Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup Recipe
Introduction
Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With tender beans and smoky ham, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried Great Northern beans
- 1 lb ham, cubed
- 4½ cups chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sort through the beans to remove any debris, then soak them in water for about 8 hours or overnight. Drain well before using.
- Step 2: Add the soaked beans, cubed ham, chopped onion, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to your crockpot.
- Step 3: Cook on high for about 4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup is fragrant.
- Step 4: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use smoked ham hock instead of ham cubes.
- Try adding chopped carrots or celery for extra vegetables and texture.
- If you’re short on time, use canned beans and reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of cayenne pepper can brighten and deepen the flavor.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can substitute Great Northern beans with navy beans, cannellini beans, or even pinto beans, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I have to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility, but if you’re short on time, you can use the quick-soak method or increase the cooking time.
PrintCrockpot Ham & Bean Soup Recipe
This hearty Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring tender Great Northern beans slow-cooked with savory ham, aromatic onion, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Perfect for a cozy day, this soup requires minimal prep and fills your kitchen with delicious aromas.
- Prep Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beans and Ham
- 1 lb dried Great Northern beans
- 1 lb ham, cubed
Broth and Seasonings
- 4½ cups chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beans: Sort through the dried Great Northern beans to remove any debris or bad beans. Soak them in water for about 8 hours or overnight to soften and reduce cooking time. Drain well before use.
- Load Crockpot: Add the soaked and drained beans, cubed ham, chopped onion, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder into your crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Soup: Set the crockpot to high and cook for approximately 4 hours, or until the beans are tender and flavors have melded beautifully. The soup will emit a rich, inviting aroma when ready.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to preference. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve warm, enjoying the comforting blend of flavors.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- You can use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian if you substitute the ham with smoked tofu or mushrooms.
- For a thicker soup, mash some beans against the side of the crockpot before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for longer storage.
Keywords: ham bean soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker soup, Great Northern beans, easy soup recipe, comfort food
