Cozy Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup for Ultimate Comfort

When I think of cozy evenings curled up on the couch, with a steaming bowl cradled in my hands, nothing quite beats a hearty crockpot Ham and Bean Soup. The rich aroma wafting through the air is enough to make anyone stop in their tracks, like a cartoon character following the scent of deliciousness. You can almost hear the beans singing and the ham doing a little dance as they mingle, creating a symphony of flavors that warms your heart and soul.

This dish is more than just comfort food; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and share stories. Picture this: family gathered together, laughter ringing out, and each spoonful brings back memories of chilly nights spent at Grandma’s house. Whether you’re battling a winter chill or simply craving something satisfying, this soup is perfect for any occasion and promises an explosion of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds—if not thirds!

Ingredients for crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Dried White Beans: You can use great northern or navy beans; soak them overnight for best results.
• Ham Hock or Diced Ham: Choose a meaty ham hock for rich flavor; diced ham is also great if you’re short on time.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely to ensure it blends well with other ingredients.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots bring color and sweetness; slice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Celery: Celery adds crunch and depth; chop it small so it cooks evenly with the beans.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic flavor; don’t be shy—more garlic means more yum!
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth as your soup base for added richness without too much salt.
• Bay Leaves: These leaves impart deep flavor during cooking; remember to remove them before serving!
• Thyme: Dried thyme adds earthy notes; fresh thyme works too if you have it on hand.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Beans

Start by rinsing your dried white beans under cold water. If you soaked them overnight, drain them well. If not, no worries—just rinse them thoroughly to remove dirt.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies

Dice your onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince that garlic like you’re trying to impress someone with your knife skills (or just avoid slicing off a finger).

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In your trusty crockpot, combine the rinsed beans, diced ham (or ham hock), chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sprinkle in bay leaves and thyme.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Add enough chicken broth to cover all your ingredients by about an inch. This will keep everything moist while cooking.

Step 5: Set It and Forget It

Cover your crockpot and set it on low for about 8 hours or high for about 4 hours—perfect timing to binge-watch your favorite show without feeling guilty!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once cooked through and tender, give your soup a good stir. Remove those bay leaves before serving up steaming bowls of goodness! Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Now that you’ve mastered this comforting crockpot Ham and Bean Soup recipe, you’re ready to tackle whatever chilly day comes your way! Each bowlful not only warms you from head to toe but also fills your home with happy memories brewing right alongside those lovely beans. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by soaking your beans overnight for a smoother texture. In the morning, sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot with diced ham and broth. Let it simmer for hours while you tackle other chores or binge-watch your favorite series.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different beans like kidney or black beans, or toss in some vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to amp up the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover crockpot ham and bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Sometimes, I whip up this soup after a long day, and my kids devour it like they haven’t eaten in days. Their delighted faces make all the chopping worth it!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for crockpot Ham and Bean Soup?

To make delicious crockpot Ham and Bean Soup, gather these essential ingredients: dried white beans, diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, and various seasonings like bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days and provides a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

How long does it take to cook crockpot Ham and Bean Soup?

Cooking time for crockpot Ham and Bean Soup typically ranges from 6 to 8 hours on low heat. If you choose to cook it on high heat, it will take around 3 to 4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup. Be sure to check if the beans are tender before serving. You can adjust the cooking time based on your schedule while ensuring you achieve the best results.

Can I freeze leftover crockpot Ham and Bean Soup?

Yes, you can freeze leftover crockpot Ham and Bean Soup! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date for easy identification later. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or microwave. Freezing helps preserve its flavor and texture well, making it a convenient option for future meals.

What variations can I make to my crockpot Ham and Bean Soup?

There are many delicious variations you can try with your crockpot Ham and Bean Soup. Consider adding different beans such as kidney or pinto beans for a unique twist. You might also experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cumin for added depth of flavor. Vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers can enhance texture and taste. Feel free to customize your recipe based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Conclusion for crockpot Ham and Bean Soup:

In summary, crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is an easy-to-make dish that warms both body and soul. By using simple ingredients like dried beans, ham, vegetables, and broth, you create a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking process enhances flavors while allowing you to enjoy a nutritious dish with minimal effort. Whether served on a chilly day or as leftovers in your freezer, this soup promises satisfaction every time you savor it.

Print

Hearty Crockpot Bean and Vegetable Soup

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm up with this comforting crockpot bean and vegetable soup, filled with rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. Perfect for chilly days and family gatherings!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup dried white beans (great northern or navy)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the dried white beans under cold water. If soaked overnight, drain well.
2. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic.
3. In the crockpot, combine the rinsed beans, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme.
4. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover all ingredients by about an inch.
5. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours or high for about 4 hours until the beans are tender.
6. Stir well before serving; remove bay leaves. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Consider adding other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Swap different types of beans such as kidney or pinto for variety. Adjust seasonings to taste; a splash of vinegar before serving can brighten flavors.