Easy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham And Beans Recipe That Wows

Slow cooker ham and beans represent comfort food at its finest, transforming humble ingredients into a soul-warming meal.

Rich, smoky flavors mingle with tender legumes in this classic dish that promises satisfying warmth.

Hearty ingredients come together seamlessly, creating a robust meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Families gather around steaming bowls, anticipating the deep, complex tastes waiting to unfold.

Generations have cherished similar recipes, passing down techniques that elevate simple components into extraordinary dining experiences.

The magic happens when slow, gentle cooking coaxes maximum flavor from each ingredient, developing remarkable depth and richness.

Protein-packed and incredibly nutritious, this recipe delivers both sustenance and pure comfort on a plate: prepare to be delighted.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham and Beans is a Hearty, Flavorful Meal

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This slow cooker ham and beans recipe delivers a warm, soul-satisfying meal that wraps you in pure culinary comfort, perfect for chilly days or when you need a deeply nourishing dish.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: By utilizing a slow cooker, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal hands-on time, making gourmet cooking accessible for busy home cooks.
• Flavor-Packed Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich beans, smoky ham, and a medley of vegetables, this dish offers a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that delivers robust flavors and fills you up without feeling heavy.
• Customizable One-Pot Wonder: The recipe allows easy adaptations with different bean types, herbs, or additional vegetables, making it a versatile dish that can suit various taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

• Smoked Ham: Tender, flavorful protein that adds rich smoky depth to the dish. Look for high-quality, lean cut with good marbling.
• Chicken Stock: Provides savory liquid base for slow cooking and enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix combination creating aromatic and flavorful base. Choose fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor and depth to the dish. Select firm cloves without sprouts.

• Cannellini or Navy Beans: Creamy, protein-rich legumes that provide hearty texture. Choose canned beans low in sodium, well-drained and rinsed.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme Sprigs: Aromatic herbs that infuse subtle earthy and herbal notes into the dish.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and adds subtle fruity undertones.
• Tomato Paste: Adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the dish.
• Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light, clean finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Step 1: Sizzle The Ham

• Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
• Cook diced smoked ham until golden brown and crispy

Step 2: Prepare Vegetable Base

Chop into 1/2-inch pieces

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Add chopped onions to skillet with ham
• Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant
• Sprinkle kosher salt over carrots and celery
• Cook vegetables until slightly softened

Step 4: Enhance Aromatic Layers

• Stir in minced garlic cloves
• Add tomato paste
• Cook mixture for 2 additional minutes

Step 5: Transfer To Slow Cooker

• Move ham and vegetable mixture into slow cooker
• Pour chicken stock over ingredients

Step 6: Add Hearty Beans And Herbs

• Drained cannellini beans
• Bay leaf
• Tied thyme sprigs

Step 7: Slow Cook To Perfection

• Cover slow cooker
• Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours

Step 8: Final Touch And Serve

• Remove thyme bundle and bay leaf
• Season with ground black pepper
• Adjust salt to taste
• Garnish with chopped parsley

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

• Enhance Herb Complexity: Layer fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme near the end of cooking for a vibrant aromatic finish.
• Balance Sodium Smartly: Pour reduced-sodium chicken stock and taste before adding extra salt to control flavor intensity.
• Boost Smoky Undertones: Dust smoked paprika over minced garlic during the final hour to create deep, rich complexity.
• Diversify Bean Textures: Blend Great Northern beans with traditional navy beans for a more interesting mouthfeel and visual appeal.
• Brighten Final Notes: Splash apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice moments before serving to awaken the dish's entire flavor profile.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for your ham and beans. Extract all air from the container to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor quality.
• Portioning Strategy: Divide the dish into individual serving sizes before freezing. Use small, stackable containers or freezer bags to maximize storage space and allow quick, convenient reheating.
• Temperature Control: Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures consistently. Keep your fridge at 40°F or below and freezer at 0°F to ensure maximum food safety and preserve the dish's delicious taste and texture.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

• Smoky Sausage Swap: Replace the smoked ham with spicy chorizo or andouille sausage for a bold, zesty flavor profile that adds extra depth to the classic bean dish.
• Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate diced red bell peppers, swap chicken stock for vegetable broth, and add a touch of dried oregano and lemon zest to give the recipe a Mediterranean-inspired makeover.
• Bacon Lover's Version: Substitute ham with crispy bacon pieces and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy, smoky variation that brings incredible richness to the beans.
• Veggie-Packed Power Bowl: Use plant-based ham alternatives or extra vegetables like diced zucchini and spinach to create a hearty, nutrient-dense version of the original recipe that's perfect for vegetarian meals.

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham and Beans: A Comforting, Savory Dish

Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker ham and beans epitomize comfort cuisine with rustic Southern charm.

Rich ham flavors mingle with hearty beans, creating a soulful culinary experience that warms hearts and nourishes spirits.

Aromatic herbs and vegetables elevate this classic dish beyond simple sustenance.

Generations of home cooks have embraced similar recipes, passing down techniques that celebrate family traditions.

Complex layers of flavor develop slowly, transforming humble ingredients into a memorable meal.

Readers, dive into this comforting classic – share your kitchen adventures, spark conversations about cherished recipes, and spread delicious inspiration with friends and fellow cooking enthusiasts.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham And Beans Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and beans bring Southern comfort to your kitchen, simmering with smoky, savory goodness. Rich pork and tender legumes merge in this classic one-pot meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) diced smoked ham (pre-cooked)
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken stock

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 carrots, chopped into even ½-inch pieces
• 2 celery stalks, chopped into even ½-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 sprigs of thyme, tied together with kitchen twine

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra to taste after cooking
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) tomato paste
• 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped parsley, for garnish
• Optional: extra drizzle of olive oil for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté 8 ounces (226 grams) of diced smoked ham until it develops a golden-brown color and crispy edges.
2. Prepare the aromatics by finely dicing 1 medium yellow onion, and chopping 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks into uniform half-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Transfer the chopped onions into the skillet with the ham and cook until the onions become translucent and release a fragrant aroma, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced carrots and celery to the skillet, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of kosher salt, and continue cooking until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a slight tenderness.
5. Introduce 2 minced garlic cloves to the vegetable mixture, stirring quickly to prevent burning, then incorporate 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the depth of flavor.
6. Carefully transfer the entire ham and vegetable mixture from the skillet into the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Pour 4 cups (946 milliliters) of chicken stock over the mixture, creating a flavorful liquid base for the dish.
8. Drain and rinse 2 cans of cannellini or navy beans, then gently fold them into the slow cooker along with 1 bay leaf and a small bundle of fresh thyme sprigs tied together.
9. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a rich, comforting consistency.
10. Once cooking is complete, remove the thyme bundle and bay leaf, season with 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) of ground black pepper and additional salt to taste.
11. Serve hot, garnishing with 2 tablespoons (8 grams) of freshly chopped parsley and an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.

Notes

• Leftovers develop even more intense, complex flavors as ingredients mingle overnight in the refrigerator.
• Crusty bread becomes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of the rich, savory broth.
• Slow cooker magic transforms humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying, budget-friendly meal that feeds the soul.
• Caramelized vegetables and smoky ham create a flavor foundation that elevates this classic comfort dish.
• Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme brighten the hearty mixture, adding unexpected depth and freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg