crock pot ham bean soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
crock pot ham bean soup recipe
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The Best crock pot ham bean soup recipe

I’ve been making this crock pot ham bean soup recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. It’s one of those comforting dishes that warms the soul, and my family loves it when I serve it for dinner. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, which is perfect for a busy weeknight.

This recipe has its roots in traditional American cooking, where ham and beans were staples in many households. The combination of flavors and textures is simply delightful, with the tender beans and smoky ham creating a delicious harmony that will leave you wanting more. The key to this recipe is using a crock pot, which allows the ingredients to simmer slowly over several hours, extracting all the flavors and nutrients from the ham and beans.

This technique is essential in breaking down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and juicy. I like to use a combination of navy beans and pinto beans for their creamy texture and mild flavor. The ham adds a rich, savory taste that complements the beans perfectly.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a main dish or use it as a side, depending on your preference. My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal.

I also like to add some diced vegetables like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition. As for storage, this soup freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a large batch and store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating it in the crock pot or on the stovetop.

Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup

4.5 from 1045 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender ham, creamy beans, and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection. This easy recipe uses a ham bone or leftover ham for rich flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the rinsed navy beans in the slow cooker.
2Add the ham bone or diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
3Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
4Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
5Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
6The beans should be soft and easily mashed against the side of the pot.
7Remove the ham bone if used, and let it cool slightly.
8Pick off any meat from the bone and shred it, then return the meat to the soup.
9Discard the bone and bay leaves.
10Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
11Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

6-quart or larger slow cooker
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker before serving. If using canned beans, reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on low and skip the soaking step.

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup Works

This crock pot ham bean soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or want something hearty to serve at family gatherings.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its simplicity – just throw all the ingredients into the crock pot and let it do its magic.

And when you’re ready to serve it up, you can pair it with some crusty bread or cornbread for an extra-special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Q: What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

You can use either navy beans or pinto beans, or a combination of both. Navy beans are smaller and have a more delicate flavor, while pinto beans are slightly larger and have a more robust taste.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?

No, this recipe relies heavily on the slow-cooking technique provided by the crock pot. If you don’t have one, you can try making it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.

Q: How long does it take to cook this recipe?

This recipe typically takes around 8-10 hours to cook in the crock pot on low heat. You can also cook it on high heat for 4-6 hours if you prefer.

Q: Can I add any additional ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions for added flavor and nutrition.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains ham, which is not vegetarian-friendly. You can substitute it with a vegetarian alternative like tempeh or seitan if you prefer.

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