The slow-simmered magic of this Ham and Bean Soup brings back memories of cozy family dinners, with each spoonful full of savory ham, tender beans, and aromatic veggies. It’s a rustic, comforting classic that’s simple to make and deeply satisfying to enjoy.
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a no-fuss meal ready by dinnertime, this slow cooker recipe fills your home with mouthwatering aromas all day long. It’s hearty, wholesome, and budget-friendly ideal for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a comforting dinner that hits all the right notes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb dry navy beans (or mixed dry beans), rinsed and soaked overnight
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1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
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1 onion, diced
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 bay leaf
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1 tsp dried thyme
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6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil
Directions:
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If using dried beans, rinse and soak them overnight in cold water. Drain before using.
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Place the ham bone or diced ham into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Add soaked beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and chicken broth.
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Stir everything to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours, until beans are tender and soup is thickened.
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If using a ham bone, remove it, shred any meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bone.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot with optional parsley garnish or a touch of olive oil for added richness.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup: A Timeless Comfort Dish for Every Season
When it comes to heartwarming, soul satisfying meals, few dishes can rival the rich aroma and rustic comfort of a slow cooked ham and bean soup. This hearty classic has been passed down through generations in many households, especially after holidays where leftover ham takes center stage. Not only is this soup a fantastic way to reduce food waste by repurposing a ham bone, but it also celebrates simplicity and old fashioned flavor in the best possible way.
Slow cooker ham and bean soup offers a beautifully balanced blend of smoky ham, creamy beans, and tender vegetables that come together after hours of slow simmering. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for cold winter days, rainy afternoons, or whenever you need a big bowl of comfort. And since it requires minimal effort just toss the ingredients into a slow cooker and let time work its magic this dish is ideal for busy families, novice cooks, or anyone craving home-cooked goodness with very little fuss.
The Beauty of Slow Cooking
The magic of this dish lies in the long, gentle simmering process. Unlike stove-top cooking, a slow cooker allows ingredients to meld together gradually, resulting in deeper flavors and a more complex broth. The ham bone slowly infuses the soup with its signature smoky-salty essence while simultaneously enriching the broth with natural collagen and nutrients. Beans become tender without falling apart, absorbing all that flavorful goodness over time. Meanwhile, classic soup vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery soften to the perfect consistency without turning to mush.
Cooking this soup on low for 6 to 8 hours doesn’t just deliver maximum flavor it also frees you up to focus on your day. Whether you’re working from home, running errands, or simply enjoying your weekend, you can rest easy knowing that a hot, nourishing meal will be waiting when you’re ready to eat.
Tradition Meets Practicality
Ham and bean soup carries a sense of tradition in every spoonful. It harkens back to a time when home cooks made the most of every ingredient and nothing went to waste. Leftover ham bones from Easter or Christmas dinners were transformed into nutrient rich broths. Dried beans, a pantry staple known for their shelf stability and affordability, were soaked and stewed into hearty meals that could feed a crowd. This kind of thriftiness wasn’t just practical it was delicious.
Today, those same principles still apply. This dish is a fantastic way to stretch a small amount of leftover meat into several generous servings. It’s also incredibly cost-effective, relying on budget friendly staples like beans and vegetables. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy portions throughout the month.
Nutrition and Heartiness in Every Bite
Beyond its comforting flavor, slow cooker ham and bean soup is surprisingly nutritious. Beans are a powerhouse ingredient packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins like folate and iron. They’re also known for their role in promoting heart health and aiding digestion. The ham adds protein and savory depth, while vegetables contribute essential nutrients and a slight sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
Depending on your preference, you can tailor the soup to suit your dietary needs. For example, you can use low-sodium broth or rinse canned beans to reduce the overall sodium content. Those watching their fat intake can trim excess fat from the ham before cooking. You can also toss in additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced tomatoes for an extra nutritional boost.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best aspects of this soup is how easily it adapts to your preferences. If you’re short on time, canned beans can be used instead of dried, although you may want to shorten the cooking time slightly. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can double the ingredients and cook in a large 6-8 quart slow cooker.
You can also experiment with different types of beans white beans like cannellini or navy beans are traditional, but pinto or even black beans can add a unique twist. Some cooks like to stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors. A dash of smoked paprika, thyme, or bay leaves can enhance the savory notes even more.
Want a slightly thicker texture? Use a potato masher to mash some of the beans directly in the slow cooker before serving. This technique gives the soup a creamy, stew like consistency without adding dairy or flour-based thickeners.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
Slow cooker ham and bean soup is a dream when it comes to meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors only deepen as it sits. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
If you want to stock your freezer, ladle cooled soup into freezer safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Label and date each container so you know when it was made. This soup will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer, making it a convenient go to option on busy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish never fails to impress. It pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread, cornbread, or even a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The smoky aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. And when served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of hot sauce, each bowl becomes a customizable masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love It
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Effortless prep – Just toss everything in and go.
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Budget-friendly – Makes the most of leftovers and pantry staples.
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Freezer-friendly – Perfect for meal planning and leftovers.
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Wholesome and hearty – Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
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Comforting – A warm hug in a bowl, any time of year.
Conclusion
Slow cooker ham and bean soup is more than just a way to use up leftover ham it’s a celebration of home cooking, comfort, and simplicity. It’s a reminder that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a meal that brings people together around the table and fills them with warmth and nourishment.
Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this timeless recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try the next time you have a ham bone on hand you might just find it’s your new favorite way to enjoy leftovers.