Can You Use Navy Beans For Ham And Beans

Yes, you can use navy beans for ham and beans, and they actually make a fantastic pot of comfort food.
 
Navy beans are small, creamy, and they soak up the smoky flavor of ham beautifully, so if you’ve been wondering whether you can use navy beans for ham and beans, the answer is a big yes.
 
That said, there are a few things worth knowing before you grab a bag of navy beans for ham and beans, especially if you’re used to the classic white beans or Great Northern beans that usually show up in this dish.
 
In this post, we’ll cover why navy beans work so well for ham and beans, how to cook them properly, and a few tips so your ham and beans turn out rich and creamy every single time.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

Why Navy Beans Work for Ham and Beans

Navy beans work for ham and beans because they’re basically a smaller, creamier cousin of the white beans you’d normally use.
 
Here’s why they fit right in:
 

1. They’re the Same Family as Classic White Beans

Navy beans are a type of white bean, just smaller and rounder than Great Northern or cannellini beans.
 
That means when you use navy beans for ham and beans, you’re not going off-script at all.
 
You’re using a bean that shares the same mild, slightly nutty flavor and the same creamy texture once cooked.
 
So if a recipe calls for white beans and all you’ve got is navy beans, you can absolutely use navy beans for ham and beans without worrying about ruining the dish.
 

2. They Soak Up Smoky Ham Flavor

Navy beans have a soft, neutral taste, which makes them perfect for soaking up the salty, smoky goodness of ham.
 
Cooking navy beans for ham and beans means every single bean absorbs that rich broth, so you get flavor in every bite.
 
This is exactly why navy beans and ham are such a natural pairing.
 

3. They Break Down Into a Creamy Texture

When navy beans cook long enough, they soften and start to break down slightly, which thickens the broth.
 
That’s what gives ham and beans with navy beans that thick, velvety consistency people love.
 
If you like your ham and beans a little creamy rather than brothy, navy beans for ham and beans is honestly a great choice.
 

4. They’re Budget-Friendly and Easy to Find

Navy beans are cheap and available in almost every grocery store.
 
So you can use navy beans for ham and beans without spending much, and you’ll still feed a crowd.
 
That’s a big reason navy beans and ham remain a staple in so many kitchens.
 

How to Cook Navy Beans for Ham and Beans

Now that you know you can use navy beans for ham and beans, let’s talk about how to actually cook them so they turn out tender and flavorful.
 

1. Soak the Navy Beans Overnight

Start by rinsing your navy beans and picking out any stones or shriveled beans.
 
Then cover them with cold water and let them soak overnight, or at least 6 to 8 hours.
 
Soaking navy beans for ham and beans helps them cook evenly and cuts down on cooking time.
 
If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak by boiling the navy beans for two minutes, then letting them sit for an hour.
 

2. Use a Smoked Ham Hock or Ham Bone

The flavor in ham and beans with navy beans comes mostly from the ham, so pick a good one.
 
A smoked ham hock, ham shank, or leftover ham bone works best because it releases deep, smoky flavor as it simmers.
 
If you only have diced ham, that works too, but you’ll want to add a little bacon or smoked paprika for extra depth.
 

3. Simmer Low and Slow

Add your soaked navy beans to a large pot with the ham, then cover everything with water or broth by about two inches.
 
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
 
Cooking navy beans for ham and beans low and slow is the key to that creamy texture we talked about earlier.
 
Stir occasionally and add more liquid if it starts getting too thick.
 

4. Season at the End

Ham is salty, so wait until the navy beans are fully cooked before adding salt.
 
Taste first, then adjust with salt, black pepper, and maybe a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.
 
A bay leaf tossed in during cooking also adds nice background flavor to ham and beans with navy beans.
 

5. Let Them Rest Before Serving

Once your navy beans are tender, turn off the heat and let the pot sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
 
This resting time lets the navy beans for ham and beans soak up even more flavor and thickens the broth.
 
Serve with cornbread and you’ve got a meal that’s tough to beat.
 

Tips for Perfect Ham and Beans with Navy Beans

A few quick tips will help you get the best results when you use navy beans for ham and beans.
 

1. Don’t Add Acid Too Early

Acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar can keep navy beans from softening.
 
So if you want to add a splash of vinegar for brightness, do it at the very end when the navy beans are already tender.
 

2. Keep an Eye on the Liquid

Navy beans absorb a lot of water as they cook, so check often and top up with hot water or broth as needed.
 
You want the navy beans for ham and beans to stay covered the whole time.
 

3. Mash a Few Beans for Creaminess

If you want thicker ham and beans with navy beans, scoop out a cup of cooked beans and mash them, then stir them back in.
 
This trick gives you that creamy consistency without adding any cream or flour.
 

4. Freeze the Leftovers

Ham and beans with navy beans freeze really well, so don’t toss the extras.
 
Just cool them, portion them out, and freeze for up to three months.
 
Reheat on the stove with a splash of water and it’ll taste just as good as day one.
 

So, Can You Use Navy Beans for Ham and Beans?

Yes, you can use navy beans for ham and beans, and they’ll give you a creamy, flavorful pot of comfort food that’s just as good as the classic version.
 
Navy beans soak up smoky ham flavor, break down into a rich texture, and they’re cheap and easy to find.
 
Just soak them overnight, simmer them low and slow with a smoked ham hock, and season at the end.
 
So next time you’re wondering whether you can use navy beans for ham and beans, go ahead and grab that bag of navy beans.
 
Your kitchen is going to smell amazing.