ByGina Abernathy Posted on Updated on

Ham and Beans Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a big pot of this Ham and Beans Recipe simmering away on the stove. This classic Southern favorite is hearty, satisfying, and a meal that feels like home. Made with baby white limas and smoky ham, it delivers every time.

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Close-up of tender lima beans and smoked ham in rich homemade broth.

If you love cozy, budget-friendly meals like my Southern lima bean recipe, Great Northern Beans, Southern peas, Pinto Beans Recipe, and slow-cooked 15 bean soup recipe, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, or anytime you’re craving something filling and homemade.

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💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients.
  • Hearty and Filling: A complete meal in one pot. Add a slice of cornbread to complete the dish.
  • Smoky Flavor: Smoked ham adds flavor in every bite.
  • Classic Southern Comfort: A recipe that never goes out of style.

🛒 Ingredients Needed for Lima Beans and Ham

Ingredients needed for making ham and lima beans with text overlay.
  • Dried baby lima beans: These cook up creamy and tender, and are perfect for slow simmering. I used a 2-pound bag.
  • Sliced smoked ham: You’ll need about a pound of ham. It adds savory, smoky flavor to the broth.
  • Water: Creates a rich cooking liquid as the beans simmer.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of the beans and ham.

Recipe Variations

  • Use Ham Hocks: Replace sliced ham with smoked ham hocks for a deeper flavor.
  • Garlic and Onion Flavor: Add chopped onion and minced garlic for extra flavor.
  • Creamy Beans: Mash a few beans in the pot to thicken the broth.

How to Make Ham and Beans

Dried lima beans being rinsed and cleaned.

Step 1: Clean the beans. Wash the beans and pick out any foreign matter or damaged beans. Rinse well and set aside.

Soaking beans in a large pot.

Step 2: Quick soak the beans. For every 1 pound of beans, soak in 2 quarts of water. You can soak overnight if desired or use the quick soak method. You can find these instructions on the back of the bag.

Beans ready to be cooked in a large pot.

Step 3: Start Cooking. Add the soaked beans to a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour in fresh water.

All of the ingredients added to a big pot on the stove ready to be cooked.

Step 4: Add the Ham. Then add the smoked ham. I like to add bite sized pieces of ham to the pot. Add the Seasonings. Add salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil.

Big pot of ham and beans simmering with dried lima beans and smoky ham on the stove.

Step 5: Simmer. Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for about 20 minutes. Then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 1½ to 2 hours, or until beans are tender and creamy.

Hearty ham and beans made with dried lima beans ready for dinner.

Step 6: Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with cornbread or your favorite side dishes.

This dish pairs well with my collard greens recipe, baked chicken tenders, and buttermilk cornbread.

Pro Tips

  • Always rinse and soak the beans to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Don’t skip the soaking. It helps the beans to cook evenly and reduces the cooking time.
  • Add extra water if the beans get too thick while cooking or the water gets low.
  • Soaking the beans is not included in the prep or cook time. This should be done before you start this recipe.

How to Quick Soak Beans

I’ve used this method many times, and the ham and lima beans always turn out delicious.

Step shown for preparing beans and ham.
  1. Wash the dried lima beans and pick out any foreign matter or damaged beans.
  2. Add beans to a large pot and cover with water.
  3. Bring to a full rolling boil.
  4. Boil for 5 minutes.
  5. Turn off the heat, cover, and let them soak for 1 hour.
  6. Drain and discard soaking water.
  7. Rinse beans and recheck for any bad beans.

❔ Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to store and reheat any leftover ham and beans?

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if needed.

Should I soak lima beans before cooking?

Soaking is highly recommended. Use the overnight or quick-soak method. It helps reduce cooking time and improves texture.

Can I use canned beans for this white lima bean recipe?

Dried beans are best for this recipe. Canned beans will be softer, and the cook time will be longer than needed. Save the canned beans for another recipe, like my vegetable soup with beef.

What’s the Difference between Butter Beans vs. Lima Beans?

Though you can use the two names interchangeably, there is a difference in the variety of these two beans. Limas refer to the small white and green varieties, whereas butter beans refer to the large, white, creamy beans.

Country-style ham and beans served in a white bowl on a farmhouse table.

More Country Cooking Recipes

If you tried this Ham and Beans Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!

Bowl of old-fashioned ham and beans served hot with pieces on ham on top. Served in a white bowl with salt and pepper.

Ham and Beans Recipe

Gina Abernathy
This classic Southern Ham and Beans recipe is a favorite that is hearty and satisfying. It's a simple meal made with baby white lima beans and smoky ham, it delivers every time.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 8 servings
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds Dried Baby Lima Beans
  • 1 pound Smoked Ham or ham hocks
  • 8-10 cups Water
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Clean the beans. Wash the beans and pick out any foreign matter or damaged beans. Rinse well and set aside.
  • Quick soak the beans. For every 1 pound of beans, soak in 2 quarts of water. You can soak overnight if desired or use the quick soak method. You can find these instructions on the back of the bag or above. This step is not included in with the prep and cook time.
  • Start Cooking. Add the soaked beans to a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour in fresh water.
  • Add the Ham. Then add the smoked ham. I like to add bite sized pieces of ham to the pot. Add the Seasonings. Add salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer. Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for about 20 minutes. Then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 1½ to 2 hours, or until beans are tender and creamy.
  • Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with cornbread or your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Recipe Tips:
  • Always rinse and soak the beans to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Don’t skip the soaking. It helps the beans to cook evenly and reduces the cooking time.
  • Add extra water if the beans get too thick while cooking or the water gets low.
  • Soaking the beans is not included in with the prep or cook time. This should be done before you start this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 24gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 744mgPotassium: 741mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 238IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    This ham and beans recipe was very easy to make. It’s a complete meal in one – just add some hot cornbread.

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

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