There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of hearty soup on a chilly day, and this Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is the definition of comfort food. It’s a savory, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the crock pot. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but is also the perfect way to use up leftover ham, transforming it into a delicious, flavor-packed dinner the whole family will love.
We’re simmering tender beans, smoky ham, and a classic mirepoix of vegetables in a rich, savory broth until everything is perfectly cooked. Let the slow cooker do all the work, and come home to a house smelling absolutely divine and dinner ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s big on flavor and low on effort, you’ve found it. This crock pot ham and bean soup is a true set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Using a leftover ham bone or ham hock infuses the entire soup with a deep, smoky flavor that you can’t get any other way.
- Budget-Friendly: Dried beans and leftover ham are inexpensive ingredients, making this a hearty meal that won’t break the bank.
- Minimal Prep: Simply chop a few vegetables, rinse your beans, and dump everything into the slow cooker. It’s that easy!
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a complete meal that will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of wholesome ingredients to create this masterpiece.
- Dried Beans: Great Northern beans are a classic choice for their creamy texture, but navy or pinto beans work wonderfully too.
- Ham: A meaty ham bone or ham hock is ideal for maximum flavor. You can also use diced cooked ham.
- Mirepoix: A simple mix of diced onion, carrots, and celery creates the aromatic base of the soup.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, savory depth.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth serves as the liquid base.
- Herbs & Spices: A bay leaf, dried thyme, black pepper, and a touch of salt are all you need to season it to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley: For a bright, fresh finish.
How to Make Ham and Bean Soup in the Slow Cooker (Step-by-Step)
Making this Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time.
- Prepare the Beans: Start by rinsing the dried beans under cold water and picking out any debris.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the rinsed beans, ham bone (or diced ham), onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
- Season: Add the bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine. There’s no need to add much salt at this stage, as the ham will release salt as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the beans are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.
- Shred the Ham: Carefully remove the ham bone. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard the bone and any excess fat. Return the shredded ham to the soup.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the fresh parsley and serve hot.
Choosing the Best Ham for Your Soup
The type of ham you use is the key to a deeply flavorful soup. A leftover meaty ham bone from a previous meal is the gold standard, as the bone releases collagen and rich flavor during the long cooking process. If you don’t have one, a smoked ham hock from your local butcher or grocery store is an excellent alternative. You can also use about 2-3 cups of diced, cooked ham steak, though the flavor will be slightly less intense.
What are the Best Beans for Ham and Bean Soup?
While this recipe is flexible, some beans work better than others. Great Northern beans are a popular choice because they hold their shape well while still becoming wonderfully creamy. Navy beans are another excellent option; they are smaller and break down more, resulting in a thicker, creamier soup. Pinto beans can also be used for a slightly earthier flavor. The great debate is whether to soak the beans overnight. For this slow cooker recipe, it’s not necessary! The long, slow cooking time is more than enough to get the beans perfectly tender without a pre-soak.
Tips for the Absolute Best Ham and Bean Soup
Take your soup from great to unforgettable with these simple pro tips.
- Sauté the Veggies: For an extra layer of flavor, take five minutes to sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Don’t Forget the Bay Leaf: This humble herb adds a subtle background note that enhances all the other flavors in the soup.
- Finish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens up the rich, savory flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice can also work wonders.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few classic sides. A slice of crusty bread or warm cornbread is a must for dipping. For a lighter pairing, a simple green salad is perfect. If you want to try something truly special, serve it alongside some homemade Sausage and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
This soup is perfect for meal prep and leftovers often taste even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use canned beans as a shortcut. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours on low, as you only need to heat them through and meld the flavors. Be sure to rinse the beans well before adding them.
No, for this recipe you do not need to soak the beans beforehand. The long, moist cooking environment of the slow cooker (8-10 hours on low) is sufficient to fully soften and cook the dried beans.
The soup will naturally thicken as it cools. For a thicker consistency, you can remove about one cup of the soup, mash the beans with a fork or an immersion blender, and then stir it back into the pot.
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, buttermilk biscuits, or a side of classic cornbread for dipping. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette also makes a great, fresh accompaniment.
The best option is a leftover meaty ham bone, as it adds incredible depth and flavor to the broth. A smoked ham hock is a great alternative. You can also use diced cooked ham, but the soup’s flavor won’t be quite as rich.
More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’re sure to love some of our other comforting soup creations. Try our rich and decadent French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup, a classic Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup, or a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Texas Chili. For something different, this creamy roast garlic pasta sauce is a must-try!
The Best Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup (The Ultimate Comfort Food)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the rinsed beans, ham bone, onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
- Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the beans are tender.
- Carefully remove the ham bone. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat off the bone, discarding the bone and fat. Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
Thickening Tip: For a thicker soup, you can mash about 1 cup of the beans with a fork and stir them back into the soup.
We hope you love this simple yet delicious Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup. It’s a hug in a bowl that’s sure to become a family favorite. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
