Hearty Slow Cooker Ham & Bean Soup Recipe to Savor

Published: November 21, 2025

by deliciouscorner

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Ham & Bean Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners manageable
Its flavor profile is rich and savory, combining smoky ham with earthy beans perfectly
The visual appeal of colorful vegetables makes it inviting for everyone at the table
It’s versatile too; serve it as a main course or a hearty side dish to impress guests

I remember the first time I made this soup; my family gathered around the kitchen table, faces lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they tasted it. It was pure joy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ham Hock or Ham Shank: Choose one with plenty of meat for maximum flavor—it’s the star of this show!
Dried Beans: A mix of navy and great northern beans works wonderfully; soak them overnight for better texture.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; look for firm ones with vibrant color. Sweet Chili Meatballs.
Celery: Use crisp celery for crunch; its flavor complements the ham beautifully.
Onion: A yellow onion brings depth to the soup; sauté until translucent for enhanced taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add zing; chop them finely to release their fragrant oils.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still packing flavor.
Dried Thyme and Bay Leaves: These will infuse your soup with lovely herbal notes—don’t skip them!
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper elevates every bite—season generously!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Rinse those dried beans thoroughly under cold water—this helps remove any dirt or debris.

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. This step ignites the flavors that will shine throughout your soup.

Add Everything to Your Slow Cooker : Transfer the sautéed mixture into your slow cooker alongside ham hock, beans, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything—your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Set It and Forget It : Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Check for Doneness : When cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham hock from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred any meat off the bone and return it to the pot.

Season and Serve! : Taste your soup before serving; you might want to adjust seasoning with more pepper or even some salt if necessary. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before diving in!

This Slow Cooker Ham & Bean Soup is not just comfort food—it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it solo on a wintry night or sharing it at a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit! For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa recipe.

You Must Know

Slow Cooker Ham & Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul
The rich, smoky aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist
You can easily adjust the ingredients based on personal preferences or pantry staples, ensuring a delicious outcome every time

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances flavor and gives your soup a delightful aroma right from the start. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different beans or vegetables based on what you have. Adding a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika can elevate the soup’s depth and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed for consistency.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect Slow Cooker Ham & Bean Soup, soak beans overnight for better texture and flavor absorption
A quick taste at the end helps adjust seasoning perfectly
Remember to let it simmer; patience yields incredible results!

Sometimes, friends drop by unexpectedly, and this soup has saved me more than once. They rave about its comforting warmth, and I love sharing my secret ingredient: patience!

FAQ

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, using canned beans saves time; just add them in during the last hour of cooking.

What kind of ham should I use?

Use leftover ham or ham hocks for that smoky flavor that makes this soup special.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Ham & Bean Soup?

Absolutely! It freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to containers.

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