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Southern Ham and Beans Recipe

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!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8

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

  1. Wash the beans (you don’t have to soak them overnight with this method)
  2. Put the beans, ham hocks, chopped onion, pepper and bay leaf in a large stock pot and cover with water.
  3. Bring to boil and then turn down to a low simmer.
  4. Cover and let simmer low for several hours.
  5. Stir and check often – you may need to add a bit more water, but only enough to keep everything covered
  6. Beans will be tender and the sauce will thicken up.
  7. Break up the meat into the beans and serve in a bowl with warm corn bread.