Classic Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Classic Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup. This comforting recipe features tender navy beans, savory ham, and a rich broth, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans (or great northern beans), sorted and rinsed
- 1-2 cups cooked ham, diced (leftover ham works perfectly! Or use a ham hock for extra smoky flavor)
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 6-8 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water), plus more if needed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds great depth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the navy beans, no pre-soaking is essential for this recipe.
- Add the beans, ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika to your slow cooker.
- Pour in enough broth or water to cover all ingredients, starting with 6 cups and adding more as needed.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and any ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
- For a thicker soup, mash about 1 cup of cooked beans against the side of the cooker.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, adding salt gradually due to the ham's saltiness.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for converting leftover ham into a delicious and filling meal. The smoky flavor of a ham hock can greatly enhance the overall taste if you have one available. Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model and the texture preference for your beans. Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end, as ham can vary in saltiness.