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Crock Pot Great Northern Beans

Slow-cooked Great Northern beans simmered with smoky ham hocks, onion, and a touch of brown sugar for classic comfort-food flavor. This hearty, budget-friendly dish is rich, filling, and perfect for cozy family meals.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course, Side Dish, Slow Cooker, Southern Classics
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz dried Great Northern beans sorted and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 lbs meaty ham hocks or ham bone 3–4 pieces
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 6-8 cups water enough to cover beans by 2 inches
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar

Method
 

  1. Sort beans for debris or pebbles, then rinse thoroughly under cold water.
  2. Add beans, diced onion, ham hocks or ham bone, salt, and pepper to the crock pot.
  3. Pour in enough water to cover beans by about 2 inches, approximately 6–8 cups.
  4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, then reduce heat to LOW and continue cooking 4–5 hours until beans are tender.
  5. Remove ham hocks or bone and shred the meat, discarding bones and excess fat.
  6. Return shredded meat to the crock pot and stir in brown sugar. Remove some liquid first if a thicker consistency is desired.
  7. Stir gently, taste for seasoning, and serve hot.

Notes

Serve with cornbread for a classic Southern meal. Leftovers thicken beautifully and taste even better the next day.