Slow cooker ham and bean soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that captures the essence of comfort food. With tender beans, savory ham, and a medley of vegetables, this soup offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich and aromatic meal that fills your home with the warmth of home-cooked goodness.

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I remember the first time I made this slow cooker ham and bean soup on a chilly Sunday afternoon. As the ingredients simmered away, the tantalizing aroma enveloped my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. It’s the perfect remedy for a long week or simply when you crave something cozy. This easy recipe is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to utilize leftover ham. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful meal!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ham, beans, and herbs creates a symphony of savory goodness in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A vibrant dish, showcasing colorful veggies and inviting textures.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or meal prepping for the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can easily cater to gluten-free diets, making it versatile for everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

20-ounce bag dried bean soup mix: A great blend of legumes adds protein and fiber. You can use a mix of your favorite beans if preferred.
3/4 cup onion, finely diced: Onions add sweetness and depth. Choose yellow or white onions for best results.
3 carrots, peeled, halved, and sliced: They offer a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. Feel free to use baby carrots for convenience.
2 stalks celery, sliced: Celery introduces a nice crunch and freshness. If you’re out, leeks could be an interesting substitute.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor. Use cloves for a bolder taste.
3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds an aromatic infusion. Use oregano or rosemary for a different twist!
1 bay leaf: It infuses a subtle, earthy flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
3 cups diced ham: Ham brings a savory richness. Leftover holiday ham works beautifully here.
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This is the soup’s base. Opt for homemade broth if you have it; otherwise, low-sodium is a healthier choice.
15-ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain): Adds a burst of acidity and sweetness. Canned tomatoes with herbs are a nice alternative.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust according to your preference.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Rinse the beans: Thoroughly rinse the 20-ounce bag dried bean soup mix under cold water to remove any impurities. Set aside the seasoning packet for later use.

Combine ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the rinsed beans, 3/4 cup finely diced onion, 3 halved and sliced carrots, 2 sliced stalks of celery, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme), and 1 bay leaf. Stir in 3 cups diced ham and pour in 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth.

Cook low or high: Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. The beans should become tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Add tomatoes and seasoning: Once the beans are cooked through, stir in the 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them) and the seasoning packet you set aside earlier. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer again: Cover and let everything cook together for an additional 20 minutes. This helps the flavors to blend further, and the soup will become beautifully aromatic.

Garnish and serve: Finally, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade soup.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. If you’re looking to stock up, you can freeze portioned bags of soup—just make sure to leave room for expansion. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short bursts. Note that the beans might thicken the soup, so feel free to add a splash of broth if needed.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the beans; checking them halfway through ensures they don’t turn mushy.
Use a mixture of beans for varied flavor and texture; try adding lentils for a twist.
Feel free to adjust the broth to your liking! More broth gives a soupier texture, while less can make it thicker.
If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some kick.
Make it a day ahead! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Slow cooker ham and bean soup is truly a gratifying dish. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for chilly days when you crave something warm and filling. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients, whether that’s adding more veggies or swapping out the ham for turkey. Enjoy the warmth this soup brings to your kitchen, and invite friends and family to share in the comfort!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Absolutely! If you use canned beans, add them towards the end of cooking for 20-30 minutes, as they only need to be heated through. Drain and rinse them before adding.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily omit the ham and substitute with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add in more beans or lentils for protein and perhaps some smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.

What should I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread. A side salad can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just place it in the slow cooker and cook as per instructions!

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