Go Back
–+ servings
Slow cooker ham and bean soup served in a bowl with fresh herbs

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

A heartwarming and nostalgic soup filled with ham and navy beans, slow-cooked to perfection, evoking cherished family memories and moments of warmth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried navy beans or great northern beans, rinsed and sorted
  • 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 small ham bone (optional but adds flavor)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water (more if needed)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
  • as needed Crusty bread For serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris or damaged beans.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Introduce the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cooking

  • Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker. Add the rinsed beans and diced ham. If using, add the ham bone.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, 1 cup of water, and sprinkle in the thyme, paprika, pepper, and bay leaf.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until the beans are tender.
  • Once cooking time is complete, remove the ham bone and bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, stir in more broth or water.

Serving

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes

For a creamier soup, purée a portion with an immersion blender. This soup can be made on the stovetop by simmering for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are tender. Allow leftovers to cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 2g
Keyword Comfort Food, easy recipe, Family Recipe, Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup, Winter Soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!