Use What You Have
Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried great Northern beans, soaked overnight
- pound cooked ham, chopped
- cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- teaspoon garlic salt
- teaspoon black pepper
- teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 cups water, or as needed
Directions
Step 1: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.
Step 2: In a slow cooker, combine the dried beans, chopped ham, brown sugar, onion powder, dried parsley, garlic salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Pour enough water into the slow cooker to cover the mixture by about 2 inches.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the Low setting, stirring occasionally, for 12 hours.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrition Item | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 318 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 16mg |
| Sodium | 493mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12g |
| Total Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Vitamin C | 13mg |
| Calcium | 121mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
| Potassium | 912mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your specific calorie needs.
Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish thats perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day. This simple recipe combines tender ham, creamy beans, and savory seasonings, cooked low and slow to create a satisfying soup. Perfect for leftovers, this dish is a great way to utilize ham from holiday meals and turn it into a delicious dinner.
History and Origin
The history of ham and beans dates back to ancient times when beans were considered a staple in various cultures around the world. Beans were a cheap and reliable source of protein, while ham was often used to add flavor to the dish. In the United States, ham and beans became popular during the 19th century, particularly in the rural South, where it was a common dish among farmers and working-class families. The slow cooker method, popularized in the mid-20th century, made this dish even more accessible, allowing home cooks to prepare it with minimal effort.
Regional Variations
Ham and beans have different variations depending on the region. In the Southern United States, the dish often includes smoked ham hocks or turkey necks for a deeper flavor. In the Midwest, Great Northern or Navy beans are typically used, while in other regions, pinto beans may be more common. Some recipes call for the addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions, adding both flavor and texture to the dish. Each family has its own twist, and the dish is often served with cornbread for a complete meal.
What Makes It Different
Ham and beans stand apart from other similar dishes like split pea soup or bean soup due to the specific choice of beans (usually Great Northern or Navy beans) and the use of ham as the primary protein. Unlike split pea soup, which uses peas and is often pureed, ham and beans maintain a chunkier, heartier consistency. The addition of brown sugar in some recipes, such as the Slow Cooker Ham and Beans, gives the dish a slight sweetness, which contrasts with the savory flavors, creating a unique flavor profile not often found in similar bean-based soups.
Where It Is Commonly Served
Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a dish commonly served in the United States, particularly in the South and Midwest. It is a popular comfort food in colder months, as it is filling and warming. The dish is often served in casual settings, such as family dinners or gatherings. It is also a great choice for potlucks or as a meal prep dish, since it can be made in large quantities and easily reheated. In some regions, it is paired with cornbread or crusty bread, making it even more satisfying.
Interesting Facts
- Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is not only delicious but also cost-effective. It uses inexpensive ingredients like dried beans and leftover ham, making it a great option for feeding a crowd on a budget.
- The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, making the ham melt into the beans and creating a rich, savory broth.
- The dish is highly versatile, allowing for substitutions based on personal preference or availability of ingredients. For example, you can substitute turkey for ham or experiment with different types of beans.
- Some versions of the dish include a touch of sugar (like brown sugar) to balance the salty flavors of the ham, adding a subtle sweetness thats characteristic of certain regional variations.
- Ham and beans are often made in large batches, making them perfect for leftovers. The flavors actually improve over time, so its a dish that can be enjoyed for several days after its cooked.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Recipe
Comments
WallyPres
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I had some left over ham from the holidays that I pulled out of the freezer and thawed out. Chopped it up, tossed the ingredients for this recipe into my crock pot, and ended up with a very tasty soup! The only change that I made is that I added a can of chicken broth, then added water 2" to cover. I'll be serving this with a plate of cornbread, and a cool spinach salad. This recipe has a quick prep time, and tastes great! I'll be making this again!
BARNKITTY
03/17/2014 10:01:08 AM
We used a diced red onion and two minced cloves of garlic, sauteed in a little butter with the ham, and ham stock for part of the water. Did not find this too sweet at all. Good beans.
Christine Slaughter
01/16/2017 01:40:22 AM
Fantastic recipe. I did not have Great Northern Beans on hand, but did have a bag of Navy beans. They worked great. I wanted to have it slightly thickened, so when it was done cooking I grabbed a couple ladles of the beans and broth portion and pureed them in the blender. I stirred it back in with the beans and it was perfect! Both teenage kids loved it. My husband, who really can't stand beans or bean soups told me this needs to go into our cold-months dinner rotation. I was hesitant to make it at first because of some reviews calling it too sweet. It had a hint of sweetness, but wasn't overly so at all. I made it a week and a half ago, and am soaking beans right now to prepare it for dinner tomorrow night. Thanks for an amazing recipe!
Rick K
12/08/2012 04:37:48 PM
Great & easy recipe! I deviated somewhat from the basic recipe after reading reviews and using what I had on hand. My wife had bought some ground ham in the deli, so I used a 1/2 Lbs. of that. I had a bag of 15 beans and soaked them overnight (did NOT use the flavor packet with it). I started with a 28oz can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped medium onion, about a half cup each of chopped green and red pepper (frozen from bags in the freezer), 2 tsp. crushed jar garlic, brown sugar & spices as indicated. Added the beans & homemade chicken stock instead of water I had on hand. About 6 hours in, chopped 1 Lbs. of turkey kielbasa in half moons (less five inches that I grilled and put on a hotdog bun for lunch)& added it to crockpot. 11 hours in it was still to soupy for my taste. I skimmed out about 1 cup of liquid, cool it in fridge, then whisked in about 4 TBL of flour to the cool liquid. Added mixture back to crockpot to thicken to light gravy type texture. Everyone loved it - a keeper!
EDDIEB1
05/02/2011 08:14:32 PM
We both thought this was tasty, but I followed the advice of others and only used 1/4 c brown sugar, and we wouldn't have wanted it any sweeter. I also substituted part of the water with beef broth. I forgot to soak the beans overnight, so I washed the beans and set the slow cooker on high for 4-5 hours, then on low for the remainder of the time, and they were fully cooked, so you don't have to worry if you don't soak the beans first. I will make this again and will substiture turkey kielbasa when I don't have leftover ham.
Jim Fields
10/21/2012 04:27:07 AM
Very Good ! Here are my changes..... I doubled the recipe and also added 3 bay leaves ... minced garlic, 3 stalks of celery chopped, 3 yellow onions roughly diced, 1 large green pepper cut into smaller chunks and half of lb of baby carrots cut up and maybe a t of cayenne pepper and same amount of Cajun seasoning and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Added the carrots and celery about halfway in . Cooked for 1st 2 hours on high then 9+ or so on low . To get to the consistency I like added flour to thicken it at the end.
BeckyBee
12/13/2014 12:27:13 PM
Had some leftover spiral cut honey glazed ham and the ham hock so gave this one a go. It was very flavorful and easy. I cut back on the brown sugar since I already had the honey glaze going on. I will probably cut it in half the next time I make it. Started with about 2 cups of chicken stock for the liquid and then added water on top of that. Also added a cup of freshly diced onions. Great recipe!
lspowell
07/26/2016 09:52:35 PM
I had never attempted ham and beans in the slow cooker and really wanted to try it. I'm so glad I did! I didn't think my family would enjoy the sugar, as we have always eaten savory ham and beans, so I soaked my beans overnight, drained and rinsed, and added to the slow cooker the next day with a diced onion, one smoked ham hock, 3 minced garlic cloves, salt, white pepper, two chicken bullion cubes and added water two inches above the beans as instructed. The only issue I had was after 9 hours of cook time, I had an incredible amount of liquid! Our personal preference is for a thicker, stew-like consistency, so I will cut back on the water next time. Other than that, FABULOUS recipe! By doing in the slow cooker, I can serve this on a weeknight. Thank you for sharing!
Kandra Stephen Palmer
10/10/2010 10:08:15 AM
My family loves these beans! I will add some leftover bacon and pork chops to this mixture, chopped onion, put it all in the slow cooker for about 6 hours checking the water as you go. About 30 min before your ready to eat crack the lid and it will thicken just enough :) Bake cornbread with honey to go along with it. We will definitely be making this often this winter. Thanks for sharing this!
Rose S
10/16/2020 11:37:45 PM
Loved this recipe. I read previous comments and reduced the brown sugar by a 1/4th and went lighter on the cayenne. As suggested I used real onion. Turned out great and I used one carton of Swanson chicken broth instead of water. The beans do thicken up as it sets after cooking. Great with honeyed corn bread. Will make again!
Margie Kaminski
01/19/2020 09:03:13 PM
Do not forget to soak those beans! I reduced the brown sugar to 1/4 cup. Set slow cooker on HIGH for 5 hours and LOW for 2 hours. Perfect! The cayenne gives a little 'sumthin to the taste. YUM!
Diane
08/31/2025 04:36:38 PM
easy to make and the family loved it made plenty to feed 8 with enough for lunch the next day
dougcollinssr
02/21/2025 02:12:33 AM
There was a leftover ham from Christmas so I used that and what a flavor. On reheat, I put in some chopped carrots and potatoes. That was a nice addition. I also tossed in a little onion. ENJOY!!!
SpiffyBeef9762
02/09/2025 03:22:01 PM
I added jalapenos, cleaned all seeds and membrane and removed the cayenne pepper, wife doesn't like to much heat and added red bell peppers and onions
Parvati Dawson
01/29/2025 01:37:05 AM
It was delicious! The brown sugar made the broth amazing! I did make a few changes not meaning to change the flavor: I added two sliced carrots, two sliced stalks celery and half a chopped yellow onion instead of onion powder, just to add in some veggies and make it heartier. They thankfully were bland enough that they did not take away from the ham and bean goodness at all which is what I hoped for! My mom is excited to try this recipe too based on my glowing review.
Carolyn Allen
01/02/2025 05:34:14 PM
I can’t believe I made this myself!
Ole Sam
03/05/2024 12:11:44 AM
I've made a similar version of this recipe many times, but never with 1/2 brown sugar. Doesn't belong in the low calorie section IMO.
Joe Michael Baker
01/02/2024 11:42:50 PM
Made this with leftover ham from Christmas. So good !!!!
timboone
09/23/2023 01:39:40 PM
Absolutely fantastic! Couldn't get ham hocks (all they had were really pig knuckles. --little meat and lots of bones) So I used smoked Turkey Drumsticks!! Yum!! I used Chicken Broth rather than water. This is becoming a tradition!
SunnyPear1713
01/11/2023 06:02:17 AM
Waiste of my time. By far the worst I have ever made. Brown sugar don't go in ham and beans.
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