Ham and bean soup is the epitome of comfort food, and a slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend brunch. Forget canned soup – this homemade version is far superior!
Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Ham & Bean Soup
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for your crock pot size.
- 1 lb dried navy beans (or Great Northern beans), rinsed and picked over
- 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped ham (leftover ham bone is fantastic!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds savory umami)
- Salt to taste (add at the end, as ham is already salty)
Instructions: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Crock Pot Perfection
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Soak the beans (optional but recommended): For the creamiest, quickest-cooking beans, soak them overnight in cold water. This significantly reduces cooking time and helps eliminate any potential digestive issues. If you skip this step, add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
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Combine ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the soaked (or unsoaked) beans, water (or broth), ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, bay leaf, brown sugar (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
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Slow cook: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. You might want to add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crock Pot Ham & Bean Soup
H2: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can absolutely use canned beans! If using canned beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker. Reduce the cooking time significantly; about 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high should suffice. However, the texture won't be as creamy as with dried beans.
H2: What kind of ham is best for this soup?
Any kind of ham will work! Leftover cooked ham, ham steak, or even a ham bone will add delicious flavor. A ham bone, in particular, adds incredible depth. If using a bone, be sure to remove it before serving.
H2: How can I thicken my ham and bean soup?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot with a potato masher or fork. You can also stir in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water before the last hour of cooking.
H2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well.
H2: What are some variations I can try?
Get creative! Add other vegetables like potatoes, corn, or green beans. Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination. Some people even add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Ham & Bean Soup!
This crock pot ham and bean soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation, delicious flavor, and hearty nature make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish!
