There’s something about the smell of *ham and beans* bubbling away in a crockpot that instantly makes a house feel like home. This dish is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, warming, and so satisfying! I’ve loved making this recipe since I first discovered it years ago. It’s not just the delicious flavors that keep me coming back; it’s the memories of cozy family dinners around the table. The best part? You can set it and forget it! Just toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a savory, rich meal waiting for you. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll understand why this recipe is a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, nourishing, and perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 2 cups diced ham (you can use leftover ham or a store-bought ham steak)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium for less salt)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that aromatic punch)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it on hand!)
- 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to remove it later!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with a little and adjust as needed)
How to Prepare Ham and Beans in a Crockpot
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
First things first—let’s get those beans ready! You’ll want to rinse the dried navy beans under cold water to remove any dust or impurities. After that, soak them overnight in enough water to cover them by a couple of inches. This step is crucial as it softens the beans and dramatically reduces cooking time. If you forget to soak them overnight, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for about 2 minutes, then letting them sit in the hot water for an hour. Either way, you’ll end up with tender beans that are ready for the crockpot!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now, it’s time to layer everything into the crockpot! Start by draining the soaked beans and placing them in the bottom of the pot. Next, add in the diced ham—this is where the flavor really starts to shine! Then sprinkle in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Just imagine that aroma already! Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the dried thyme and the bay leaf. Finally, season with a bit of salt and pepper (you can always adjust later). Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
Step 3: Cooking Process
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook! If you’re using the low setting, let it go for about 8 hours—this is when the flavors meld together beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting works too; just cook for around 4 hours. As it cooks, you might catch wafts of that savory goodness filling your kitchen—trust me, it’s irresistible! When the time is up, the beans should be tender, and the ham will have infused the broth with its delicious flavor.
Step 4: Final Touches
Before you dig in, make sure to remove that bay leaf—it’s not a tasty addition, just a flavor enhancer! Now, take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning. You might want to add a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper based on your preference. Once everything is perfectly seasoned, it’s time to serve up this hearty dish. Enjoy it with some warm cornbread, and you’ve got yourself a comforting meal that’s sure to please!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Comforting: This dish is pure comfort food. The combination of tender beans and savory ham creates a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it! It’s perfect for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Using dried beans and leftover ham keeps costs low, making this a great option for families or anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes a big batch, ideal for meal prepping. You can enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze portions for later!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices. Want a little heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños! It’s a versatile dish that can adapt to your taste.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not just delicious but also good for you, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Tips for Success
To make your ham and beans crockpot recipe truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip soaking the beans overnight; it’s key for tenderness and reduces cooking time. If you’re short on time, remember that quick soak method I mentioned—it’s a lifesaver! Also, when adding seasoning, start small. You can always adjust later, but it’s tough to fix an overly salty dish. Another tip: if you want a little more depth, throw in a smoked ham hock or some diced smoked sausage—it adds a lovely smoky flavor! Finally, be sure to let the beans cool slightly before serving; this allows the flavors to settle. And trust me, the leftovers are even better the next day, so make sure to save some for later!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each serving of this hearty ham and beans crockpot recipe. Keep in mind that values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use canned navy beans. Just drain and rinse them, and add them to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking to heat through. This way, you’ll still get that delicious flavor without the long soaking time.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. However, using broth adds a wonderful depth of flavor that really enhances the dish!
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Potatoes, bell peppers, or even spinach can be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some veggies may need more or less time to become tender.
How can I thicken the broth?
If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash a portion of the beans against the side of the crockpot with a fork or spoon about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in at the end to thicken things up!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! This dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious ham and beans is super easy! Once the dish has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. This will keep your meal fresh and flavorful for later. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for about 2-3 months without losing too much flavor.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. For reheating, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through—this helps keep the beans from breaking apart too much. In the microwave, place a serving in a bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Just be sure to give it a little taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your cozy meal again!
Imprimer
Ham and Beans Crockpot Recipes for Cozy Comfort Meals
- Temps Total: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A hearty and comforting dish made with ham and beans, cooked slowly in a crockpot.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the beans overnight.
- Drain and place beans in the crockpot.
- Add diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme and bay leaf.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning based on your taste.
- Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 8 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: ham and beans crockpot recipes
