There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup. Picture this: a rich, aromatic broth bubbling gently, filled with tender beans and smoky ham bits that practically melt in your mouth. zesty roasted potatoes Each spoonful is like a warm hug on a chilly day, inviting you to savor the heartiness of this classic dish. Trust me, the moment you lift that lid off your crockpot, the enticing aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Sweet Potato Chili recipe .
Now, let’s talk about why this recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup is always a crowd-pleaser. fun loaded potato bites The combination of flavors creates an experience that warms not just your stomach but also your soul. So grab your favorite spoon and prepare for an incredible flavor journey!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavors develop beautifully over time, creating a deliciously hearty meal
- The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing in any bowl
- It’s versatile enough for leftovers or freezing for future meals!
I still remember the first time I made this soup; my friends declared it their new favorite comfort food after just one taste. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ham Hock: A key player in this soup; choose one with plenty of meat for maximum flavor.
- Dried Beans: Use navy or great northern beans; soak them overnight for best results.
- Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots contribute color and natural sweetness; slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Celery: Adds a nice crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic goodness; crushing them releases their essential oils.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enriching the soup’s base.
- Bay Leaves: These add subtle herbal notes; remember to remove them before serving!
- Thyme: Fresh thyme works wonders here; its earthy flavor complements the ham perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those amazing flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Beans: Start by soaking the dried beans overnight in water to soften them up. This step helps ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
Sauté Your Aromatics: In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots until they soften and start releasing their sweet aroma—about five minutes.
Add Ingredients to Your Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables into your crockpot. Then toss in soaked beans, diced ham hock, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour in Chicken Broth: Carefully pour chicken broth over everything in the crockpot until ingredients are fully submerged. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those beautiful flavors.
Cook Low and Slow: Set your crockpot on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The house will fill with an enticing aroma as everything cooks together beautifully.
Finish and Serve: When ready, remove the ham hock from the pot and shred any remaining meat back into the soup. Discard bones and bay leaves before serving hot!
Enjoy every comforting bite of your homemade Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup! With its rich flavors and hearty texture, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home kitchen. perfect side for soup So grab some crackers or crusty bread on the side for dipping—because who can resist that?
You Must Know
- Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup is not just a cozy dish; it’s a kitchen wizard!
- It’s simple to prepare, and the flavors deepen as it cooks
- Each spoonful warms you up, making it a perfect comfort food for chilly days
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The ideal cooking sequence starts with sautéing onions and garlic before adding ham and beans. This builds a flavor base that makes your soup irresistible.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different beans or add veggies like carrots and celery for extra nutrition. Experimenting lets you create your own signature soup!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve maximum flavor, let your soup simmer longer than you think
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end for that perfect balance
- A splash of vinegar brightens up the flavors beautifully!
I once made this soup for a gathering, and it vanished quicker than my favorite TV show finale! Friends couldn’t stop raving about it, which sparked my love for slow-cooked meals.
FAQ
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but soak them overnight and adjust cooking times accordingly.
What type of ham works best in this recipe?
Any leftover ham or smoked ham hocks will enhance flavor remarkably well.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth with extra spices for flavor enhancement. a delightful vegetable side.
Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, simmering in a rich, flavorful broth packed with tender beans and hearty pieces of smoky ham. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy-to-make dish combines wholesome ingredients that create a satisfying meal everyone will love. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Ingredients
- 1 ham hock (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup dried navy or great northern beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the dried beans overnight in water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Transfer sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add soaked beans, diced ham hock, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over the mixture until fully submerged. Stir gently.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove the ham hock; shred any remaining meat back into the soup. Discard bones and bay leaves before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
