Easy Ham and Beans
Before making ham and beans, I really didn’t realize how easy it truly was. I wasn’t going to share, but I thought maybe I wasn’t the only one who didn’t realize how easy it was! So, I am going to share my recipe… it tasted just like mom’s. Serve it with hot cornbread crumbled on top and enjoy.
What is in this delicious recipe?
Ham and beans are so easy to make!
- Ham hocks
- Beans
- Onion
- Seasonings
How to Make Ham and Beans
Throw everything together and bring to a boil, then let simmer.
What to eat Ham and Beans with?
Besides cornbread? Check out my cheddar bay biscuits!
Not feeling the ham and beans? Check out these other stick-to-your-bones soups!
- Easy Tomato Soup
- Classic Chili
- Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Easy White Chicken Chili
- Cheesy Crockpot Potato Soup
Easy Ham and Beans
Ingredients
- 5 cans great northern beans 3 drained and 2 undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a large pot or dutch oven.
- Bring to boil for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Let simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When done, remove bay leaves and ham hock.
- Remove as much meat as possible from the hamhock and return meat to the pot.
- Stir once more and serve with cornbread.
Cornbread Debate
Whenever we have cornbread, it usually brings up a crazy conversation. How do you eat YOUR cornbread? Growing up, my mom (Nana) would butter hers and eat it like a roll with her meal. My dad and I would crumble ours into a bowl, add just enough milk to make it moist, and sprinkle a bit of sugar on top. Then, we’d eat it with a spoon. I also add sugar to my cornbread when making it, so it is slightly sweet. Do you eat your cornbread weird? Share in the comments!
4 Comments
NANA
December 14, 2017 at 8:30 pm
Now I too eat my cornbread with sugar and milk. I dont know what changed me perhaps of holding on to something your Dad did.
Lisa
February 29, 2024 at 11:32 am
We are firm believers in “no sugar” in the cornbread. For just regular eating, we butter when hot and enjoy like “bread with a meal.” There are a couple of soups that I like my cornbread “crumbled” into the bowl with the soup. I would only do that at home :-).
Crystal
September 19, 2025 at 10:11 am
This looks so delicious. I love those simple, comforting recipes that taste just like home! I had to smile at your cornbread debate. In our house we usually eat it buttered like a roll, but every now and then I’ll crumble it into my bowl of beans. I’ve never tried the milk and sugar way, but now I’m intrigued! Thanks for sharing this recipe (and the fun memories that go with it).
Julia
September 24, 2025 at 7:31 am
It is sooooo good that way! My grandma used to call it “poor man’s porridge.”