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
- Ham: 2 cups diced ham (preferably from a ham bone or meaty ham steak)
- Dried Beans: 1 lb (about 2 ½ cups) dried Great Northern beans (or your preferred beans like Navy beans or Cannellini beans)
- Broth: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Seasonings:
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste (optional)
- Optional Additions:
- 1 cup chopped potatoes (for added texture)
- 1–2 cups spinach or kale (for a nutritional boost)
- A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for a hint of acidity, optional)
Instructions
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the ham, beans, vegetables, and seasonings into the slow cooker. Add the broth and stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If using a ham bone, re
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: 3-4 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g