Name: Comforting Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 18 h 15 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ tsp black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 lb dried Great Northern beans, rinsed and sorted; 1 lb ham hock or diced ham; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

This Comforting Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Stew is a hearty, soul-warming dish with smoky ham, creamy beans, and tender vegetables. Perfect for chilly days, it’s an effortless, flavorful meal that simmers all day, filling your home with cozy aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker ham and bean stew is the epitome of comfort food, blending smoky, savory ham with creamy beans and wholesome vegetables into a dish that warms both body and soul. The slow cooker makes it a breeze to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy days, family dinners, or meal prepping, as it yields a generous batch that tastes even better the next day. Packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors, this budget-friendly stew is a versatile crowd-pleaser, ideal for serving with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Soak Beans Overnight: Soaking dried beans reduces cooking time and ensures a creamy, tender texture.

Sear Ham for Depth: If using fresh ham, sear it briefly to enhance its smoky, savory flavor.
Uniform Veggie Cuts: Chop vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking and a balanced texture.
Skim Excess Fat: Remove any fat that rises to the surface after cooking for a cleaner taste.

Season Gradually: Add salt at the end, as ham can be salty; taste to avoid over-seasoning.
Low and Slow: Cook on low to meld flavors and keep beans and vegetables tender without mushiness.
Thicken if Desired: Mash some beans or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker, heartier stew.

Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh parsley or thyme at the end for a bright, fresh finish.

Yield: 10 cups

Comforting Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Stew

This slow cooker ham and bean stew is a cozy, smoky, and hearty meal perfect for chilly days.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 18 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

½ tsp black pepper

1 bay leaf
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 lb dried Great Northern beans, rinsed and sorted

1 lb ham hock or diced ham
1 tsp dried thyme
2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

Prepare the Beans: Rinse the Great Northern beans under cold water, removing debris. Soak overnight in water, then drain and rinse (optional for creamier texture).
Sauté Vegetables: Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Load the Slow Cooker: Place rinsed beans in the slow cooker. Add sautéed vegetables, spreading them evenly over the beans.

Add Ham: Nestle the ham hock or diced ham among the beans, letting its smoky flavor infuse the stew.
Season the Mix: Sprinkle dried thyme, black pepper, and the bay leaf over the ingredients for warm, earthy notes.
Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth, ensuring beans and ham are fully submerged. Top off with water if needed.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until beans are creamy and ham is tender.
Remove Ham Hock: If using a ham hock, remove it, shred any meat, and stir it back into the stew. Discard the bay leaf.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt if needed, as ham can vary in saltiness. Mash some beans for a thicker texture if desired.

Serve Warm: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with cornbread or crusty bread for a comforting, hearty meal!

Notes

Soaking beans is optional but reduces cooking time and improves texture.
Ham hocks vary in saltiness; taste before adding salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Skim fat from the surface after cooking for a lighter stew.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
This recipe is adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets with simple swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 214Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 50mgSodium 227mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 22g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Dried Great Northern Beans (1 lb): These creamy beans hold their shape well; soak for best results.

Ham Hock or Diced Ham (1 lb): Ham hock adds rich, smoky flavor; diced ham offers convenience.
Yellow Onion (1 large): Provides a sweet-savory base; dice finely for even flavor distribution.
Carrots (3 medium): Add subtle sweetness and vibrant color; slice into rounds or chunks.

Celery (2 stalks): Brings earthy, fresh notes; chop evenly for consistent texture.
Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh minced garlic adds warm, aromatic depth to the stew.
Chicken Broth (6 cups): Low-sodium broth allows seasoning control; homemade adds extra richness.

Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Adds earthy, herbal warmth; fresh thyme can enhance brightness.
Bay Leaf (1): Infuses subtle flavor; remove before serving to avoid bitterness.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Enhances flavors without overpowering; adjust to taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Bean Swap: Use navy or cannellini beans for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Meat Options: Replace ham with smoked turkey, bacon, or sausage for varied smokiness.
Vegetarian Version: Omit ham, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika for depth.

Veggie Add-Ins: Include potatoes, parsnips, or kale for extra heartiness and nutrition.
Broth Swap: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable or beef broth for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and ham are gluten-free certified.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; reheat with a splash of broth.

Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Canning: Process in a pressure canner for 75 minutes (pints) for shelf-stable storage up to 1 year.