

**Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash, peel (if necessary), and chop the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces. Aim for pieces that are approximately ½ inch in size.
* Mince the garlic.

**Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

* Place the soaked and rinsed beans in the slow cooker.
* Add the ham hock (or cubed ham), chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.
* Pour in the chicken broth (or water). Make sure the liquid covers the beans and other ingredients. Add more liquid if needed.

**Step 5: Cook on Low or High**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the beans for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
* The beans are done when they are tender and easily mashed with a fork.

**Step 6: Shred the Ham (if using a ham hock)**

* Once the beans are cooked, remove the ham hock from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon.
* Let the ham hock cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone using two forks. Discard the bone and any excess fat or skin.
* Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker.

**Step 7: Season and Serve**

* Stir the ham and beans to combine.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust as needed.
* Optional: Stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a touch of brightness.
* Remove the bay leaf before serving.
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best possible results with your Slow Cooker Ham and Beans:

* **Don’t Overfill the Slow Cooker:** Avoid filling the slow cooker more than two-thirds full. Overfilling can prevent the beans from cooking evenly.
* **Adjust Liquid as Needed:** Check the liquid level periodically during cooking. If the beans are absorbing too much liquid, add more chicken broth or water to keep them covered.
* **Don’t Add Salt Too Early:** Adding salt too early in the cooking process can toughen the beans. It’s best to add salt towards the end of cooking, after the beans are tender.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use high-quality beans, ham, and broth for the best results.
* **Don’t Open the Lid Too Often:** Each time you open the lid of the slow cooker, you release heat and moisture, which can prolong the cooking time. Resist the urge to peek unless necessary.
* **Thicken if Needed:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker or by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Add Vegetables:** Other vegetables such as diced potatoes, bell peppers, or even canned diced tomatoes can be added to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations and add-ins to customize the dish to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Different Beans:** Try using other types of dried beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans.
* **Different Meats:** Substitute the ham hock with smoked turkey leg, bacon, or Italian sausage.
* **Spicy Ham and Beans:** Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian Ham and Beans:** Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.
* **Add Greens:** Stir in chopped collard greens, kale, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Cornbread Topping:** Top the ham and beans with cornbread batter during the last hour of cooking for a hearty and delicious one-pot meal.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with:

* **Cornbread:** A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors of the ham and beans.
* **Coleslaw:** The creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad adds freshness and balance to the meal.
* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an even more comforting and filling meal.

Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover Slow Cooker Ham and Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the ham and beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Ham and beans freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

**Slow Cooker Ham and Beans**

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes (plus soaking time for beans)
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound dried Great Northern beans (or navy beans)
* 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 pound cubed ham)
* 8 cups chicken broth (or water)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Rinse and Sort Beans:** Rinse and sort the beans, removing any debris.
2. **Soak Beans (Optional):** Soak the beans overnight or use the quick soak method.
3. **Prepare Vegetables:** Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** Place the beans, ham hock (or cubed ham), vegetables, herbs, and broth in the slow cooker.
5. **Cook:** Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender.
6. **Shred Ham (if using ham hock):** Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the slow cooker.
7. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 10-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fiber: 15-20 grams

**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a comforting, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and hands-off cooking, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or simply looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Beans! Happy cooking!