Easy Ham and Beans Crock Pot: A Savory and Convenient Meal

Embark on a culinary journey with our guide to ham and beans crock pot, a classic dish that combines the smoky flavor of ham with the hearty goodness of beans. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your kitchen adventures, this recipe will guide you through every step to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

With the convenience of a crock pot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld and create a comforting and flavorful dish that will warm you from the inside out.

Introduction

Using a crock pot to cook ham and beans offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows for slow cooking, which tenderizes the meat and infuses the beans with flavor. Secondly, it is a convenient option, as you can set it and forget it, allowing you to attend to other tasks while your meal cooks.

There are various types of ham and beans that can be used in this dish. For the ham, you can choose from smoked ham hocks, diced ham, or even leftover holiday ham. As for the beans, popular choices include navy beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans.

When cooking ham and beans in a crock pot, you may want to add turmeric powder for its earthy flavor. However, if you don’t have turmeric powder on hand, there are several turmeric powder substitutes that you can use instead.

Once you’ve chosen your substitute, add it to the crock pot along with the ham and beans. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ham and beans are tender.

When selecting your ingredients, opt for high-quality ham and beans to ensure the best flavor and texture.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When choosing the right ingredients for your ham and beans, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of ham you use will impact the flavor of the dish. Smoked ham hocks will impart a more intense smoky flavor, while diced ham or leftover holiday ham will provide a milder flavor.

Secondly, the type of beans you use will also affect the taste and texture of the dish. Navy beans are a good all-purpose bean that holds its shape well, while pinto beans are slightly larger and have a more earthy flavor.

Great northern beans are a good choice for those who prefer a creamier bean.

Ingredients

To prepare ham and beans in a crock pot, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound dried navy beans, picked over and rinsed
• 1 pound smoked ham hock or 1 ham bone
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups water

For added flavor, you can also include the following optional ingredients:

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses

3. Cooking Ham and Beans in a Crock Pot

Cooking ham and beans in a crock pot is an easy and convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. Follow these steps to make a delicious and hearty meal:

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1 pound ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Crock Pot

Combine all ingredients in a 6-quart crock pot.

Step 3: Cook on Low or High Setting

Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours, or on High for 4-6 hours.

Step 4: Adjust Cooking Time

The cooking time may vary depending on the amount of ham and beans used. For a larger amount, increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. For a smaller amount, decrease the cooking time by 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the ham hock and shred the meat. Stir the shredded ham back into the beans and serve hot.

Variations

The classic ham and beans recipe is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:

Add different seasonings

• Add a bay leaf or two for a more aromatic flavor.
• Sprinkle in some dried thyme or oregano for an earthy taste.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Add different vegetables

• Add some chopped carrots or celery for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
• Stir in some chopped bell peppers or onions for a sweeter flavor.
• Add a can of corn or black beans for a more hearty meal.

Add different meats, Ham and beans crock pot

• Add some diced bacon or sausage for a more savory flavor.
• Stir in some shredded chicken or beef for a more protein-packed meal.
• Add a ham hock for a more intense ham flavor.

Make vegetarian or vegan versions

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
• Omit the ham and add extra vegetables, such as lentils or tofu.
• Use a vegan-friendly sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, instead of brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions: Ham And Beans Crock Pot

Ham and beans is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Traditionally, it is served with cornbread or biscuits. However, there are many other creative ways to serve this dish.

One way to dress up ham and beans is to add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. This will add a creamy richness to the dish. Another option is to top the ham and beans with shredded cheese. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a blend of cheeses would all be good choices.

Side Dishes

Ham and beans can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include:

• Cornbread
• Biscuits
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Green salad

Final Conclusion

Whether you enjoy it as a hearty main course or a comforting side dish, our ham and beans crock pot recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, set your crock pot to low, and let the aromas of this classic dish fill your home.