Budget-Friendly Ham and Beans Recipe

This slow cooker ham and beans recipe combines dried Great Northern beans, diced ham, and basic vegetables in a hearty, mostly hands-off meal.

It makes 8 servings for $6.12, or $0.77 per serving, with a total time of about 8 hours and 15 minutes. For more affordable meals, see the full collection of recipes.

What this costs

These are estimated costs based on typical U.S. supermarket store-brand prices in September 2026. Prices vary by store and region, so treat them as a guide.

Ingredient cost = pack price ÷ pack quantity × amount used. Cost per serving = total recipe cost ÷ servings.

Ingredient Notes and Cheaper Swaps

Great Northern Beans

Dried Great Northern beans give a creamy texture and mild flavor, and they are significantly cheaper than canned, though they take longer to cook. Sort and rinse them before cooking to remove any small stones or debris.

Cheaper Swap: Cannellini or navy beans work if Great Northerns aren’t available, though the texture might vary slightly. Canned beans can work if you’re short on time; rinse them well and reduce the water in the recipe.

Diced Ham

Leftover holiday ham works well here. Otherwise, look for pre-diced ham or a small ham steak in the meat section; smaller cuts are often more affordable than a whole roast.

Cheaper Swap: Smoked sausage or a few slices of bacon, rendered and crumbled, give a similar smoky flavor. A ham hock or shank makes a richer broth; pick the meat off the bone once cooked.

Ham Flavored Concentrate

This boosts the savory ham flavor, especially if the ham isn’t very smoky. It’s usually found near the bouillon cubes or soup mixes. A small packet or a teaspoon of granules goes a long way.

Cheaper Swap: Chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes or granules can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different. With a ham hock, you might not need additional concentrate.

Celery, Carrot, and Onion

Cheaper Swap: A small amount of other root vegetables, like parsnips or potatoes, can be added. Frozen mixed vegetables (without corn, which can be too sweet) also work if fresh produce runs out.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Step by Step

Lightly spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray, then dice the celery, carrot, and onion. Sort through the dried Great Northern beans, discarding any debris, and rinse them under cold water.

Layer the diced celery, carrot, and onion at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the diced ham. Pour the rinsed beans on top, then add the water and black pepper. There’s no need to stir.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until the beans easily mash between your fingers.

Once the beans are tender, add the ham flavored concentrate and salt, then taste and adjust. For a thicker, creamier broth, use a large spoon or a potato masher to press some of the cooked beans against the side of the crock, then stir everything together.

The full quantities and steps are in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Results

• Do Not Salt Early: Add salt only once the beans are fully tender; salt added too early can toughen the skins and keep them from softening.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: If it’s too thick at the end, add a splash of hot water or broth. If it’s too thin, mash more beans.
• Enhance Flavor with a Bay Leaf: Add 1-2 bay leaves with the other ingredients and remove them before serving.
• Don’t Overfill: Fill the slow cooker no more than two-thirds to three-quarters full to prevent overflow.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours; they keep for 3 to 4 days. To freeze, portion the cooled ham and beans into freezer-safe containers, like these Basics Glass Food Storage containers, leaving a little headspace as liquids expand when frozen. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick, or reheat in the microwave.

Serving Ideas and Variations

• Classic Cornbread: Serve with a warm slice of cornbread for soaking up the broth.
• Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw contrasts with the creamy beans.
• A Dash of Heat: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Vinegar for Brightness: A small splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar stirred in just before serving cuts through the richness.

Emily Carter

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

A classic, comforting ham and beans recipe made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This budget-friendly meal is perfect for a hearty family dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 268

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Great Northern beans dried, sorted and rinsed
• 2 ribs celery diced
• 1 large carrot peeled and diced
• 1 large white onion diced
• 2 cups diced ham cooked
• 8 cups water
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1 packet ham flavored concentrate or 1 teaspoon ham bouillon granules
• nonstick cooking spray

Equipment

• 1 slow cooker 6-quart or larger
• 1 knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 set measuring cups
• 1 set measuring spoons
• 1 Large spoon for stirring and mashing

Method

 

1. Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Carefully sort and rinse the dried Great Northern beans under cold running water, discarding any small stones or shriveled beans.
3. Add the diced celery, carrot, and onion to the slow cooker. Top with the diced ham.
4. Pour the rinsed beans over the ham and vegetables. Add the 8 cups of water and the black pepper.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 to 10 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 5 to 6 hours, until the beans are very tender.
6. Once the beans are tender, stir in the ham flavored concentrate and 1 teaspoon of salt. Taste and add more salt if needed.
7. For a creamier broth, use a spoon or potato masher to gently press some of the cooked beans against the side of the slow cooker, mashing them slightly. Stir well to combine the mashed beans with the broth.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting ham and beans!

Notes

If you’re short on time, you can use canned Great Northern beans, but be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly and reduce the water added to about 4-6 cups, adjusting as needed.

For extra flavor, you can sauté the diced vegetables in a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker, but this step is optional.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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