Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. This classic recipe combines the satisfying flavors of ham, beans, and vegetables, all simmered together in one convenient pot. Using a slow cooker makes this dish even easier, as you can set it and forget it until dinner time. Perfect for cozy nights or busy days, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it a great go-to option for families and gatherings alike.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
What makes this Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup so special? First and foremost, its rich and savory taste is hard to beat. The combination of tender beans and diced ham creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Each spoonful is packed with comforting goodness, making it an ideal meal for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra TLC. Additionally, using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a soup that is sure to impress. The versatility of this recipe ensures that you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences, allowing you to enjoy a customized bowl of warmth with every serving.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
To whip up this savory Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound dried great northern beans (soaked in water overnight)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage (or ½ teaspoon dried sage)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 ham bone (optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for optional garnish)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Directions
Making Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Here’s how to get started:
- First, drain the soaked beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This step helps to remove any excess sodium and prepares your beans for cooking.
- Next, place the rinsed beans in your slow cooker. Make sure to use a 5-quart crockpot to ensure all the ingredients fit comfortably.
- Add the diced ham to the pot. You can use leftover ham for this recipe, which is both economical and flavorful. The smokiness of the ham will enhance the taste of the soup.
- Toss in the sliced carrots, diced onion, and celery. These vegetables add depth to the soup, making every bowl more fulfilling.
- Pour 8 cups of chicken broth over the ham, veggies, and beans, ensuring all ingredients are submerged in the broth. The broth is essential, as it acts as the base and helps in cooking the beans.
- Now, add in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, bay leaf, and rubbed sage. Stir everything together gently to mix the spices evenly throughout.
- If you are using a ham bone, now’s the time to place it in the middle of the ingredients. This optional step infuses additional savory flavor into your soup.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know the soup is ready when the beans are tender and fully cooked.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting off any excess meat and returning it to the soup.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir well to combine all flavors before serving.
- Finally, ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is as easy as it gets. You can ladle the soup into hearty bowls, topped with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or warm cornbread to soak up the delicious broth, making it an ideal meal for gatherings or a quiet dinner at home. Consider offering a selection of toppings, such as extra black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice, to allow your family and friends to customize their servings to their liking. If you have leftovers, know that they taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
- Soak Your Beans: Always soak your dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking. If you forget to soak them, you can also try a quick soak method by boiling them for a few minutes and then letting them sit for an hour.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to sneak in extra vegetables like kale, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor. Just chop them up and toss them in the slow cooker.
- Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover holiday ham, this recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose it. It adds depth, and you won’t have to waste any food!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving, and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. Depending on your taste preferences, you might want to add more garlic powder or even some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Store Properly: Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This soup can last for up to four days when stored correctly.
How to Store Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
When your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is ready, you might find that you have enough for multiple meals. Storing it properly ensures that it remains fresh for your next serving. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. The soup freezes well, and you can portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Just remember to leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy some soup again.
Variation of Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Mixing things up with your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a fun way to keep the dish exciting. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Different Beans: While great northern beans are traditional, you can experiment with other types of beans, like navy beans or pinto beans. Each type offers a unique texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add diced green chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper. This addition can elevate the flavor profile of your soup significantly.
- Herb Swaps: Consider changing the herbs you use. Fresh thyme or rosemary can create a different aroma and taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Add Potatoes: For a more filling version, chop up some potatoes and throw them into the mix. They will add creaminess to the soup and make it even more satisfying.
- Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian-friendly version, skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a mix of your favorite vegetables for a booster of nutrients.
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup?
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a delicious dish that combines dried beans, vegetables, and ham, all cooked together in a slow cooker until tender. It’s a comforting meal that’s great for chilly days.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup?
Cooking time can vary depending on whether you set your slow cooker to low or high. On low, it generally takes 8 to 10 hours, while the high setting takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans if you’re short on time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker so that the soup isn’t overly salty.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup?
This soup pairs excellently with crusty bread, cornbread, or even a simple green salad for a light and balanced meal.
How should I store leftover Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup?
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for longer storage.
Feel free to ask more questions if you’re curious about this comforting and beloved dish!
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 pound dried great northern beans (soaked in water overnight) Soaked to reduce cooking time.
- 2 pieces carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
Broth and Seasonings
- 8 cups chicken broth Acts as the base for the soup.
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage (or ½ teaspoon dried sage)
Meat
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced) Use leftover ham if available.
- 1 piece ham bone (optional) For additional flavor.
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) For optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Drain and rinse soaked beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Place the rinsed beans in a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add the diced ham to the pot.
- Toss in sliced carrots, diced onion, and celery.
- Pour 8 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring they are submerged.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, bay leaf, and rubbed sage. Stir gently to combine.
- If using, place the ham bone in the middle of the ingredients.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the ham bone and let it cool before cutting off excess meat to return to the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, paired with crusty bread or cornbread.
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