Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re craving a warm, hearty dish to fill your home with delicious aromas and your heart with comfort. That’s where Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup comes in. This classic recipe offers the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrition—and it’s as simple as tossing ingredients into your slow cooker and letting time do the rest.
Why Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Is a Must-Try Recipe
Slow cookers are a busy person’s best friend, and this recipe showcases their magic. With minimal prep, you can create a flavorful, protein-packed soup that’s ideal for cozy dinners or batch cooking for the week. The long, slow simmering process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is effortless.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| 15-bean soup mix | 1 (8-ounce) package |
| Fully cooked ham, cubed | 3 cups |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Great northern beans | 1 (15.5-ounce) can, drained and rinsed |
| Ham bone | 1 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Carrots, chopped | 3 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 2 cloves |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
This simple list of ingredients comes together to create a soup that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
1. Preparing the Beans
- Start by soaking the 15-bean soup mix. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with several inches of cool water.
- Soak the beans in the refrigerator for 8 hours to overnight. This step ensures the beans cook evenly and become tender.
2. Assembling the Ingredients
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
- Transfer the beans to the slow cooker.
- Add the cubed ham, chicken broth, water, great northern beans, ham bone, chopped onion, carrots, garlic, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf.
3. Slow Cooking to Perfection
- Stir the ingredients to combine everything evenly.
- Set your slow cooker to Low and cook for 8 to 10 hours. The low and slow method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Final Touches
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the ham bone and bay leaf.
- Stir the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Effortless Meal Prep
With just a little prep work, this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.
2. Perfect for Leftovers
This soup reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or freezing for later.
3. Nutrient-Packed
Loaded with protein from the ham and beans and vitamins from the carrots and onions, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
Serving Suggestions
1. Crusty Bread or Rolls
Pair this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll for dipping.
2. Side Salad
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the hearty soup.
3. Toppings
Sprinkle your bowl with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping the Soaking Step
Skipping the bean soaking step can result in unevenly cooked beans. Plan ahead to avoid this pitfall.
2. Over-Seasoning Early
The ham and ham bone add saltiness as they cook, so go light on the salt at the beginning. You can always adjust later.
3. Using Too Much Liquid
Stick to the recommended amount of broth and water to ensure a thick, hearty soup.
Tips for Customizing Your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
1. Add More Vegetables
Feel free to toss in celery, potatoes, or even spinach for extra nutrition.
2. Swap the Ham
Smoked turkey or sausage can be used as a delicious alternative to ham.
3. Adjust the Spices
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, but the texture will differ slightly. Canned beans are pre-cooked, so you’ll need to reduce the cooking time significantly.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
4. Do I need a ham bone?
While a ham bone adds depth to the flavor, the soup will still be delicious without it. Simply use additional ham or add a splash of smoked paprika for a smoky note.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the ham and ham bone, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables and spices to enhance the flavor.
6. Can I cook this soup on High?
You can, but the texture may not be as tender. Cooking on High for 4-6 hours is an alternative if you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup for Every Occasion
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup. It’s not just food—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction all in one. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just indulging in a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this soup work its magic. Your future self will thank you!
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Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup: A Comforting, Easy-to-Make Meal
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes – 10 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
Description
This comforting and hearty soup combines tender beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic vegetables in a slow cooker for a fuss-free, soul-warming meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep, this dish brings together the magic of minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package 15-bean soup mix
- 3 cups fully cooked ham, cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ham bone
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans:
- Soak the 15-bean soup mix in a large bowl, covering with several inches of cool water.
- Refrigerate and soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly before use.
- Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Add the soaked beans, cubed ham, chicken broth, water, great northern beans, ham bone, onion, carrots, garlic, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
- Cook:
- Stir the ingredients to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 8–10 hours.
- Finish:
- Remove the ham bone and bay leaf.
- Stir the soup and adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
- Soaking the Beans: Ensures even cooking and tender beans.
- Ham Bone Substitute: If unavailable, use additional cubed ham or a splash of smoked paprika.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
