Description
This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days or when you want an easy, hands-off dinner. With a blend of tender beans, smoky ham, and savory vegetables, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Best of all, it’s easy to customize and makes enough to feed a crowd or save for later.
Ingredients
-
- 1 (8-ounce) package 15-bean soup mix
- 3 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ham bone
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Soak the Beans:
- Place the 15-bean soup mix in a large bowl and cover it with several inches of cool water.
- Soak in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the soaked beans to the slow cooker.
- Add the cubed ham, chicken broth, water, great northern beans, ham bone, onion, carrots, garlic, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Soup:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to Low. Cook for 8-10 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Remove the Ham Bone and Bay Leaf:
- Before serving, carefully remove the ham bone and bay leaf. If desired, shred any meat left on the bone and stir it back into the soup.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Notes
- kip the Ham Bone: If you don’t have a ham bone, use a smoked ham hock or omit it altogether.
- Adjust the Salt: Taste the soup before adding additional salt, as ham can be naturally salty.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American