How To Make Beans And Ham In A Crock Pot

You can make beans and ham in a crock pot by combining dried beans, a smoked ham hock or diced ham, and a handful of pantry staples, then letting the slow cooker do the work for you.
 
This is one of those easy crock pot beans and ham recipes that fills the whole house with a warm, savory smell while you go about your day.
 
If you’ve been searching for a no-fuss dinner that tastes like it simmered all afternoon, this crock pot beans and ham is exactly what you need.
 
The best part is that making beans and ham in a crock pot requires almost zero babysitting.
 
You just dump everything in, set the temperature, and walk away.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make beans and ham in a crock pot, the ingredients that work best, and a few simple tips so your beans turn out tender every single time.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Why Making Beans and Ham in a Crock Pot Works So Well

Making beans and ham in a crock pot works so well because slow, steady heat is exactly what dried beans need to soften and soak up flavor.
 
Here’s why this method shines:
 

1. Low and Slow Heat Tenderizes Everything

Dried beans need time to break down, and a crock pot delivers gentle, even heat for hours.
 
That slow cooking softens the beans without turning them mushy.
 
The ham, meanwhile, releases its smoky saltiness right into the broth.
 

2. The Ham Does Double Duty

When you make beans and ham in a crock pot, the ham isn’t just a protein, it’s your seasoning.
 
A smoked ham hock or ham shank flavors the entire pot as it cooks.
 
That’s why you barely need extra salt in this recipe.
 

3. It’s a Hands-Off Meal

Once everything is in the crock pot, your work is basically done.
 
You can head to work, run errands, or relax while dinner cooks itself.
 
That’s the beauty of a slow cooker beans and ham dinner.
 

How to Make Beans and Ham in a Crock Pot: Step by Step

Learning how to make beans and ham in a crock pot comes down to a few simple steps.
 
Follow these and you’ll have a hearty pot of beans ready by dinner.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need one pound of dried beans like navy, pinto, or great northern.
 
Add a smoked ham hock, ham shank, or a couple cups of diced ham.
 
Toss in one chopped onion, a few cloves of minced garlic, and a bay leaf.
 
You’ll also want about six to eight cups of water or chicken broth.
 

2. Soak the Beans Overnight

Soaking dried beans overnight helps them cook evenly and reduces stomach upset.
 
Just cover them with water and let them sit for eight hours or so.
 
If you’re short on time, a quick soak works too.
 

3. Add Everything to the Crock Pot

Drain your soaked beans and add them to the crock pot.
 
Nestle the ham hock or diced ham right on top.
 
Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, and your liquid.
 
Make sure the beans are fully covered by at least an inch of liquid.
 

4. Cook Low and Slow

Set your crock pot to low and cook for six to eight hours.
 
If you’re in a hurry, high for four to five hours works too.
 
Just resist the urge to lift the lid, since that lets heat escape.
 

5. Finish and Season

Once the beans are tender, pull out the ham hock or bay leaf.
 
Shred any ham meat and stir it back into the pot.
 
Taste before adding salt, since the ham is already salty.
 
A pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce finishes it nicely.
 

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Beans and Ham

A few small tweaks make a big difference when you make beans and ham in a crock pot.
 
Keep these tips in mind:
 

1. Don’t Add Salt Too Early

Adding salt at the start can keep beans from softening properly.
 
Wait until the end, then season to taste.
 

2. Keep the Liquid Topped Up

Beans soak up a lot of liquid as they cook.
 
Check halfway through and add more water or broth if needed.
 

3. Use Acid at the End

A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the whole pot.
 
Just don’t add it early, since acid can toughen the beans.
 

4. Pick the Right Beans

Navy beans give you a creamy texture, while pinto beans bring a richer flavor.
 
Great northern beans are a nice middle ground for this crock pot beans and ham recipe.
 

So, How Do You Make Beans and Ham in a Crock Pot?

You make beans and ham in a crock pot by soaking dried beans, adding them with ham and seasonings to the slow cooker, and letting everything simmer low and slow for hours.
 
The ham flavors the broth while the beans soak it all up, giving you a comforting, filling meal with almost no effort.
 
Whether you use a smoked ham hock or leftover diced ham, this crock pot beans and ham recipe is about as easy as dinner gets.
 
So grab your slow cooker and make a batch of beans and ham in a crock pot this week.