Grandpa Orvy's Ham & Beans
Hearty slow-simmered ham and beans — tender pinto and white beans in a buttery, savory broth with chunks of ham. Comfort food perfect for cold days or feeding a crowd.
Prep
1 hr 15 min
Cook
2-3 hr
Temp
Medium-Low
Yield
10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 2 cups dried small white beans
- 8 cups water
- 1 ham bone
- 2 cups bite-size pieces of ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
1Rinse the dried beans. Cover with water and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before continuing with the recipe.
2In a large roasting pan or large pot, combine the soaked beans, 8 cups water, ham bone, onion, butter, salt, and garlic salt.
3Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
5Remove the ham bone. Add the bite-size pieces of ham and cook just long enough to heat the ham through before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Stir occasionally during simmering to help prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom.
- Add extra water during cooking if you prefer a thinner broth.
- Cornbread or warm homemade rolls pair perfectly alongside the beans.
- Leftovers thicken overnight and taste even better the next day.
- A smoked ham bone gives the broth even deeper flavor.