Ham and Beans with Randall Beans – A Leftover Ham Recipe

Ham and Beans with Randall Beans is a comfort food at its best.  Using canned beans and leftover ham results in a quick dinner, and no one will know that it took a matter of minutes to make.

Ham and Beans with Randall Beans Recipe:

I have a big secret. I love all beans. I’ll take them anyway I can get them.  And ham and beans rank at the top of my list.

As a child, I’m almost embarrassed to say that I hated ham and beans. I remember my Granny sending some home with my Mom to eat, and all I saw was a gelatinous goop.  What a shame that I didn’t appreciate all the effort Granny put into her homemade ham and beans, starting with a big ham bone.

I love making the real deal ham and beans. I often use an Instant Pot to make this ham and beans recipe.  However, I don’t always have a ham bone or the time to start from scratch.  That’s why I turn to a big shortcut.  Randall Beans are the real deal.  Using Randall Beans instead of starting with dry beans saves hours and hours.

What can I add to my ham and beans for flavor?

You could add almost anything to your ham and beans to make it your own.  Some suggestions are carrots, celery, leeks, pesto, bay leaf, paprika, rosemary, thyme, chili powder, garlic, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, etc.

What do I serve on top of ham and beans?

Raw onion, sour cream, diced tomatoes, chow chow, pesto, relish, jalapenos, and crumbled cornbread are all great toppers for ham and beans.

How to Make Best Ham and Bean Soup with Canned Beans

1. Melt butter in a saucepan or skillet.
2. Add diced onion; and sauté until soft.
3. To the onions, add diced ham.  Heat until warm.
4. Add undrained Randall beans to the onions and ham.
5. Simmer until warm.
6. Season with black pepper, and salt, if desired.

For the full recipe and ingredients list for best ham and beans with canned beans, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Do you drain Randall beans?

There is not a correct answer for this question. Some cooks like to use the bean juice that comes with canned beans because it’s thick and salty. Others, prefer to drain the beans to lower the sodium content.  For ham and beans, do not drain the juice from the beans. If you drain off the liquid, you’ll need to add more liquid such as chicken broth or ham broth to make a soup.

Notes About Ham and Beans with Randall Beans:

• Use White Northern Beans or Pinto Beans, your preference.
• This Randall Beans and Ham recipe calls for 1 to 2 cups leftover diced ham.  Use as little or as much as you desire.
• This is a great basic ham and bean soup recipe.  Add whatever seasonings and add ins you like.
• Do not drain the beans.  The bean juice is needed to make a soupy consistency.  If you prefer a lower sodium option, drain the beans and add low sodium chicken broth instead.
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What to serve with ham and beans?

Cornbread is the obvious choice, but we sometimes substitute crackers for cornbread if we’re in a hurry.  I also like to serve a tangy side dish that pairs well with the hearty, comfort food.

Sweet Cornbread

Parmesan Zucchini Squares

Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

Broccoli Cornbread Casserole

Tomato Dill Salad

Mom’s Cucumber and Onions

German Red Cabbage

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Old Fashioned Ham Recipes

This leftover ham and bean soup starts with a great ham recipe, and we have many of those. Check out our favorite old fashioned ham recipes.

Orange Cream Soda Crock Pot Ham

• 

Cranberry Ham (Instant Pot Recipe)

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Ginger Ale Ham

Other Leftover Ham Recipes

Leftover ham is a great starting ingredient for so many recipes. Check out this Leftover Ham Recipes post for a complete list!

We love using it to make these ham and cheese crescent rolls or this leftover ham and noodle casserole.