Description
This Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining smoky ham, tender beans, and vegetables for a rich, satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare and cooks slowly to develop deep, savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Ground Beef: 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Beans: 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Beans: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- Tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
- Broth: 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Spices:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the cooked beef, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if you’re at home.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version: Substitute the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For lower sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce the amount of added salt, as ham can be salty enough.
- Storage: Leftover soup can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g