There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the chill of winter creeps in. I can’t help but think of cozy evenings spent wrapped in a blanket, watching the snow fall outside, while the rich aroma of Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup fills the kitchen. It’s like a hug in a bowl, bringing together the heartiness of ham and the creamy goodness of beans, all simmered to perfection in my trusty slow cooker.

This recipe is my go-to for those cold days when you need a meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s super easy to throw together—just toss your ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. When dinner rolls around, you’ll be greeted by the most inviting scent. I love that it makes enough for leftovers, too, so I can enjoy it for lunch the next day—if there’s any left! Trust me, once you try this comforting bowl of goodness, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine.

Ingredients List

1 pound ham, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 cups dried navy beans, soaked overnight for optimal texture
1 onion, chopped finely to enhance the flavor
2 carrots, diced for a touch of sweetness and color
2 celery stalks, diced for that classic soup crunch
4 cloves garlic, minced to add depth to the broth
6 cups chicken broth, the heart of the soup that brings everything together
1 bay leaf, for that aromatic touch that elevates the flavor
1 teaspoon thyme, adding a subtle earthiness
Salt and pepper to taste, to make all those flavors pop!

How to Prepare Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

Getting started with this Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is a breeze! You’ll want to make sure you have your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Trust me, the more organized you are, the smoother the process will be. Let’s jump right into the step-by-step instructions so you can get this comforting soup simmering!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beans: First things first, you need to drain and rinse the soaked navy beans. This step is super important to remove any excess sodium from the soaking process. Give them a good rinse under cold water; it only takes a minute!
Add Everything to the Crockpot: Once your beans are prepped, it’s time to toss everything into your trusty slow cooker. Start with the diced ham—this is where all that savory flavor comes from! Next, add the rinsed beans, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. It’s a beautiful blend of colors and aromas. Yum!
Pour in the Chicken Broth: Now, grab that chicken broth and pour it over the top of your ingredients. You want all those lovely veggies and ham to be covered in broth, so they can soak up the flavors as they cook. Don’t forget to add the bay leaf and thyme! They’ll work their magic while the soup simmers.
Season it Up: At this point, season with salt and pepper to taste. I recommend starting with a little and adjusting later—this way, you can control the flavor better as it cooks!
Set the Cooker: Cover the crockpot with the lid, and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours or high for 4 hours. I prefer the low setting because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but choose what fits your schedule best.
Final Touch: Once your cooking time is up, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. It’s not edible, and we want the focus to be on that hearty soup! Give it a gentle stir to combine everything; it should look rich and delicious.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. I love pairing it with a slice of warm cornbread or some crusty bread to soak up all that yummy broth. Trust me, this soup will warm you from the inside out!

And there you have it! Your Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is ready to be devoured. The best part? It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can toss everything into your crockpot and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days!
Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein from the ham and fiber from the beans, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
Comforting Flavors: The combination of savory ham, tender beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a rich flavor that warms your soul.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day! You’ll have a delicious lunch ready to go without any extra effort.
Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences, making it a flexible recipe.

Tips for Success

To make your Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup the best it can be, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be shy with your seasonings. Start with a little salt and pepper, but taste as it cooks. You can always add more later! If you want to spice things up, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a delightful kick.

Feel free to mix up the beans, too! While navy beans are traditional, you can use pinto or great northern beans for a different twist. If you’re looking for a smokier flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or a couple of dashes of liquid smoke. And remember, leftover ham is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use ham hocks for that extra depth of flavor. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

When you’re enjoying a warm bowl of Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup, it’s nice to know you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 15g
Sugar: 1g

Keep in mind, these values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you swap out the ham or adjust the broth. Regardless, you can feel good about enjoying this hearty and nutritious soup. It’s packed with protein and fiber, helping to keep you satisfied and nourished!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my personal tips to help you out.

Common Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans instead. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the crockpot. You’ll want to reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours on low since the beans are already cooked.

What if I don’t have ham? Can I use something else?
If ham isn’t available, don’t worry! You can use cooked chicken, turkey, or even a smoked sausage for that delicious flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your protein choice.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup stores wonderfully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is super versatile. Feel free to throw in some spinach, kale, or even diced potatoes. Just keep in mind that adding extra veggies might require a bit more broth to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident in making your own delicious Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup! Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is super easy! Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. If you want to enjoy it later, this soup freezes beautifully! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and it will be good for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy those cozy flavors again, reheating is a breeze. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to avoid splatters. Just be sure to check the temperature and give it a good stir before serving. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!