There’s something magical about a hearty, home-cooked meal that warms you from the inside out—especially when it’s as simple and satisfying as this Crockpot Ham and Beans recipe. This dish has quickly become a family favorite in our household, and for good reason: it’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for those chilly days when you just want something cozy and comforting.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish that’ll provide leftovers for days, this recipe delivers. Plus, it’s gluten-free (thanks to Hurst’s® HamBeens® Great Northern Beans) and versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides. In our house, we love serving it with my Perfect Gluten-Free Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread and a side of crispy fried potatoes. Trust me, it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ham and Beans Recipe
Before we dive into the details, let me tell you why this recipe is a must-try:
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or freezer. No fancy, hard-to-find items here!
- Set It and Forget It: Thanks to the crockpot, this recipe is hands-off once the prep is done. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
- Hearty and Filling: With protein-packed beans and savory diced ham, this dish is a complete meal on its own—but it also pairs beautifully with your favorite sides.
- Gluten-Free: Certified gluten-free beans make this a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with different seasonings, vegetables, or even a smoky ham hock if you’re feeling adventurous.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a meal on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- With Cornbread: My husband and I love to crumble chunks of my Perfect Gluten-Free Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread into a bowl and ladle the beans over the top. The cornbread soaks up the flavorful broth, and every bite is pure comfort.
- With Potatoes: Cast iron fried potatoes are a staple in our house, and they pair perfectly with this dish. The crispy, golden potatoes add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
- With Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli make for a healthy and colorful side.
Feel free to get creative with your pairings—this recipe is versatile enough to work with almost anything!
Tips for Making This Recipe Your Own
- Swap the Ham: If you have a leftover ham bone or ham hock, you can use it instead of diced ham for an extra depth of flavor. Just remove the bone before serving.
- Add More Spice: Love a little heat? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth to keep it completely meat-free. You can add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a few of the beans with a spoon or potato masher before serving.
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
There’s something so nostalgic about a pot of beans simmering away—it reminds me of childhood, family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. My husband and I have made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to hit the spot. On chilly evenings, we’ll cozy up with bowls of ham and beans, cornbread, and fried potatoes, and it feels like the ultimate comfort food hug.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Life can get busy, but with just a little prep and the magic of the crockpot, you can have a wholesome, delicious meal ready to go. It’s also a great way to stretch your grocery budget—beans are affordable, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please, this Crockpot Ham and Beans recipe is a winner. It’s a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot and let’s get cooking! And don’t forget to pair it with my Perfect Gluten-Free Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Trust me, your family will thank you.
The Best Ever Crockpot Ham and Beans
This dish has quickly become a family favorite in our household, and for good reason: it’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for those chilly days when you just want something cozy and comforting.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Par-cook the beans
Open the beans and discard the seasoning packet that comes with it. I never use this packet.
In a large stockpot, dump in the beans and cover with the 10 cups of water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium high and high simmer (boil) for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand covered with lid for 1 hour.
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Prepare the Crockpot
While the beans soak, lightly oil crockpot bottom and sides with olive oil or Pam Olive Oil Spray (or any vegetable oil will do, we just prefer olive oil). Add the frozen mirepoix, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder and 8 oz diced ham. Stir to combine.
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Finish up Crockpot
Once the beans have soaked for 1 hour, drain in a colander and then dump them into the crocpot with the other ingredients. Stir to combine. Cover with the 2 cans of vegetable broth and 2 1/2 cups of water. Stir to blend.
Put the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours (mine are usually done around 6 hours). Or you can cook on high 3-4 hours.
Turn off the crockpot and serve.
Note
This recipe pairs well with my Gluten Free Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread. You can also serve with roasted or fried potatoes or any other vegetable or bread of your choice.
My husband and I like to crumble our cornbread in chunks into a bowl and then ladle beans on top. We eat this with cast iron fried potatoes.
