southern ham and beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best southern ham and beans recipe

I’ve been making Southern ham and beans for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. This hearty, comforting dish is a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and can be served as a main course or side dish. I love how the sweet, smoky flavor of the ham pairs with the simplicity of the beans, and the way the whole thing comes together with just a few ingredients.

My kids adore this recipe, too – they can never get enough of that rich, meaty flavor. And the best part? It’s a breeze to prepare – just throw everything into one pot and let it simmer away.

Whether we’re having a big family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner, Southern ham and beans is always a hit. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy considering how comforting it tastes – all that fiber from the beans helps keep me full and satisfied. And let’s not forget the leftovers!

A big pot of this stuff will keep us going for days, reheated in whatever way suits our mood. Whether I’m serving it over rice, with some crusty bread on the side, or just straight out of the pot (no judgment), Southern ham and beans is always a winner in our household. In fact, I like to think of it as more than just a meal – it’s an experience.

So grab your apron and get ready to join me on this delicious journey into the world of Southern cooking.

Southern Ham and Beans

4.5 from 762 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beans and savory ham, perfect for a Southern-style meal. This recipe combines dried beans, ham hock, and aromatic vegetables for a rich and flavorful stew.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ham and Beans

1 lb dried pinto beans
1 ham hock
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf

For the Side

4 slices cornbread

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the pinto beans and pick out any debris.
2Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water.
3Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4This will reduce cooking time and help the beans cook evenly.
5The beans should double in size after soaking.
6Drain and rinse the beans again before using.
7Add the ham hock, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot with the drained beans.
8Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
9Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
10Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.
5 hours.
11Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
12The beans are done when they are tender and the ham is falling apart.
13Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.
14Add the shredded ham back into the pot and stir well.
15The dish should have a thick, hearty consistency.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Serve with cornbread for a complete Southern meal.

One thing I love about Southern ham and beans is how versatile it is – whether we’re having a big family gathering or just need something quick and easy for weeknights, this recipe always delivers. And don’t even get me started on leftovers: a big pot of this stuff will keep us going for days!

Of course there are plenty of ways to serve it up too – over rice with some crusty bread on the side, straight out of the pot (no judgments here!) , or even wrapped up in tortillas for tacos…

however you choose to eat it though trust me when I say Southern ham and beans will always be a hit in our household!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Ham and Beans

1. What type of ham is best for this recipe?

I like to use a smoked ham hock or a boneless ham steak for this recipe – either one works beautifully because they’re both nice and meaty. If you can’t find either one at your local grocery store, you can also use regular old boneless pork shoulder or even some leftover roasted pork if you have some lying around.

2. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! This is one of those magical recipes where everything comes together beautifully after an hour or so of simmering – so feel free to prep everything ahead of time and then just let it cook while you’re doing other things.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Simply refrigerate any leftover Southern ham and beans in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months – just thaw them out when you’re ready to reheat!

4. Can I make this recipe without using canned beans?

Yes! While canned beans are definitely convenient, you can also use dried pinto beans if you prefer – just soak them overnight before cooking them up according to your favorite method.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians/vegans?

Unfortunately not – this recipe relies on pork as its main ingredient (although you could try substituting with some other protein source if you like!). However if you’re looking for some delicious plant-based options I’d be happy to share those too!

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