Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Soup: A Comfort Meal

Emily Hart

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Soup: A Comfort Meal

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.

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Prep Time 15

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

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

Method

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

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 18gFat: 8gSodium: 650mgFiber: 8g

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.

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