Mom’s Molasses Ham and Beans

This is a recipe my mom made frequently while I was growing up, but I tweaked it to include navy beans instead of lima beans. It's perfect for a cold day when you don't want to bother with lots of cooking. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

• 

  Total Time

  Prep: 15 min. Cook: 7 hours
• 

  Makes

  8 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) navy or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 smoked ham hocks (about 1 pound)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2-1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• Optional: Pickled jalapeno peppers and pickled red onion

Directions

• In a greased 5-qt. slow cooker, combine all ingredients, except bacon. Cook, covered, on low 7-9 hours.
• Remove ham hocks. When cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones; discard bones. Cut meat into small cubes; return to slow cooker. Stir in crumbled bacon. If desired, serve with pickled jalapeno peppers and pickled red onions.

Molasses and Beans Tips

I don't have a slow cooker. How can I make this dish?

If you don't have a slow cooker, you may bake this dish at 325 degrees for 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours.

What do I do if the sauce gets too low?

If the sauce gets too low while cooking, add a bit more tomato sauce.

Taste of Home Editors