Print

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

slow cooker ham and bean soup - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy, hearty soup combines smoky ham, mixed beans, and aromatic vegetables for a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. The slow cooker melds flavors for a rich, satisfying bowl that’s hands-off and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried mixed beans (such as 15 bean soup mix, no soaking necessary)
  • 1 ham bone or 2 cups chopped cooked ham
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Chop the ham if not using a bone.
  2. Rinse the dried mixed beans under cold water and pick out any pebbles.
  3. Add beans, ham bone or chopped ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Drop in the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beans are tender and creamy and ham is falling apart.
  6. Halfway through, check liquid level and add more water if you prefer a brothier soup.
  7. Remove ham bone if using. Shred any meat and return it to the pot.
  8. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed. Remove bay leaf and thyme stems.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

For vegetarian, use vegetable broth and smoked tofu or mushrooms instead of ham. If using canned beans, reduce cooking time and skip the water. Add extra broth if soup thickens after storing. Apple cider vinegar at the end brightens flavors. Soup freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and bean soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, crockpot soup, hearty soup, gluten-free soup, family dinner, meal prep, bean soup

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/slow-cooker-ham-and-bean-soup-recipe-easy-hearty-comfort-meal/