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Hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Stew
The low, steady heat of the slow cooker transforms a simple smoked ham shank into a meltingly tender centerpiece. As it simmers, the rich broth infuses the cabbage, potatoes, and Great Northern beans with deep, savory flavor. You'll love how the root vegetables soften and absorb every drop of that smoky goodness. It's a deeply comforting bowl that does all the heavy lifting for you, leaving you with a hearty meal ready the moment you walk through the door.
Ingredients
- 1 smoked ham shank
- 2 c. cabbage, chopped
- 1 c. onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 24-oz. jar Great Northern beans
- 1 c. water
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1Set the smoked ham shank in the center of a slow cooker. Arrange the chopped cabbage, onion, cubed potatoes, and sliced carrots around the meat. Pour the Great Northern beans and their liquid over the vegetables, then add the water and season generously with black pepper. Keeping the bean liquid adds extra body to the final broth.
- 2Secure the lid and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Carefully remove the ham shank from the slow cooker and carve the meat away from the bone. Discard the bone, chop the meat into bite-sized pieces, and stir it back into the bean and vegetable mixture.
Notes
- Serving: Pair this hearty stew with a side of warm cornbread to soak up the savory broth.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
- Prep tip: Chop the vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge so you can just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
- Swap: If you can't find a smoked ham shank, a meaty smoked ham hock or leftover diced ham works beautifully.