Get cozy with this quick and creamy 30-Minute White Beans with Ham! This modern twist on the classic ham and beans skips the soaking, skips the shank, and skips the waiting—all while keeping that rich, comforting flavor we love.
Made with diced ham and canned Great Northern beans, it’s the perfect shortcut to old-fashioned goodness. Because it’s 2025, and we’re not spending all day babysitting a pot of beans!
Old-School Comfort, New-School Speed
These creamy northern beans and ham are a classic diner favorite from way back. And let’s be honest—they’re best enjoyed with a big ol’ chunk of cornbread and a tall glass of iced tea.
To shorten the cook time of this ham and great northern beans recipe, we’ve made a few tweaks. And I’m totally okay with that. This isn’t a holiday meal, so I’m not spending all day in the kitchen. I mean, they’re good, but not all-day-in-the-kitchen good!
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Ingredient Photo
Ingredient Notes, Variations, and Substitutions
Made with just a handful of simple ingredients this dish is sure to be loved by the whole family.
- Diced Ham: I look for smoked ham to get that classic smoky flavor that makes ham and beans so good, and I buy it already diced up. Leftover ham or a ham steak work great.
- Tender White Beans: I use great northern beans, but feel free to sub cannellini beans or navy beans. And hey, pinto beans and ham are a thing, so you could totally use those if you want!
- Chicken Broth: I go for low-sodium chicken broth. Got extra time? Homemade chicken stock works too.
- Onion: A trusty yellow onion does the trick, but a white onion works just as well.
- Butter: The onions and ham get cooked in butter first, so the butter soaks up all that flavor before we add the broth. You can use canola, vegetable, or olive oil… but let’s be real, everything tastes better with butter!
- Flour: Helps thicken the creamy broth so people will think we spent all day making this.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of a little salt, black pepper, and garlic gives it that perfect depth of flavor.
How to Make 30-Minute White Beans with Ham
Here’s a quick look at the steps (with photos). You’ll find more detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
Melt the butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ham, onion, and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes to render some of the fat from the ham into the butter.
Sprinkle with the flour, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, turn up the heat to medium-high, and continue stirring until the flour mixture is fully dissolved into the broth.
Mash about a cup of beans in a bowl with a fork or potato masher.
Add all of the beans to the pot, season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What to serve with ham and beans
- Bread – Cornbread or corn muffins, crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta, garlic bread, buttermilk biscuits, cheesy biscuits, yeast rolls, hush puppies or simple buttered toast.
- Vegetables – Green beans, collard greens, spinach, Brussels sprouts, sautéd cabbage, carrots or corn.
- Salad – Green salad, cole slaw, cucumber salad, Caesar salad, three bean salad, or tomato and onion salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Absolutely! Allow to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container, or freezer bag, for up to 3 month. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
These reheat well in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until heated through. You can also warm them on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium high heat, stirring occasionally.
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30-Minute White Beans with Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound ham
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 can Great Northern beans rinsed and drained
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the ham and onion.
- Melt the butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ham, onion, and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes to render some of the fat from the ham into the butter.2 tablespoons butter, 1 pound ham, 1 medium onion, 1 tablespoon garlic
- Sprinkle with the flour, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, turn up the heat to medium-high, and continue stirring until the flour mixture is fully dissolved into the broth.2 tablespoons flour, 4 cups chicken broth
- Mash about a cup of beans in a bowl with a fork or potato masher, then add them to the pot along with the remaining whole beans, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.4 can Great Northern beans, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.