The rich aroma of slow-cooked ham, beans, and vegetables fills the kitchen with every simmering hour. This Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is a savory staple that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a bowl full of love and nourishment. It’s perfect for chilly nights, comforting meal preps, or making the most of that leftover holiday ham. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving something cozy, this soup delivers hearty flavor and satisfying texture. The beans soak up all the savory essence of the ham bone, while carrots, celery, and herbs round out the flavor beautifully. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let time do the magic!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 leftover ham bone (with some meat on it)
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2 cups cooked ham, chopped
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1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
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1 onion, chopped
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bay leaf
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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6 cups chicken broth
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2 cups water
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Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
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After soaking beans overnight, drain and rinse thoroughly.
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Place the ham bone in the bottom of your crockpot. Add chopped ham, navy beans, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
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Sprinkle in thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour chicken broth and water over the ingredients.
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Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5–6 hours.
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Once beans are tender and soup is flavorful, remove ham bone. Shred any meat off the bone and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
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Stir well and season to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Chilly Days
As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there’s something incredibly soothing about a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Among the many varieties out there, Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup stands out as a classic, comforting, and budget-friendly meal that warms both body and soul. Whether you’re repurposing leftover holiday ham or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this soup delivers big on flavor and satisfaction with minimal effort.
Why This Soup is a Cold-Weather Favorite
There are few dishes that check as many boxes as this one. It’s affordable, filling, nutritious, and, most importantly, delicious. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, making it an ideal “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. Just toss in the ingredients in the morning, go about your day, and come home to a house filled with the inviting aroma of home-cooked comfort.
The soup’s base is made with a ham bone often left over from a baked ham dinner which provides deep, smoky flavor and rich nutrients that are released as it slowly simmers. Combined with navy beans and a mirepoix of carrots, celery, and onion, you get a savory broth that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
A Smart Way to Use Leftovers
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is how well it makes use of leftovers. Ham bones from holiday dinners are often discarded or frozen without a plan, but they’re truly a hidden gem in your kitchen. This soup gives them new life and makes every bit of that holiday ham go further.
If you don’t have a ham bone, don’t worry you can substitute smoked ham hocks or simply increase the amount of chopped ham in the recipe. The result is still a flavorful, protein-rich meal that your family will love.
Nutritional Benefits: Protein, Fiber, and Flavor
Let’s talk about nutrition. This isn’t just another carb-heavy soup that fills you up temporarily. Beans are packed with plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer. Fiber also supports healthy digestion and regulates blood sugar levels, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat more mindfully.
Ham adds additional protein and important nutrients like iron and zinc. Carrots, celery, and onions contribute essential vitamins and minerals, as well as natural sweetness and depth of flavor. You can even customize this recipe by adding greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for an extra nutrient punch.
Crockpot Convenience
Crockpot recipes are a lifesaver for busy people. Whether you’re juggling work, school drop-offs, or just trying to keep your household running smoothly, slow cooking offers a way to enjoy home-cooked meals without constant monitoring.
Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is a true one-pot meal. No need to sauté or pre-cook anything just layer your ingredients, pour in the broth and water, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Cooking on low for 8 hours allows the beans to soften perfectly while extracting all the richness from the ham bone. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it took all day because it did, but you didn’t have to stand over the stove to make it happen.
Customization: Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this soup is how customizable it is. While the traditional version uses navy beans, you can swap them for great northern beans, cannellini beans, or even a mixed bean blend for more texture and color.
Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the ham and use smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for that signature flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still end up with a soul-warming dish that satisfies.
Looking for more spice? Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes. Want it creamier? Blend a portion of the soup before serving. The options are endless, and that’s what makes this a favorite among home cooks.
Storage and Freezing Tips
This soup not only makes a great dinner it also stores beautifully. Make a big batch and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. In fact, many people find the soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
It also freezes well. Portion it into individual containers and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on the stovetop for a fast and hearty meal anytime. It’s meal prep made deliciously easy.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Ham and Bean Soup
While this soup is a meal on its own, you can elevate the experience with the right side dishes. A slice of crusty artisan bread or a piece of warm cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. If you’re going low-carb, try serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
For drinks, consider a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which balances the richness of the soup. Or keep it cozy with a mug of apple cider or spiced tea.
Reader Favorites and Family-Friendly Appeal
This is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in households. It’s familiar, kid-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or grown-up foodies, the universal flavors and comforting texture make it a hit at any table.
Many readers also love using this soup as a go-to post-holiday meal, especially after Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It’s a cozy way to transition from a big feast to something more down-to-earth and nourishing.
Sustainability and Kitchen Efficiency
Using a ham bone in a recipe like this is not only economical it’s sustainable. Instead of tossing out something that still holds value, you’re making use of every part of the food. This kind of nose-to-tail (or in this case, bone-to-broth) cooking is better for the environment and your wallet.
By combining pantry staples with leftovers, this recipe minimizes food waste and highlights the art of thoughtful cooking. It reminds us that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or expensive they just need to be made with care and intention.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a recipe it’s a tradition, a cozy comfort, and a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. With its rich flavors, nutritious profile, and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder this dish continues to grace family tables generation after generation.
Whether you’re making it from scratch or repurposing holiday leftovers, this soup is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your home. So go ahead grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let this timeless classic fill your kitchen with love.
