Old-Fashioned Ham And Beans

No ratings yet

Jan 15, 2026

This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

The Coziest Ham and Beans You’ll Ever Make – there’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of ham and beans that are simple, hearty, and full of rich, savory flavor! Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or starting from scratch, this recipe delivers a cozy, one-pot meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying.

With tender red beans, smoky diced ham, and aromatic veggies simmered in a savory broth, this dish comes together in just under an hour. It’s the perfect solution for weeknight dinners, budget-friendly meal prep, or warming up on chilly days.

This One-Pot Ham & Bean Recipe Is Pure Comfort, packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that gets better with time — and even better with cornbread on the side!

A close-up of a bowl filled with cooked pinto beans mixed with chopped vegetables and herbs in a savory sauce, capturing the comforting flavors of this old-fashioned traditional recipe.

A bowl of old-fashioned pinto beans mixed with chopped vegetables and herbs in a light broth sits on a green tiled surface.

A close-up of a bowl filled with cooked red beans, chopped vegetables, and herbs, served in a white dish—perfect for anyone craving an old-fashioned ham and bean recipe.

Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.

At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Old Fashioned Ham and Beans
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Old Fashioned Ham and Beans
Old-Fashioned Ham And Beans Recipe

How to Make Old Fashioned Ham and Beans

Ham and Beans Like You’ve Never Tasted Before – this ham and beans recipe is a no-fuss, flavor-packed classic that never goes out of style. Using everyday ingredients like red beans, leftover ham, bell pepper, onion, and broth, it’s a one-pot meal that’s comforting, customizable, and freezer-friendly. Make a big batch, enjoy the leftovers, and keep this easy dinner in your regular rotation!

Slow Simmered Ham and Beans Ingredients

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Olive oil or butter – Adds richness and helps sauté aromatics for a flavorful base.
Onion – Builds savory depth and sweetness as it cooks down.
Bell pepper – Brings mild sweetness, color, and a fresh layer of flavor.
Garlic – Adds bold, aromatic flavor that deepens as it cooks.
Cooked ham – Delivers smoky, salty, meaty flavor and hearty texture.
Red beans – Make the dish filling and satisfying while soaking up flavor.
Chicken or vegetable broth – Creates a savory base that ties everything together.
Smoked paprika – Adds a hint of smoky depth that complements the ham.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional kick of heat to brighten the dish.
Fresh parsley or green onion – Finishing touch of freshness and color.

Steps to Make Old Fashioned Ham and Beans

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:

Chopped yellow bell peppers and onions are sautéing in a white skillet, perfect for starting an Old Fashioned Ham and Beans recipe, with a blue and orange plaid cloth nearby on a white surface.

Brown Onions and Peppers

In a large pan, heat olive oil until shimmery. Add onions and peppers and cook until lightly browned and softened.

Chopped ham sits atop sautéed yellow bell peppers and onions in a white skillet, adding a savory touch reminiscent of an Old Fashioned Ham and Beans dish.

Saute Garlic and Ham

Stir in garlic and ham, and cook until garlic is flavorful and ham is lightly browned.

A white skillet filled with cooked black beans, chopped yellow bell pepper, and onions sits on a white surface next to a plaid cloth, evoking the comforting flavors of an Old Fashioned Ham and Beans recipe.

Add Beans and Seasonings

Add beans, seasonings, and herbs. Toss well and cook briefly.

A white skillet containing Old Fashioned Ham and Beans with diced ham, cooked beans, chopped onions, and yellow bell peppers in a broth sits next to a plaid cloth.

Simmer in Broth

Stir in broth and simmer, on medium low, for 20-30 minutes – until beans are softened, and broth is reduced.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve and enjoy with cornbread or crusty bread – or serve as a side dish for BBQ or gameday!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Old Fashioned Ham and Beans

Sauté your aromatics slowly – Don’t rush the onions, peppers, and garlic. Let them soften and caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.

Use leftover ham bones – If you have a ham bone or hock, simmer it with the broth for added smoky richness.

Mash a few beans – For a thicker, creamier texture, mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.

Add a splash of vinegar – A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the whole dish.

Make it ahead – Flavors deepen overnight. This dish tastes even better the next day.

Easy Ingredient Swap Ideas & Substitutions

No red beans? Use white beans, black beans, or pinto beans — all work great.
No bell pepper? Try diced celery or carrot for a similar crunch and sweetness.
No ham? Use smoked sausage, bacon, or turkey ham — or keep it meatless.
No broth? Mix water with bouillon or stock concentrate for a flavorful substitute.
Want more greens? Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or collard greens during the last 5 minutes.