Ah, the comforting aroma of bean ham soup simmering slowly in a crock pot… pure magic! This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a culmination of years of experimentation, tweaking, and taste-testing to create the ultimate crock pot bean ham soup experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make soup.
This recipe utilizes the slow cooking power of a crock pot to extract maximum flavor from the ham bone and beans, resulting in a rich and deeply satisfying broth. Forget about complicated steps and lengthy cooking times – this recipe is all about effortless deliciousness.
What Makes This Crock Pot Bean Ham Soup Recipe Special?
Several key elements elevate this recipe above the rest:
- Ham Bone: We’re not just using leftover ham; we're using the bone! This is where the real magic happens. The bone releases collagen and flavor, creating a rich, savory broth that's unparalleled.
- Variety of Beans: We incorporate a mix of beans for both texture and flavor complexity. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
- Layered Flavor: The recipe builds flavor gradually, ensuring each ingredient contributes to the overall deliciousness.
- Easy Cleanup: Crock pot cooking means minimal cleanup – bonus!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 (1-2 pound) ham bone (or leftover ham, cut into chunks)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained (or your favorite bean variety!)
- 8 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (add towards the end, as ham can be salty)
- Optional: Bay leaf (remove before serving), chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions for Crock Pot Bean Ham Soup Perfection:
- Combine Ingredients: Place the ham bone (or ham chunks) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, pinto beans, great northern beans, water (or broth), thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Remove the ham bone and shred the meat (discard the bone). Return the shredded ham to the pot. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans, lima beans, or cannellini beans. The key is to use a variety of beans for both texture and flavor.
What if I don't have a ham bone?
You can still make this soup! Use about 1-1.5 pounds of leftover cooked ham, cut into chunks. The flavor will be slightly less intense, but still delicious.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. Alternatively, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last hour of cooking.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables first, then add the remaining ingredients. Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure. Shred the ham and return to the pot.
This Crock Pot Bean Ham Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. Enjoy!
