Crock Pot Ham and Beans

Classic ham and beans, which is a winter staple at our house, is a great way to use up that leftover ham. So delicious and easy with only TWO, that's right, TWO ingredients. It cooks all day while you are away and when you come home, dinner is served. Simply easy and simply delicious!

Talk about a frugal meal.

I like making meals that are quick, easy and doesn't cost a lot.  If I must confess, I did not care for this ham and beans recipe in the early years of our marriage.  

My husband liked it. I didn't make it often, but my husband appreciated it when I did. Now?

I make it all the time.

Why?  We have four kids we have to feed on a budget.  This meal probably costs $2.50.  If that.  

I buy the ham on sale at Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter, cook it and divide it up into different meal portions.  One $7.00 ham can last several meals.  

This is also a great "what should I make with the leftover ham" after the holidays.  After all that holiday cooking, this is a simple throw together meal. Perfect!

Ingredients

Are you ready? The ingredient list is mighty short and if you blink, you may miss it.

• Chopped Ham
• Great Northern Beans

That's it folks. You can certainly add some salt and pepper to the crock pot when you put the beans and ham in, but it is optional. The ham has salt in it already so that may be enough for some.

Like some dessert recipes to go with this meal? Try: Easy Pumpkin Bars, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies or Zucchini Crisp Bars.

Variations

There are so many variations to this meal, you can adapt it to your family's tastes.

Adding peas, potatoes or carrots to the crock pot with the ham and beans will certainly add flavor and depth.

Another good add-in would be a pinto bean. You could use cans of great northern beans and pinto beans for a change of flavor.

Cook

To cook this, simply put the cans of beans and ham in a crock pot on low for 4-5 hours.

That is it. I would give it a stir if you are around, but if you aren't, no worries.

Leftovers

This needs to be put in an airtight container and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in microwave safe bowl for about 45 seconds at a time and stir. Then warm until desired. Make sure you cover the bowl with a paper towel to prevent splatter.

Serve

This is not a thick recipe so you will want to put it in a bowl. The reason is you don't drain the liquid from the beans.

Serve this with homemade cornbread.

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