This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, soul-warming classic. Smoky ham blends with tender beans and veggies in a rich broth—perfect for an easy crockpot recipes slow cooker meal that simmers all day into a comforting, flavorful bowl.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Use dried beans—soak overnight for tender texture and better flavor; it’s worth the prep time. Dice ham small—it distributes smoky goodness evenly; use leftovers or a hock for max flavor. Add veggies early—they soften and meld into the broth. Stir gently—overmixing can mush beans. Check broth level—add more if it thickens too much; slow cookers vary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure, hearty comfort with this Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup—it’s a crockpot recipes slow cooker masterpiece that’s about to become your new favorite way to warm up your heart and soul! This soup is a smoky, savory delight: tender beans simmer slowly with chunks of rich, flavorful ham, mingling with classic veggies like onions, carrots, and celery in a broth so comforting it’s like a hug from the inside—all while your slow cooker does the work, letting you relax until it’s time to ladle up. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal—just toss everything in, let it simmer away, and come back to a kitchen filled with a mouthwatering aroma and a soup so satisfying it feels like a family tradition in every spoonful, with every bite delivering creamy beans, smoky ham, and that deep, homey flavor that’s pure bliss. Whether you’re craving a warm dinner on a chilly night, using up leftover ham, or just want an easy recipe that’s big on taste and nostalgia, this one’s an absolute winner—rich, delicious, and guaranteed to make every bite a hearty, stress-free treat that keeps you coming back for more!
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Ham and bean soup with veggies—slow cooker comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups diced ham (or 1 ham hock)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gear Up for a Cozy Soup Adventure: Alright, let’s dive into this hearty soup journey—grab your slow cooker, a colander, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a big spoon! This ham and bean soup is about to fill your home with smoky, comforting vibes. Picture that rich, warm bowl—let’s get started with a big, excited grin lighting up our faces!
- Soak the Beans with Overnight Love: The night before, measure out 1 lb dried navy beans—about 2 cups—and pour them into a large bowl. Cover them with cold water, at least 2 inches above, and let them soak overnight—imagine them softening up, ready to soak in all that ham flavor by morning!
- Rinse and Prep the Beans with Care: Next day, grab your colander—drain those soaked beans and rinse them well under cold water, washing away any grit. Run your fingers through them to pick out any odd ones—picture those creamy beans shining, all set to star in your slow cooker soup!
- Dice the Ham for Smoky Goodness: Take your 2 cups diced ham (or ham hock if you’re using one)—if it’s not pre-diced, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces with your knife on the cutting board. Imagine that smoky richness spreading through the soup—set it aside and feel the anticipation growing!
- Chop the Onion for Savory Depth: Grab your medium onion—peel off that papery skin, rinse it under water, and dice it into small, ¼-inch pieces with your knife. Picture that sweet, aromatic goodness blending into the broth—pile it up on your cutting board and take a whiff of that fresh onion scent!
- Prep the Carrots and Celery for Flavor: Take your 2 medium carrots—rinse them, peel if you like, then chop into small, even cubes, about ¼-inch. Slice your 2 celery stalks the same way—imagine this colorful veggie duo adding heart and crunch to your soup! Set them aside with the onion, building that cozy base!
- Layer the Slow Cooker with Comfort: Open your slow cooker—pour those rinsed navy beans in first, spreading them out evenly across the bottom. Add your diced ham (or nestle the ham hock in the center), then top with diced onion, carrots, and celery—drop in 1 bay leaf—picture them all snuggling up for a long, flavorful simmer! Pour in 6 cups chicken broth, watching it cover everything—give it a gentle stir with your spoon!
- Set the Slow Cooker for Soup Magic: Pop the lid on tight—plug in your slow cooker and set it to low for 8-10 hours if you’re in for a slow, deep simmer, or high for 4-5 hours if you’re eager to dig in! Hit start and step away—imagine the kitchen filling with that smoky, ham-scented aroma while you relax!
- Check the Beans for Tender Perfection: When the time’s up, lift the lid—inhale that rich, savory scent and grab your spoon to test a few beans. They should be soft and creamy—if using a ham hock, pull it out, shred the meat, and stir it back in. Remove the bay leaf—check the broth’s thickness and add a splash of broth if needed. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper—picture that hearty goodness ready to serve!
- Serve Up Your Comforting Soup Delight: Ladle that steaming soup into bowls—pile it high with creamy beans, tender ham, and veggies, savoring every spoonful of that smoky, rich broth! Pair it with cornbread or enjoy solo—grab a spoon and dig in, relishing every warm, hearty bite. It’s your slow cooker masterpiece, so enjoy every delicious moment with a big, happy grin!
Notes
- Soak beans—unsoaked beans stay firm, so overnight soaking ensures that creamy texture you’re after!
- Dice ham small—big chunks overpower, so keep it bite-sized for even flavor in every spoonful.
- Remove bay leaf—leaving it in can make it bitter, so fish it out before serving!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 149Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 25mgSodium 1108mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 7gSugar 2gProtein 14g
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 are the creamy base—1 cup cooked offers 15 grams of protein and 20 grams of carbs, high-fiber at 9 grams and filling at 225 kcal. Ham adds smoky richness—1 cup diced has 20 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat, about 200 kcal depending on cut. Onion brings sweet depth—1 medium has 11 grams of carbs, low-calorie at 45 kcal. Carrots add subtle sweetness—1 medium offers 6 grams of carbs, vitamin-rich at 25 kcal. Celery provides savory crunch—1 stalk has 3 grams of carbs, light at 15 kcal. Chicken broth forms the base—1 cup has 1 gram of protein, low-calorie at 15 kcal. Bay leaf adds earthy aroma—negligible in macros, it’s key for flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap navy beans for great northern or pinto—great northern (14g protein per cup), pinto (15g), both hearty. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken—1 gram of carbs per cup, lighter at 15 kcal. Sub ham with smoked turkey or bacon—turkey (8g protein per oz), bacon (5g fat per slice), smoky alternatives. Replace carrots with parsnips or turnips—parsnips (7g carbs per medium), turnips (5g), earthier vibes. Add garlic or thyme—garlic (1g carbs per clove), thyme (negligible), for extra depth. Include kale or spinach—1 cup has 1 gram of carbs, nutrient-packed at 7 kcal.
Storage Options
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—flavors deepen, making it even tastier! Reheat on the stove over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or microwave for 2-3 minutes—add broth if it thickens. Freeze for up to 3 months—portion into containers, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat for a quick meal.
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