This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any season, especially during colder months when you crave something warm and filling. The combination of tender ham, creamy beans, and aromatic vegetables is simmered to perfection, creating a rich, satisfying bowl that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. Serve with crusty bread for a meal that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s a dish that brings people together, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ham, diced
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2 cups dry white beans (soaked overnight)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 carrots, peeled and diced
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3 celery stalks, chopped
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1 bay leaf
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1 tsp thyme
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6 cups chicken broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a slow cooker, combine ham, soaked beans, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and thyme.
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Pour in the chicken broth, and add salt and pepper to taste.
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Stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring the beans are submerged in the broth.
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Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened.
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Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8-10 hours | Total Time: 8-10 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Every Season
When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a warm bowl of ham and bean soup. Hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, this slow cooker ham and bean soup is the perfect meal for cozy nights, busy weekends, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this soup delivers rich, savory flavors that will warm your soul and keep you coming back for more.
Why Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup?
One of the reasons slow cooker ham and bean soup has become a beloved dish in many homes is the way it effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that tastes like it took hours of attention, but in reality, it’s easy to prepare. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it, letting the appliance do all the hard work while you go about your day.
This soup is particularly well-suited for families, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a no-fuss meal that can be enjoyed for multiple days. It can be made in large batches, allowing you to serve it for dinner one night and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and flavors according to your personal preferences.
The Comfort of Beans and Ham
Ham and bean soup is a classic pairing, with beans providing a creamy texture and the ham adding depth and richness. The beans in this recipe cook down into a soft, velvety texture, absorbing the savory flavors of the broth and vegetables. Meanwhile, the ham infuses the soup with a smoky, slightly salty taste that complements the beans perfectly. Together, they create a soup that’s not only comforting but also packed with protein and fiber making it a well-rounded, filling meal.
The addition of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions enhances the soup’s flavor profile, providing natural sweetness and earthiness that balance the savory elements. The thyme and bay leaf bring aromatic herbal notes that elevate the soup even further, creating a flavorful and fragrant dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the best things about slow cooker ham and bean soup is that it makes excellent leftovers. The soup’s flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. In fact, many people agree that ham and bean soup tastes better after a night in the fridge, allowing the ingredients to meld even further. The slow cooking process also allows the beans to absorb all the rich flavors of the broth, making each bite more satisfying.
This soup is also perfect for meal prepping. Simply make a large batch at the beginning of the week and store individual portions in airtight containers. Whether you’re preparing for busy weeknights or need an easy lunch option, this soup can be reheated and enjoyed throughout the week.
Health Benefits of Ham and Bean Soup
Not only is slow cooker ham and bean soup delicious, but it also offers several health benefits. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium. They are also low in fat and cholesterol-free, making them a heart-healthy food option.
Ham, while higher in sodium, provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients like niacin, phosphorus, and zinc. If you’re concerned about the sodium content, you can use a lower-sodium broth or opt for a leaner cut of ham to make the dish more heart-healthy.
The combination of beans and ham provides a balanced meal, and the addition of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions further boosts the soup’s nutritional value. These vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and promote healthy skin. Carrots, in particular, are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports eye health.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help you get the best results and customize the soup to your taste.
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Soak the Beans: Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduces cooking time. It also makes them easier to digest and reduces the likelihood of any stomach discomfort. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
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Use Leftover Ham: This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham, making it an excellent post-holiday meal. If you don’t have leftover ham, you can buy pre-cooked ham or even use ham steaks for a similar result.
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Adjust the Seasoning: Ham can vary in saltiness, so be sure to taste the soup before adding extra salt. The ham, broth, and other seasonings should provide enough flavor, but you can always add more herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
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Add Extra Vegetables: If you want to pack in even more vegetables, consider adding spinach, kale, or potatoes. These additions will not only boost the nutritional content but also enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
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Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper. The warmth from the spice will complement the rich, smoky flavors of the ham and beans.
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Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, cook the soup on low for 8-10 hours. This allows the beans to soften and the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-6 hours, but the texture may not be as tender.
Why You Should Make This Soup Today
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal that brings comfort and satisfaction, slow cooker ham and bean soup is the answer. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers great versatility. Whether you make it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or to meal prep for the week ahead, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
With its hearty combination of beans, vegetables, and savory ham, this soup will fill you up and warm you from the inside out. And the best part? The slow cooking process makes it hands-off, so you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other things while the soup simmers away, ready to be enjoyed whenever you’re ready.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, slow cooker ham and bean soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks, the rich flavors that develop over time, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve prepared a meal that will nourish and comfort your family all make this dish a winner. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s night or as part of a meal prep routine, this soup is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try today, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite in many households.