3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock 🫘🥓

If you’re craving a hearty Southern comfort food classic, this 3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock recipe is just what you need. 3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock combines creamy butter beans, smoky ham hocks, and flavorful chicken broth into a rich, satisfying dish that’s full of old-fashioned goodness. With just three simple ingredients, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with very little effort.

Perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or cozy cold-weather meals, this Southern favorite is delicious served with warm cornbread.

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Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock

This classic recipe has stood the test of time.

Only Three Ingredients

Simple ingredients create amazing flavor.

Rich and Hearty

Creamy butter beans and smoky ham make the perfect combination.

Budget-Friendly

An affordable meal that feeds the whole family.

Easy to Make

Minimal prep with mostly hands-off cooking.

Perfect Comfort Food

Warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

What Does 3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock Taste Like?

The butter beans become creamy and tender as they cook, soaking up the rich, smoky flavor from the ham hocks. The broth transforms into a savory, silky pot liquor that’s perfect for spooning over cornbread or rice.

Benefits of Making 3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock

Beginner-Friendly

Simple instructions with dependable results.

Great for Meal Prep

The flavors become even better the next day.

Protein-Packed

A filling meal with plenty of protein and fiber.

Naturally Gluten-Free

Made with wholesome, naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound dried butter beans (or 2 (15-ounce) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed)
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 4 cups chicken broth

Optional Seasonings

While the traditional recipe only uses three ingredients, you can add:

• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Bay leaf

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped parsley
• Green onions
• Hot sauce

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Customize this Southern favorite with simple additions.

Add Vegetables

Stir in:

• Diced onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Bell peppers

Protein Options

Replace ham hocks with:

• Smoked turkey legs
• Smoked turkey wings
• Diced smoked ham
• Bacon

Extra Flavor

Season with:

• Cajun seasoning
• Creole seasoning
• Fresh thyme

How to Make 3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock

This comforting meal comes together with very little effort.

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

If using dried butter beans:

• Rinse and sort the beans.
• Soak them overnight or use a quick-soak method according to the package directions.

Drain before cooking.

If using canned beans, skip this step.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Pot

In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine:

• Butter beans
• Ham hocks
• Chicken broth

If needed, add enough water to fully cover the beans.

Step 3: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to low.

Cover and simmer:

• Dried beans: 2 to 2½ hours
• Canned beans: 45–60 minutes

Stir occasionally.

Step 4: Remove the Ham Hocks

Carefully remove the ham hocks.

Shred the meat, discarding the bones, skin, and excess fat.

Return the shredded meat to the pot.

Step 5: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

Serve hot with plenty of broth.

What to Serve with 3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock

This comforting dish pairs perfectly with:

Favorite Side Dishes

• Southern cornbread
• Buttermilk biscuits
• White rice
• Fried potatoes
• Collard greens
• Corn fritters
• Coleslaw

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooled beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

General Information

Butter beans, also known as large lima beans, have long been a staple of Southern cooking. Slow-simmered with smoked ham hocks, they create a comforting, protein-rich meal that’s both economical and deeply flavorful. This humble dish has been passed down through generations and remains a beloved classic throughout the South.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 690mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Conclusion

This 3-Ingredient Butter Beans and Ham Hock recipe is a true Southern comfort food classic. Creamy butter beans, smoky ham hocks, and rich broth come together in one easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends.

Serve it with warm cornbread, and you’ll have a timeless homemade meal that’s simple, affordable, and full of comforting flavor.

If you make this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this classic Southern favorite too!

You May Also Enjoy

• Southern 4-Ingredient Corn Fritters
• Old Fashioned Beef Stew
• Cabbage Sausage and Potato Soup
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes 🫘🥓