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How long do you cook ham and beans?
The answer depends on whether you’re using dried beans or canned beans, and whether you’re cooking a leftover ham bone or cubed ham.
If you’re using dried beans and a ham bone, you’ll cook ham and beans for about 2 to 2.5 hours of simmering after soaking the beans overnight.
If you’re using canned beans and cubed ham, you’ll cook ham and beans for just 30 to 45 minutes.
In this post, we’ll break down how long you cook ham and beans for each scenario, plus tips for getting that rich, smoky flavor every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Long Do You Cook Ham and Beans?
The cooking time for ham and beans depends on your starting ingredients.
Here’s the breakdown so you know exactly how long to cook ham and beans no matter what’s in your kitchen.
1. Dried Beans Plus a Ham Bone: 2 to 2.5 Hours
This is the classic Southern method, and it’s worth every minute.
You’ll cook ham and beans for about 2 to 2.5 hours at a gentle simmer if you’re starting with dried beans and a leftover ham bone.
First, soak your dried beans overnight or use the quick-soak method.
Then add them to a big pot with your ham bone, cover with water or broth, and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer.
The beans need that full 2 hours to soften and absorb all the smoky goodness from the bone.
You’ll know they’re done when the beans are creamy and tender, and the broth has thickened slightly.
2. Dried Beans Plus Cubed Ham: 1.5 to 2 Hours
If you’re using cubed ham instead of a bone, you’ll cook ham and beans for a bit less time.
Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering.
The beans still need time to soften, but cubed ham releases its flavor faster than a bone does since more surface area is exposed to the liquid.
Just keep an eye on the pot and add more water or broth if it gets too low.
3. Canned Beans Plus Ham: 30 to 45 Minutes
Short on time?
You can still cook ham and beans in under an hour with canned beans.
Since canned beans are already cooked, you’ll only simmer them for 30 to 45 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors meld.
Drain and rinse the canned beans first, then add them to a pot with your ham and enough liquid to cover.
Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, and taste for seasoning before serving.
4. Slow Cooker Method: 6 to 8 Hours on Low
If you’d rather set it and forget it, the slow cooker is your best friend.
You’ll cook ham and beans for 6 to 8 hours on low when using dried beans, or 3 to 4 hours on low with canned beans.
Just toss everything in, cover, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
This method is perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you.
Tips for Perfect Ham and Beans Every Time
Knowing how long to cook ham and beans is just part of the equation.
These tips will help you nail the flavor and texture.
1. Soak Your Dried Beans
Never skip the soak when using dried beans.
Soaking softens the beans, cuts down on cooking time, and helps them cook more evenly.
An overnight soak is ideal, but a quick soak works too: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit for an hour.
2. Don’t Add Salt Too Early
Salt can toughen the skins of dried beans if added at the start.
Wait until the beans are fully tender before seasoning, then adjust to taste.
Your ham will add plenty of saltiness anyway, so taste before you shake that salt shaker.
3. Use Enough Liquid
The beans will absorb a lot of liquid as they cook.
Keep them covered by an inch or two of water or broth, and check periodically.
Nobody likes dry, scorched beans at the bottom of the pot.
4. Add Aromatics for Depth
Onion, garlic, bay leaves, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika take ham and beans to the next level.
Toss them in at the start so they have time to infuse the broth.
5. Let Them Rest Before Serving
Once you’ve finished cooking ham and beans, let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes off the heat.
This resting period lets the flavors settle and the broth thicken up nicely.
So, How Long Do You Cook Ham and Beans?
You cook ham and beans for about 2 to 2.5 hours with dried beans and a ham bone, 1.5 to 2 hours with dried beans and cubed ham, or just 30 to 45 minutes with canned beans.
The slow cooker stretches that to 6 to 8 hours on low, but it’s hands-off the whole way.
Whichever route you take, the goal is tender beans and a rich, savory broth that tastes like it simmered all day.
Now you know exactly how long to cook ham and beans, so grab that ham bone and get a pot going.