There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of ham and beans simmering in a crockpot, filling your home with warmth and nostalgia. This hearty dish is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare—making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Just imagine gathering around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying a bowl of this satisfying meal with your loved ones. Trust me, once you try these ham and beans crockpot recipes, they’ll become a staple in your home. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, and you’ll love how simple it is to whip up!
Ingredients for Ham and Beans Crockpot Recipes
Gathering the right ingredients for this ham and beans crockpot recipe is super simple and rewarding! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, especially the beans, which need to be rinsed and soaked overnight for the best results. It’s all about that hearty flavor coming together in the crockpot, so let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Ham and Beans in the Crockpot
Preparing ham and beans in the crockpot is a breeze, and it all starts with a little love and patience. First things first, you’ll want to rinse your dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water. Then, soak them in a large bowl of water overnight—this step is key to ensuring they cook perfectly and are nice and tender. The next day, drain the beans and get ready to layer your ingredients!
In your crockpot, add the soaked beans, followed by the diced ham, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth until everything is submerged, and then sprinkle in the dried thyme and toss in the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, but don’t overdo it just yet; you can adjust later! Cover the crockpot, set it to low, and let it work its magic for about 8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high for around 4 hours. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving—it’s not meant to be eaten!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water and soak them in water overnight.
- Drain the beans and place them in the crockpot.
- Add the diced ham, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaf.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips for Success
For the best flavor and texture, don’t skip the overnight soak for the beans! This not only helps them cook evenly but also enhances their creamy goodness. As for seasoning, taste the dish about an hour before it’s done; you may want to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your preference. If you find the soup too thick, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth. And if you’re looking for the perfect side, cornbread pairs wonderfully with this dish—trust me, it’s a match made in comfort food heaven!
Nutritional Information for Ham and Beans Crockpot Recipes
When diving into this delightful ham and beans crockpot recipe, you’ll find it not only warms the soul but also provides a balanced meal! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately 250 calories. You’ll get 7 grams of fat, with only 2 grams being saturated fat, and a hearty 18 grams of protein to keep you feeling full. With 30 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of fiber, it’s great for your digestive health. Just a heads up, these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! While navy beans are traditional for this dish, you can experiment with other types of beans like pinto, great northern, or even black beans. Just keep in mind that each variety has its own cooking time and texture. For instance, pinto beans tend to be creamier, while black beans will give the dish a slightly different flavor. Make sure to adjust the soaking time accordingly, as some beans may need a bit more time to soften!
How can I adjust the recipe for a larger group?
If you’ve got a crowd to feed, it’s super easy to scale up this recipe. Just double or even triple the ingredients, depending on how many people you’re serving. Be sure to use a larger crockpot, or you might need to cook in batches! Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness and adjust the seasoning as needed. This hearty dish is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings!
What can I serve with ham and beans?
This dish is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, I highly recommend serving it with some warm cornbread or a side salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also pair it with some pickled vegetables or coleslaw for a crunchy texture. And don’t forget a nice, cold glass of iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down! Trust me, it makes for a perfect cozy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a bit of chopping and layering, this recipe practically cooks itself in the crockpot, giving you more time to relax or tackle other tasks!
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of tender beans and savory ham creates a filling meal that warms you from the inside out—perfect for those chilly nights.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber from the beans and lean protein from the ham, this dish is a wholesome choice that keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting classic, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings.
- Versatile Flavor: You can easily customize the seasonings or add your favorite veggies, making it a flexible recipe that adapts to your taste.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover ham and beans is super simple! Just let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for easy meals throughout the week!
If you want to extend their life, you can freeze the leftovers as well. Just portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If you’re using the microwave, pop them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. For stovetop reheating, just place them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if they seem a bit thick. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to go in no time!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to try this ham and beans crockpot recipe as I am! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. Share your thoughts, tips, or any tweaks you made to the recipe. Did you add a special ingredient? Or maybe you paired it with a fantastic side dish? Let’s swap stories!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to rate it. Your feedback helps others discover this comforting dish, and it means the world to me. Remember, cooking is all about sharing joy and creating memories, so let’s keep the conversation going! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear about your delicious adventures in the kitchen!
Z nadrukami
Ham and Beans Crockpot Recipes: 7 Comforting Secrets to Love
- Całkowity Czas: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A hearty and comforting dish made with ham and beans cooked slowly in a crockpot.
Składniki
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Rinse and soak the beans overnight.
- Drain and place beans in the crockpot.
- Add diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme and bay leaf.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 8 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Crockpot
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 10g
- Białko: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Słowa kluczowe: ham and beans crockpot recipes
