Crock Pot Great Northern Beans (Slow Cooker Ham & Bean Recipe)
This Crock Pot Great Northern Beans recipe is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. It’s rich, hearty, inexpensive, and packed with deep smoky flavor thanks to the ham hock. Slow cooking allows the beans to become creamy and tender while absorbing all the savory goodness. This is the kind of old-fashioned recipe Google loves: simple ingredients, long cook time, and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
- High in protein and fiber
- Comfort food that tastes even better the next day
- Ideal for slow cooker / crock pot
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz / 1 lb) package dried Great Northern beans
- 3–4 meaty ham hock shanks or meaty ham bone (about 1½ lbs)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 6–8 cups water (enough to fully cover beans)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust at the end)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
1 Prepare the Beans
Start by pouring the dried Great Northern beans into a large bowl. Carefully sort through them and remove any small stones or damaged beans. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Soaking is optional. These beans cook beautifully in the crock pot without soaking, but if you want faster cooking and easier digestion, soak them overnight in plenty of water, then drain before using.
2 Assemble the Crock Pot
Add the rinsed beans directly into the crock pot. Place the ham hock shanks or ham bone on top of the beans. Scatter the diced onion and minced garlic over everything.
Add:
- Bay leaf
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika (if using)
Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Do not add salt yet — salt too early can make beans tough.
3 Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot with the lid.
- Low heat: 8–9 hours (best flavor & texture)
- High heat: 5–6 hours
The beans should be very tender and creamy, and the ham should be falling off the bone.
4 Shred the Ham
Carefully remove the ham hocks or bone from the crock pot and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding bones, skin, and excess fat.
Return the shredded ham back to the crock pot and stir well.
5 Final Seasoning
Now add salt to taste. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed. Remove the bay leaf, stir everything together, and let it cook for an additional 15–20 minutes so flavors blend perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
These crock pot Great Northern beans are incredibly versatile:
- Serve with cornbread
- Spoon over white rice
- Pair with collard greens or cabbage
- Enjoy as a hearty stand-alone meal
- Serve alongside fried chicken or pork chops
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed
Flavor improves the next day — perfect for leftovers!
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t rush the cooking — low and slow gives the creamiest beans
- If beans are too thick, add a little hot water or broth
- Want extra flavor? Add a small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end
- For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeño