5 Easy Crockpot Recipes: Butter Beans with Ham

Crockpot cooking transforms simple ingredients into rich, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. The magic of slow cooking allows for meats to become tender, beans to soak up the essence of the pot, and flavors to meld into a symphony of taste. Today, we'll explore 5 easy Crockpot recipes, with a special focus on Butter Beans with Ham. These recipes will not only save you time but also guarantee delicious results with every cook.

Recipe 1: Butter Beans with Ham

Butter Beans with Ham is the epitome of comfort food. This dish combines the creamy texture of butter beans with the smoky flavor of ham, creating a soul-warming meal.

• 2 cups dried butter beans
• 1 lb smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh thyme

Directions:

1. Rinse the butter beans thoroughly. Place them in your Crockpot.
2. Add the ham hock, chopped onion, minced garlic, and thyme.
3. Pour in the water or broth, ensuring the beans are covered.
4. Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the beans are tender.
6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
7. Stir well to combine all flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

🍲 Note: The longer you let this cook, the richer and deeper the flavors will become. If you have the time, opt for the low setting.

Recipe 2: Pot Roast

The Pot Roast is a classic slow-cooked meal that's perfect for a family dinner. Here's how to make it effortlessly:

• 1 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 carrots, peeled and chunked
• 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet of dry onion soup mix

Directions:

1. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear the roast on all sides until browned.
2. Place the roast in the Crockpot.
3. Layer the onions, carrots, and potatoes around the roast.
4. Mix the beef broth with the onion soup mix and pour over the roast.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked.

Recipe 3: Chicken Tortilla Soup

This vibrant soup brings the essence of Mexico into your kitchen with just a few simple steps:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into the Crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Before serving, shred the chicken within the pot.
4. Serve hot, garnished with tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.

Recipe 4: BBQ Pulled Pork

BBQ Pulled Pork is perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or even as a topping for nachos. Here's how you can make it:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
2. Place the pork in the Crockpot.
3. Mix all the remaining ingredients to create the BBQ sauce mixture.
4. Pour this mixture over the pork.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the pork is very tender.
6. Shred the pork using two forks and mix it well with the sauce in the pot.

Recipe 5: Vegetarian Lentil Stew

For those following a vegetarian lifestyle, or simply looking for a hearty, meatless meal, this lentil stew is both satisfying and nourishing:

• 2 cups green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Handful of spinach or kale (optional)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients, except the spinach or kale, into the Crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until lentils are tender.
3. If using, stir in the spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Adjust seasoning before serving.

🌱 Note: Lentils absorb a lot of liquid, so keep an extra cup of broth handy in case you need to thin out the stew.

In wrapping up this culinary journey, we’ve discovered how the Crockpot can simplify cooking while delivering rich, comforting meals. From the Butter Beans with Ham to the Vegetarian Lentil Stew, each dish was designed with simplicity in mind but with flavors that speak to your soul. They are the perfect answer to busy lives yet offer the comfort and joy of a homemade meal. Let your Crockpot work its magic, and you’ll be rewarded with meals that not only satisfy but also nourish.

What are the benefits of using a Crockpot for cooking?

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The main benefits include energy efficiency, time-saving, tenderizing tough cuts of meat, melding flavors, and the convenience of “set and forget” cooking which allows for preparation of meals ahead of time.

How do I know if my Crockpot is cooking at the correct temperature?

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Most modern Crockpots have preset low, high, and sometimes warm settings. To check the temperature, you can use a food thermometer, ensuring the internal temperature of cooked meat or soups reaches a safe level.

Can you put frozen ingredients into a Crockpot?

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It’s not recommended to start with frozen food in a Crockpot due to the risk of it staying in the danger zone (40-140°F/4-60°C) for too long, which can lead to food safety issues. Thaw ingredients in the fridge beforehand.