Name: Slow Cooked Bean and Ham Soup with Vegetables
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 18 h 15 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bay leaf; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 lb dried great northern beans, rinsed and sorted; 1 lb ham hock or diced ham; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

This Slow Cooked Bean and Ham Soup with Vegetables is a hearty, smoky dish featuring tender beans, ham, and vibrant veggies. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow-cooked bean and ham soup with vegetables is a comforting, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The smoky ham pairs beautifully with creamy beans and colorful veggies, all simmered to perfection in a savory broth by your trusty slow cooker. It’s ideal for busy schedules, requiring little prep while filling your home with irresistible aromas. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s budget-friendly and versatile—serve it with bread, over rice, or enjoy it solo. Leftovers taste even better, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

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

Sear Ham for Flavor: Briefly sear a ham hock or diced ham to boost smoky depth.
Uniform Veggies: Chop carrots and celery into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the surface after cooking for a lighter soup.

Season Late: Add salt at the end, as ham can be salty; taste to adjust.
Low and Slow: Cook on low to meld flavors and keep beans tender without mushiness.
Thicken if Desired: Mash some beans or add a cornstarch slurry for a heartier consistency.

Fresh Herbs: Stir in parsley or thyme at the end for a bright, fresh touch.

Yield: 10 cups

Slow Cooked Bean and Ham Soup with Vegetables

Hearty slow-cooked bean and ham soup with veggies, smoky and perfect for cozy meals.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 18 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 bay leaf

1 large yellow onion, diced
1 lb dried great northern beans, rinsed and sorted
1 lb ham hock or diced ham

1 tbsp olive oil
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 great northern beans under cold water, removing debris. Soak overnight in water, then drain and rinse (optional for creamier texture).
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 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 ham hock or diced ham among the beans for smoky flavor infusion.
Season the Mix: Sprinkle thyme 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 Warm: 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 swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 224Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 50mgSodium 225mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 4gSugar 1gProtein 22g

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 Great Northern Beans (1 lb): Creamy and hearty, soak for best results; rinse and sort.

Ham Hock or Diced Ham (1 lb): Ham hock adds rich smokiness; diced ham offers convenience.
Carrots (2 medium): Add sweetness and color; peel and slice into rounds.
Celery (2 stalks): Brings earthy flavor; chop into even pieces for balance.

Yellow Onion (1 large): Provides savory depth; dice finely for even flavor distribution.
Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic warmth to the broth.
Chicken Broth (6 cups): Low-sodium broth allows seasoning control; homemade enhances 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.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for sautéing, adding a hint of richness.

Variations and Substitutions

Bean Swap: Use navy 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.
Canning: Process in a pressure canner for 75 minutes (pints) for shelf-stable storage up to 1 year.