best ham and beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best best ham and beans recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite ham and beans recipe that has been a staple in our household for years. This classic dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The combination of tender beans, flavorful ham, and rich broth is a perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household too. Growing up, my grandmother would often make this dish for family gatherings and special occasions. It was always a hit with the kids and adults alike, and I think it’s because of the simplicity of the recipe yet the depth of flavor it provides.

The key to this recipe is in the slow-cooking process that allows all the flavors to meld together and create a rich and satisfying broth. I’ve experimented with different types of beans and hams over the years, but I find that using navy beans and a good-quality ham works best. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it as a main course, or use it as a side dish for your favorite meats or vegetables. The leftovers are also incredibly convenient – simply store them in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months. As for the health benefits of this recipe, I’m happy to report that it’s not only delicious but also nutritious.

The beans are packed with fiber and protein, while the ham provides a boost of vitamin B12. And let’s not forget about all the vitamins and minerals from the vegetables that you can add to this recipe. Overall, this ham and beans recipe is a winner in my book – it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any occasion.

Best Ham and Beans

4.9 from 908 votes

This hearty ham and beans recipe combines tender white beans with smoky ham hocks for a soul-warming meal. Simmered low and slow with aromatic vegetables, it is perfect for using up leftover ham.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 pound dried navy beans or Great Northern beans
1 meaty ham hock or 2 cups diced leftover ham
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste (add at the end)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried beans under cold water and pick out any debris.
2Place them in a large bowl, cover with water by 2 inches, and let soak for 8 hours or overnight.
3Drain and rinse the beans before using.
4Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
5Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Add the drained beans, ham hock (or diced ham), chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot.
8Increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently.
9Cook for 2 to 2.
5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.
10If using a ham hock, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly.
11Shred the meat from the bone, discarding the skin and bone, and return the shredded ham to the pot.
12Taste the beans and add salt as needed, keeping in mind that the ham is already salty.
13For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.
14Remove the bay leaf and discard.
15Ladle the ham and beans into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
16The beans should be creamy and the broth rich and savory.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a quicker version, use canned cannellini beans (3 cans, drained and rinsed) and reduce simmering time to 30 minutes. Adjust salt carefully as canned beans and ham are already salted. Leftovers thicken upon standing; thin with a little broth or water when reheating.

Watch Video Of How Best Ham and Beans Works

This ham and beans recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m so glad you’re interested in trying it out too!

One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste buds.

For storage, simply let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing – when reheating, be sure to add some extra broth if needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Beans

Q: What type of beans should I use?

I recommend using navy beans as they hold their shape well during cooking and have a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

While you can use canned beans as a substitute, I highly recommend using dried beans as they have more texture and flavor.

Q: How long should I cook the ham?

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ham slices – aim for about 30 minutes per pound or until they’re nicely browned.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! In fact, using a slow cooker is one of my favorite ways to make this recipe as it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Q: What if I don’t have any vegetable broth?

No worries! You can use chicken or beef broth as substitutes – just keep in mind that they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.

Similar Posts