Crockpot Red Beans and Hamhock: A Southern Comfort Classic
There’s nothing quite like the slow-cooked, smoky, and savory flavors of Crockpot Red Beans and Hamhock to warm your soul and fill your home with a comforting aroma. I’ll admit it—I used to be skeptical about making beans in a crock pot, but this recipe blew me away. The creamy beans, tender ham, and bold andouille sausage come together for a dish that’s pure Southern perfection.
If you’re looking for an easy, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor, this recipe is the way to go. Pair it with fluffy white rice, and don’t forget a slice of cornbread or French bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 pound Andouille Sausage, sliced
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- ½ large Green Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 6 medium-large Garlic Cloves, diced
- 1–2 pound Ham Hock
- 1 pound Red Beans, rinsed
- 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
- 4 cups (Low Sodium) Chicken Stock
- 2 cups Water
- 5 cups prepared Long Grain White Rice
Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large non-stick skillet, brown the andouille sausage over medium-high heat. If you don’t have a non-stick skillet, start by warming the olive oil and then browning the sausage. Set the sausage aside, and don’t toss those pan drippings—you’ll need them!
2. Sauté the Holy Trinity
Warm the olive oil again in the skillet (if needed) and add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until they soften slightly and absorb the pan seasonings from the sausage.
3. Build the Crockpot Base
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the browned sausages on top, followed by the rinsed red beans. Sprinkle the Creole seasoning over everything.
4. Add Liquid and Ham Hock
Pour in the chicken stock and water, then stir everything together. Place the ham hock in the middle of the crock pot, nestled among the beans and sausage.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 10–12 hours, or until the ham is falling off the bone. You’ll know it’s ready when the bone practically slides out on its own—this is the magic moment!
6. Remove and Prep the Meat
Carefully scrape any remaining ham off the hock and return it to the slow cooker, discarding the bone. Remove the sausages, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and add them back into the pot.
7. Let It Cream
Cook the beans for another hour with the lid off. This step allows the sauce to thicken and become wonderfully creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the Crockpot Red Beans and Hamhock over a bed of warm, long-grain white rice. This dish pairs beautifully with French bread or homemade cornbread for that perfect Southern touch. Don’t forget to garnish with hot sauce or green onions for a little extra flair!
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this dish lies in the slow cooking process. As the beans simmer, they absorb the smoky flavor from the ham hock, the spice from the Creole seasoning, and the richness of the andouille sausage. Plus, cooking everything together in one pot makes it a breeze for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth the Wait
There’s something so satisfying about this Crockpot Red Beans and Hamhock recipe. From the tender beans to the flavorful ham and sausage, every bite feels like a hug from the South. Whether you’re recreating a Creole classic or trying this dish for the first time, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Serve it with rice, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
