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To make a tasty slow cooker ham and beans dish, you need these items: - 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight - 1 cup diced ham (use leftover ham or store-bought boiled ham) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 bay leaves - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients based on what you have. If you don’t have navy beans, use pinto or black beans. These will work just fine. For the ham, turkey or chicken can be a lighter choice. If you want a vegetarian dish, skip the ham and add more veggies or use vegetable broth. Fresh herbs add great flavor, but dried herbs are a good substitute too. This dish gives you a healthy meal. Each serving (about 1.5 cups) has roughly: - Calories: 320 - Protein: 24g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fiber: 12g - Fat: 6g This meal is rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling choice. The beans provide good nutrients, while the ham adds flavor and protein. You can enjoy this dish guilt-free! For more details and the full recipe, check out the recipe link. First, gather all your ingredients for the ham and beans. This makes cooking easy. Start by rinsing and draining the soaked navy beans. Set them aside. Next, chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic, too. You want to have everything ready before you start. This helps the cooking process flow smoothly. Then, in your slow cooker, add the beans. Next, toss in the diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over all this. Make sure the beans are fully covered by the broth. This keeps them moist and helps them cook evenly. Add the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to mix well. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. You can cook this dish on low or high heat. If you choose low, let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. This method brings out rich flavors. If you’re short on time, go for high heat. This takes about 3 to 4 hours. Both methods make the beans tender and tasty. To boost flavor, use leftover ham. It adds a nice, rich taste. Fresh herbs also make a difference. Sprinkle some parsley on top before serving. It adds color and freshness. Taste the stew before serving. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before ladling the stew into bowls. This recipe is all about comfort. It brings warmth to any table. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To make your ham and beans shine, use great ingredients. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley boost flavor. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky taste. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. Keep tasting as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate. Soak your beans overnight for the best results. This helps them cook evenly and become tender. Rinse and drain them before adding to the slow cooker. Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours gives the beans a creamy texture. If you cook on high, aim for 3-4 hours. Always check the beans near the end. They should be soft but not mushy. One mistake is not soaking the beans. This can lead to tough beans. Another is over-seasoning early on. Add salt late in the cooking process to avoid tough beans. Also, avoid using too much liquid. The beans will absorb some broth, so start with the right amount. Lastly, don’t forget to remove bay leaves before serving. They can be tough and not pleasant to eat. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty version without meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh for that savory flavor. Add more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. This will keep your dish hearty and full of flavor. If you want to mix it up, use other meats. Smoked sausage or diced turkey work great. You can even use leftover roast beef for a different twist. Just cut the meat into small pieces and stir it in with the beans. Herbs and spices can change the whole dish. Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. A dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up if you like heat. You can also use a splash of vinegar for brightness. Each option adds a new layer of taste. Get creative and find what you love best! For the full recipe, refer to the Comforting Ham and Bean Stew section. To keep your ham and beans fresh, let them cool first. Use an airtight container. Store the dish in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Freezing is a great option for ham and beans. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to label each bag with the date. The stew lasts well for about three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you have a few options. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. If using the stove, warm it over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again! For the full recipe, check out the Comforting Ham and Bean Stew. I love using navy beans for ham and beans. They are small, tender, and creamy. They absorb flavors well and give the dish a nice texture. You can also use great northern beans or pinto beans. These beans can work too, but navy beans are my top choice for this dish. Yes, you can use canned beans! Canned beans save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the slow cooker. If you use canned beans, reduce the cooking time. Cook for about 2 to 3 hours on low. This way, the beans stay tender and do not break apart. To make this in a stovetop pot, start by soaking the dried beans. Once soaked, drain them and add them to a pot. Then, add the ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check the beans. They should be soft and full of flavor. I like to serve this stew with crusty bread for dipping. A fresh salad makes a great side too. You might try cornbread for a sweet touch. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look nice and bright. These sides will balance the hearty stew and make a complete meal. In this blog post, we delved into the essential ingredients and methods for making delicious slow cooker ham and beans. We explored ingredient substitutions, nutritional info, and various cooking tips to enhance flavors. Plus, we covered storage tips, serving ideas, and common questions you might have. As you prepare to make this dish, remember to choose your ingredients wisely. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and don’t stress about perfection. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Warm up with this comforting ham and bean stew that’s perfect for chilly days! Packed with tender navy beans, savory ham, and flavorful veggies, this slow cooker recipe is both delicious and easy to prepare. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Ready to savor every spoonful? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight

1 cup diced ham (use leftover ham or store-bought boiled ham)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Rinse and drain the soaked navy beans and set them aside.

    In the slow cooker, add the beans, diced ham, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.

      Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged.

        Add in the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

          Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender.

            Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Remove bay leaves before serving.

              Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in rustic bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top brings a fresh pop of color!