Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Introduction

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is the ultimate comfort food—a savory, hearty dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a meal packed with rich flavors and luscious textures. This recipe guarantees tender beans and meltingly soft chunks of ham, all simmered in a flavorful broth that hits the spot on a chilly day or for an easy weeknight dinner.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it virtually hands-off. That means more time for you and less fuss in the kitchen, with mouthwatering results that everyone will love.

Why This Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Is a Winner

What makes this classic dish so loved is the way the humble beans soak up the smokiness of ham and blend effortlessly with aromatic herbs and vegetables. Not only is it budget-friendly and easy to throw together, but it’s also incredibly satisfying and perfect for reheating as leftovers. This makes it ideal for meal prepping or leisurely family dinners.

Simple Steps for Flavorful Ham and Beans

To get the best texture, start by rinsing and sorting your beans to ensure even cooking. The slow cooking process allows all the piquant flavors to meld together, producing a depth of flavor you just can’t rush. Chop your aromatics quickly and efficiently with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to save time and ensure uniform pieces.

Quality smoked ham hock or diced leftover ham brings a meaty richness to the beans. Bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper round out the savory notes in this homey dish.

Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Once your ham and beans are ready, serve them piping hot with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread. For leftovers or to pack for lunch, simply ladle the beans into an airtight container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh and easy to reheat.

To easily shred larger pieces of ham right in the slow cooker, use a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen for quick, mess-free preparation.

Perfect Pairings and Presentation

Garnish your ham and beans with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce. Serve alongside a chilled beverage in a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler for the ultimate dinner experience at home or on-the-go.

For a no-fuss set-up at gatherings, lay out a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable to keep cleaning up to a minimum—ideal for busy households or potluck dinners.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This slow cooker meal yields about 8 generous servings. Each portion is approximately 330–390 calories, offering plenty of protein and fiber from the beans and ham. It’s a well-balanced, comforting meal for any day of the week.

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans (Recap)

A bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is everything you want in a cozy dinner: simple ingredients, deep flavor, and warming comfort. The convenience of the slow cooker means easy preparation with delicious, homemade results every time.

Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the beans. Place them in your slow cooker.
2. Dice the onion, celery, and carrots—use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, even chopping.
3. Add the diced vegetables, minced garlic, ham hock or diced ham, broth, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours, or high for 4–5 hours, until the beans are soft and tender.
5. Remove the ham hock, shred any meat off the bone using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, and stir it back into the beans. Discard the bone and bay leaves.
6. Taste and season with salt as needed. Stir in fresh parsley if using.
7. Serve hot. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for quick, easy lunches or dinners during the week.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)

Total Time: About 8 hours (mostly hands-off)