Slow Cooker Lima Bean Stew with Smoked Ham Hock
Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth lima beans simmered with savory smoked ham and aromatic vegetables.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Lima beans, often misunderstood, transform into a comforting and deeply flavorful stew when slow-cooked with smoked ham hock. This recipe is a tribute to Southern comfort food, a dish that warms the soul and fills the belly. The slow cooking process coaxes out the natural sweetness of the beans while infusing them with the smoky richness of the ham, creating a symphony of flavors that's both satisfying and unforgettable.
- •Unctuous texture - Hours in the slow cooker create incredibly creamy and tender lima beans.
- •Smoked ham infusion - The ham hock imparts a deep, smoky flavor that permeates the entire dish.
- •Set it and forget it - Minimal hands-on time allows you to enjoy other activities while dinner cooks itself.
- •Nutrient-rich and hearty - A satisfying and wholesome meal packed with protein and fiber.
- •Economical comfort - Dried lima beans and a ham hock offer a budget-friendly way to create a flavorful and filling meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 1 pound Dried large lima beans (rinsed and sorted)
- 1 large Smoked ham hock
- 1 medium Yellow onion (diced)
- 2 medium Carrots (diced)
- 2 medium Celery stalks (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 8 cups Chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 Dried bay leaf
- to taste Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried lima beans thoroughly under cold water. Pick through them to remove any small stones or debris. This ensures a clean and pleasant eating experience.
~5 min
- 2
Place the rinsed lima beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. Soaking rehydrates the beans, which helps them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time.
~5 min
Tip: For a quicker soak, boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit for 1 hour. - 3
Drain and rinse the soaked lima beans. Discard the soaking water. This removes any impurities and helps reduce the potential for digestive discomfort.
~2 min
- 4
In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the drained lima beans, smoked ham hock, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Even distribution of the ingredients ensures that the flavors meld together during the slow cooking process.
~3 min
- 5
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. These aromatics will infuse the beans with a savory and earthy flavor as they cook.
~2 min
- 6
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring that everything is submerged. The broth provides moisture and adds another layer of flavor to the stew.
~1 min
- 7
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the lima beans are very tender. The long, slow cooking process is key to achieving the desired creamy texture and depth of flavor.
- 8
Remove the ham hock from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone and any excess fat. Shredding the ham allows it to distribute evenly throughout the stew.
~10 min
- 9
Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker and stir to combine. This ensures the ham is evenly distributed and the flavors are fully integrated.
~2 min
- 10
Taste the stew and add salt as needed. Remember that the ham hock is already salty, so add salt gradually, tasting as you go.
~2 min
- 11
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Bay leaves impart flavor during cooking but are not meant to be eaten.
~1 min
- 12
Serve the lima bean stew hot. Enjoy on its own or with a side of cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The lima beans should be very tender and easily mashed with a fork. The ham should be falling off the bone.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can, the texture and flavor will be different. Dried beans provide a creamier texture and more robust flavor. If using canned, add them in the last hour of cooking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Slow Cooker Lima Bean Stew with Smoked Ham Hock as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!