Name: Crock Pot Smoky Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 18 h 15 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ tsp black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 lb dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted; 1 lb smoked ham hock; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

This Crock Pot Smoky Ham and Bean Soup combines tender beans, smoky ham, and hearty veggies in a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that fills your home with warm, savory aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crock pot smoky ham and bean soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days with minimal effort. The smoky ham infuses the tender beans and vegetables with a deep, savory flavor, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and budget-friendly. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, the slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with irresistible aromas while you go about your day. Serve it with crusty bread or on its own, and enjoy leftovers that taste even better, making it a go-to for cozy, stress-free dining.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Soak Beans Overnight: Soaking reduces cooking time and ensures a creamy texture.

Sear Ham for Depth: Briefly brown a ham hock or diced ham to enhance smokiness.
Uniform Veggies: Chop carrots and celery evenly for consistent cooking.
Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the surface after cooking for a lighter soup.

Season Late: Add salt toward the end, as ham can be salty; taste to adjust.
Low and Slow: Cook on low for the best flavor melding without overcooking beans.
Thicken if Desired: Mash some beans or add a cornstarch slurry for a heartier consistency.

Rest Before Serving: Let the soup sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Use Smoky Ham: Opt for smoked ham hock or bacon for that signature flavor.
Stir Occasionally: Gently stir every few hours to prevent sticking.

Yield: 10 cups

Crock Pot Smoky Ham and Bean Soup

Smoky crockpot ham and bean soup, hearty and warm, perfect for cozy meals.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 18 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

½ tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf

1 large yellow onion, diced
1 lb dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
1 lb smoked ham hock

1 tsp dried thyme
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

Prep the Beans: Rinse navy beans under cold water, removing debris. Soak overnight in water, then drain and rinse (optional for creamier texture).

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Load the Slow Cooker: Place rinsed beans in the slow cooker. Add sautéed veggies, spreading evenly.
Add Ham: Nestle the smoked ham hock among the beans for smoky flavor infusion.

Season the Mix: Sprinkle thyme, black pepper, and add the bay leaf for warm, earthy notes.
Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth, ensuring beans and ham are submerged. Add water if needed.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until beans are tender and flavors meld.

Remove Ham Hock: If using a hock, remove it, shred meat, and stir back in. Discard bay leaf.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt if needed, as ham varies in saltiness. Mash some beans for thickness if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or on its own for a cozy meal!

Notes

Soaking beans is optional but reduces cooking time and improves texture.
Ham hocks vary in saltiness; taste before adding extra salt.
Skim fat after cooking for a lighter soup.

Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 154Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 10mgSodium 464mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 5gSugar 1gProtein 15g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Dried Navy Beans (1 lb): Small, creamy beans that hold their shape; soak for best results.
Smoked Ham Hock (1 lb): Adds deep smoky flavor; diced ham is a convenient substitute.

Carrots (2 medium): Add sweetness and color; peel and slice into rounds.
Celery (2 stalks): Brings earthy flavor; chop into even pieces.
Yellow Onion (1 large): Provides savory sweetness; dice finely for even distribution.

Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic warmth to the broth.
Chicken Broth (6 cups): Low-sodium broth allows seasoning control; homemade adds richness.
Bay Leaf (1): Infuses subtle flavor; remove before serving to avoid bitterness.

Thyme (1 tsp, dried): Adds earthy notes; fresh thyme can brighten the dish.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Enhances flavors; adjust to taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Bean Swap: Use great northern or cannellini beans for a similar creamy texture.

Meat Options: Substitute ham with smoked turkey or bacon for different smokiness.
Vegetarian Version: Omit ham, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika for depth.
Veggie Add-Ins: Include potatoes or kale for extra heartiness and nutrition.

Broth Swap: Replace chicken broth with vegetable or beef broth for varied flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different profile.

Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and ham are certified gluten-free.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; reheat with broth.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.