There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of ham and beans, especially when it’s made in a crockpot. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of tossing a few ingredients into a pot, setting it, and letting it do its magic while you go about your day? This dish is the epitome of hearty and satisfying, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to wrap your hands around something warm. The combination of tender navy beans and savory ham simmers together beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s so easy – you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Ingredients List
To make this delicious ham and beans crockpot recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
These ingredients come together to create that cozy, home-cooked flavor that you’ll love. It’s all about keeping it simple and satisfying!
How to Prepare Ham and Beans in a Crockpot
Making ham and beans in a crockpot is as easy as it gets, and I’m here to walk you through it step-by-step. First, you’ll want to rinse and soak the dried navy beans overnight. This helps soften them and gets rid of any dirt. Don’t skip this step; trust me, it makes a difference!
Once your beans have soaked, drain them and place them directly into your crockpot. Next, add in the diced ham, chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. The colors of the veggies against the beans are just beautiful, don’t you think?
Now, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, and bay leaf, then add salt to taste. I always like to start with a little and adjust later.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be counting down the minutes! Once it’s finished cooking, give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving. Enjoy this cozy bowl of comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation – just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic!
- Hearty and satisfying flavors that warm you up from the inside out.
- Nutritious ingredients packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome meal.
- Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, yielding about six generous servings.
- Versatile – customize with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
- Great for chilly days, and it makes your home smell amazing while it cooks!
Tips for Success
To make the best ham and beans in your crockpot, here are a few pro tips that I’ve learned over the years. First, don’t skip the soaking step for the beans – it really helps them cook evenly and prevents them from being tough! If you’re short on time, at least soak them for a few hours. Also, feel free to get creative with your seasonings; adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor. Lastly, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving. A pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference! Enjoy your cozy meal!
Variations of Ham and Beans Crockpot Recipes
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this ham and beans crockpot recipe! For starters, consider adding different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re a spice lover, try adding a teaspoon of cumin or a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat. You could also experiment with different types of beans, like black beans or pinto beans, for a unique twist. And for a smoky flavor, toss in some smoked sausage along with the ham. The possibilities are endless – have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up this comforting ham and beans crockpot recipe, you’re not just treating yourself to something delicious; you’re also getting a pretty balanced meal! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s packed with nutrition and flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
When it comes to storing leftovers of your delicious ham and beans, it’s super simple! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers, and they’ll last for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just make sure to cover the bowl to prevent splatters. Enjoy your cozy meal again!
FAQ About Ham and Beans Crockpot Recipes
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned beans can be a great shortcut. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the crockpot. You’ll want to reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours on low since they’re already cooked.
What other meats can I add?
If you want to mix it up, smoked sausage or turkey can be delicious additions. They bring a different flavor and texture that pairs well with the beans.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the ham for some hearty vegetables like mushrooms or even a plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’re good to go!
How can I thicken the broth?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, try mashing a few beans against the side of the crockpot after cooking. You can also stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this ham and beans crockpot recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions!
Ham and Beans Crockpot Recipe: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort
- Gesamtzeit: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A hearty and comforting dish of ham and beans cooked in a crockpot.
Zutaten
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
Anweisungen
- Rinse and soak the beans overnight.
- Drain the beans and place them in the crockpot.
- Add the diced ham, onion, carrots, and celery.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Add garlic powder, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Stir and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers.
- For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 8 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Crockpot
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 5g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: ham and beans crockpot recipes
