Slow-Cooked White Bean Stew with Smoked Ham

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, savory stew of white beans simmered with smoked ham and vegetables for a deeply flavorful one-pot meal. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 120 minutes pairs smoked ham hock, cannellini beans, celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 105 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 1 diced medium carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup dried cannellini beans and 3 cups chicken stock.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 oz smoked ham hock, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the pot.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove ham hock, shred the meat, and return to the pot. Discard bones and skin. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken slightly until sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked White Bean Stew with Smoked Ham take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (15 min prep + 105 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked White Bean Stew with Smoked Ham?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked ham hock from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked White Bean Stew with Smoked Ham?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked White Bean Stew with Smoked Ham for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked White Bean Stew with Smoked Ham?

Mediterranean slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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