This is the best Southern Ham and Beans Recipe, hands down; it came right from my grandma! Southern ham and beans was one of my favorite meals growing up…even though I’m from Arizona. My dad’s mother was southern, through and through, and she made a mean pot of Southern Ham and Beans. Not only did she share her wonderful recipes with me, she often told me the struggles that she saw growing up; what poor families faced just too feed themselves. My grandma knew how to stretch a buck and still make a tasty meal.
This easy recipe is delicious, feeds a lot of people and will be easy on your budget. Nothing says it is fall to me, more than a big bowl of my grandma’s ham and beans!
The Best Southern Ham and Beans Recipe
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor! The ingredients for this Southern ham an beans recipe are very simple and inexpensive but a full of flavor and smell amazing when cooking (you might have to fight off your neighbors!). You can also make extra and freeze it up for later.
Not sure what to serve with your Southern Ham and Beans? I suggest warm sweet cornbread muffins topped a little honey butter; I’ve included those recipes for you as well.
The best part about this delicious budget-friendly ham and beans recipe? This dish actually tastes better the 2nd day!
Note: You will need a large stock pot for this recipe (I like this one) or make it in your crock pot. If you have a big crowd, this recipe is easily doubled so everyone can enjoy it!
My husband likes a few shakes of hot sauce in his, so you might want to put that out on the table.
What meals do you serve that are budget friendly? Be sure to check out my post on Great Depression Meals for other budget recipes from the past. Also check out Easy Bean Recipes That Will Save You Money.
My Grandma's Best Southern Ham and Beans Recipe
This is a delicious budget-friendly meal. And if you have a big crowd, this recipe is easily doubled so everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients
- 1 lbs of dry pinto beans or whatever bean you prefer
- 4 or 5 smoked ham hocks or use diced leftover ham, about 1/2 - 3/4 lbs should do it
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 – 3 teaspoons of black pepper
- 1 bay leaf optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
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Wash the beans (you don’t have to soak them overnight with this method)
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Put the beans, ham hocks, chopped onion, pepper and bay leaf in a large stock pot and cover with water.
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Bring to boil and then turn down to a low simmer.
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Cover and let simmer low for several hours.
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Stir and check often – you may need to add a bit more water, but only enough to keep everything covered
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Beans will be tender and the sauce will thicken up.
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Break up the meat into the beans and serve in a bowl with warm corn bread.
Grandma's Sweet & Crispy Southern Cornbread Muffins
A delicious Southern cornbread that is crispy on the top and sweet and moist on the inside.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar optional
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- Extra oil or butter to grease your pan if not using cups
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400° F.
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Grease your pan or put paper liners in.
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Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl.
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Pour into a greased muffin pan, each opening should be filled about 3/4 of the way
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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until muffin tops are a rich golden brown
Quick and Easy Homemade Raw Honey Butter
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup of softened butter
- 1/4 cup of raw honey
Instructions
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In small bowl use a hand mixer to combine the softened butter with the raw honey.
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Store in air-tight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
