Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most mouth-watering aroma of slow-cooked ham and creamy navy beans - a classic American dish that promises to transport you straight to grandma's kitchen! This incredibly easy Crockpot Ham and Beans recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you're looking for a hearty winter dinner or a simple meal that feeds a crowd, this recipe is your ultimate culinary lifesaver.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly and remove any stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water, allowing them to soak overnight (8-12 hours).
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again to remove excess starch. Transfer the beans to the crockpot.
- Dice the onion and carrots into small, uniform pieces. Add them to the crockpot with the beans.
- Chop the ham into small cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size. Sprinkle the ham over the beans and vegetables.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring all beans are covered. Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, or until beans are tender and creamy.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Once beans are tender, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more chicken broth.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Soaking is Non-Negotiable: Always soak your dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures more even cooking.
- Choose Quality Ham: Use leftover holiday ham or high-quality diced ham for the best flavor. The ham adds a rich, smoky dimension to the beans.
- Don't Oversalt: Ham is already salty, so go easy on additional salt. You can always add more at the end of cooking.
- Low and Slow is the Way: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The magic of this dish happens during the long, slow cooking that breaks down beans and melds flavors.
- Check Liquid Levels: Beans absorb a lot of liquid, so keep an eye on the broth. Add more chicken broth if the mixture looks too dry during cooking.
- Optional Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a bay leaf, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or some minced garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
