Old-Fashioned Ham And Beans
This one-pot ham and beans recipe features smoky diced ham, tender red beans, and savory aromatics simmered in broth for a comforting, budget-friendly meal.
Servings: 4 people
Cost: 15
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color — red or green work great)
- 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ to 2 cups cooked ham diced (leftover ham works perfectly)
- 2 cans 15 oz red beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked red beans)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional for extra depth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
- Fresh parsley or green onion for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Sauté aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic & ham:
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced ham. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors blend and the ham lightly brown.
Add beans & broth:
- Stir in the red beans, broth, paprika (if using), and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer & season:
- Let the stew simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or over rice if desired.
Notes
- Add a splash of hot sauce or vinegar for brightness.
- For creamier beans, mash a few against the side of the pot before serving.
- Make it heartier with diced potatoes or carrots.
Nutrition
Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 384mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1122IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
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