Can I tell ya a secret? Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup saved my sanity last winter. Look, you know that feeling the kitchen chaos before dinner, everyone asking when food will be ready… I just wanted something hearty that wouldn’t take a million hours. That’s when I stumbled on Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup and, honestly, it was a game-changer. For anyone craving comfort but not the fuss, you’ll want to check out these satisfying soup recipes too.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup
Alright, let’s zoom in. Why does this soup end up on my menu, on repeat? Mostly, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. We’re talking soft beans, chunks of smoky ham, and veggies that practically melt. It’s one of those “I-can’t-stop-eating” meals that fills you up in all the best ways.
Also, it’s budget-friendly. Seriously, you can pack it full of leftovers or whatever’s rolling around in the veggie drawer. Plus, the crockpot does all the work while you get on with living. Bonus points for how Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup just gets better the next day. And, yeah, it’s just downright cozy. Feels like someone made it with care, even if you’re barely participating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s not complicate things. For your ham and bean adventure, make sure you’ve got:
- Smoked ham hock or a couple cups of leftover ham, diced up
- Two cans of white beans. Navy beans are classic, but great northern or cannellini work too
- Chopped onion (yellow is fine), and a couple of carrots (peeled and diced)
- Celery, two stalks should do it, diced
- Fresh minced garlic or just garlic powder in a pinch
- Chicken broth (about 4 cups, low-sodium is best)
- Dried thyme, bay leaf, pepper, and some parsley if you’re feelin’ fancy
And, if you like a little heat? Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper. No shame in spicy soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s the magic: you barely have to do anything. Grab that crockpot and layer in everything. First go your beans (drain and rinse if canned). Add diced ham or hock. Dump in the onion, carrots, and celery. Garlic comes next.
Pour in chicken broth, then pop your herbs and spices right on top. Give it all a gentle stir. Lid on, set to low for 7 to 8 hours. That’s basically it.
Quick tip: halfway through, peek in, and if it feels “light” on liquid, add a splash of broth or water. Just let it do its thing. If you want the soup thicker, you can smash some beans at the end. Serve hot and enjoy that smell drifting through your house all day.
Snack Cravings, Served the Sweet & Savory Way
Lazy Bites is my little corner for those irresistible nibbles we all love melty cheese pulls, sugar-dusted treats, and easy sides that come together without stress. I think of it as the place you turn when you want something satisfying but don’t feel like spending an hour in the kitchen. These recipes are quick, cozy, and always a little indulgent. Whether it’s a Saturday afternoon, a family movie night, or just a quick pick-me-up before dinner, you’ll find a bite that feels homemade but takes only minutes. Find your snack fix today.
Pro Tips & Sweet Variations
Here’s where the fun kicks in. Old ham bones are gold in Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup use them if you’ve got ‘em for real-deal flavor. Feeling bold? Splash a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in at the end for a pop.
Switching things up is part of the charm. Toss in chopped kale or spinach. Or sub some beans for lentils just sayin’, it works. Oh, and I throw in smoked paprika on chilly days. Game-changing.
Don’t stress the salt; the ham itself brings enough most times. And if you want it creamy, ladle out some soup, blend, then stir it back in. Each batch tastes a little bit different, and that’s half the joy.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas
Let’s talk what to eat with your Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup. Some ideas for ya:
- Thick-crust bread (for major soup scooping power)
- Cheesy garlic toast, because why not
- A simple green salad with zingy dressing
- Fluffy biscuits (totally counts as a vegetable, right?)
Honestly, you could just go straight outta the crockpot with a spoon. I’ve done it, zero shame.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup
Oh, here’s a life-saver for busy weeks. This soup keeps like a champ. Once cooled, ladle leftovers into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to five days. When you reheat, add a little splash of broth if it’s gotten thick.
Need it longer? This stuff freezes great. Three months, easy. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re back in business. Heads up: the beans soften more after freezing, but it’s still comfort central. And for making ahead, just prep everything the night before, dump and go in the morning for a “why do I cook anything else?” dinner.
FAQs About Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup
Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Absolutely, just soak ‘em overnight, rinse, then add to the crockpot. You might need a little extra liquid.
What if I don’t have a ham hock?
Leftover ham pieces work fine. Heck, smoked turkey or even sausage if you’re adventurous.
Can I cook it on high to save time?
Yes, but flavors mellow best on low. On high, try about 4 hours, but keep an eye on it.
Will kids eat this soup?
Mine do, especially with a sprinkle of cheese or a swirl of ketchup. Strange but true.
Is this gluten-free?
Long as you double-check your broth and ham, yep, you’re set.
Nutrition Notes
Nerdy moment: Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup brings protein, fiber, and enough veggies to call it dinner. Beans keep ya full, ham adds flavor, and if you sneak in greens, even better. It’s a feel-good meal, especially compared to canned stuff with all that extra salt. If you swap in turkey ham, it gets a little lighter too.
Sweet Conclusion
Listen, there’s no reason to stress dinner when Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup has your back. It’s simple, flexible, and honestly, gives “five-star restaurant” coziness without the work. Trust me, just try it once and you’ll keep coming back to the slow cooker. For another tasty spin, check out this Slow Cooker Ham And Bean Soup. If you need a bit more inspo, peek at this Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup (Easy + AMAZING … for tips. Find your favorite version, and let the steamy bowls of goodness roll!
Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large Smoked ham hock or 2 cups of leftover diced ham Choose smoked for extra flavor.
- 2 cans White beans (navy, great northern, or cannellini) Drain and rinse if canned.
- 1 medium Chopped onion (yellow)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks Celery (diced)
- 3 cloves Minced garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder Fresh is preferable, but powder works.
- 4 cups Chicken broth (low-sodium) Best for balanced flavor.
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Fresh parsley (optional) For added flavor.
- pinch Crushed red pepper Optional for heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Layer the beans at the bottom of the crockpot (drain and rinse if using canned).
- Add the diced ham or ham hock.
- Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery.
- Layer on the minced garlic.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Add thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and parsley, then gently stir.
- Cover and set the crockpot to low for 7 to 8 hours.
Cooking
- About halfway through, check the liquid level. Add broth or water if the soup looks light.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans towards the end of cooking.
- Serve hot, enjoying the aroma in your kitchen.
Notes
Nutrition
What’s Sweet in Your Kitchen?
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