Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

As winter wraps the house, our slow cooker simmers with Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup, a cozy comfort food that’s a cinch to prep and perfect for warming up your family. Just toss a medley of veggies in your leftover baked ham, and let it all meld into a rich broth that defines homey deliciousness.

Comfort food is almost a necessity when the weather gets a bit cooler. This Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Its delicious, deep flavor and hearty texture make this a filling lunch or dinner meal. This is the perfect way to use that leftover holiday ham, all while creating a comforting dish that everyone in the family will love. 

One of the best parts of this recipe is that it is easy to make. You place all the ingredients in your crock pot, stir them, then set and forget them. Your kitchen will smell amazing all day. In about 8 hours, you will have a hearty bowl of soup. Pair it with a simple salad or a baguette to make it a complete meal. 

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

• Easy to Make: This Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is just the ticket if you are seeking an easy recipe. It uses simple ingredients with very little prep required. Throw all your ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it for 8 hours. This is perfect for that busy mom who wants to use that leftover ham.
• Warm and Comforting: Ham and Bean soup is a classic comfort food that provides a comforting, warming feeling. It’s perfect when the weather gets cooler, or you crave a cozy, filling dish. 
• Versatile: You can easily customize and adjust ingredient ratios for this recipe to your liking. It is incredibly versatile. The sky is the limit whether you want to add spice, add vegetable content, or experiment with different herbs. 
• Great for a Crowd: This recipe makes 8-12 servings, making it the perfect soup for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Whether you are making it for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, it is the perfect option that doesn’t require too much hands-on cooking. 

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Carrots
• Celery
• Ham
• Onion
• Dried thyme
• Curry powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Honey
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Pinto beans
• White beans (Great Northern Beans)
• Black beans

How to Make Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

• Step One: Add all of the ingredients listed (carrots, celery, diced ham, dried minced onion, dried thyme, curry powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, honey, tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and all four cans of drained and rinsed beans) to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
• Step Two: Place the lid on the Crock Pot and set it to low for 8 hours.
• Step Three: Remove the lid and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

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• Crock Pot
• Stirring utensil
• Ladle

What to Serve with Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup 

There are several fantastic things that you can serve with this delicious Ham and Bean Soup recipe. 

• Garlic Bread
• Side of Cornbread
• Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
• Cornbread Muffins
• Wilted Spinach Salad
• Warm Baguette
• BLT Salad
• Croutons
• Winter Detox Salad

Variations and Substitutions 

• Spice it up: Add some extra curry powder to give your soup a spicy kick. You can also add some cayenne pepper if you want to increase the heat. Adding a spicy kick to this soup is a great way to add extra punch. 
• Add extra herbs: Add some extra herbs to your soup to increase the flavor. Herbs like rosemary, oregano, or even basil can add an amazing depth of flavor to your soup. 
• Switch up the beans: You can use any desired bean variety in this soup. Navy beans, cannellini beans, or even a medley of several different kinds of beans can make this easy dinner recipe even heartier. 
• Add smoky flavor: If you want to add a smoky flavor to your soup, add some smoked salt or a dash of liquid smoke. Just be sparing; you don’t want it to become too smoky.
• Fresh Onion: If you don’t have dried, diced onion, you can easily use fresh onion. Substitute the dried onion with one medium whole onion. You will want to ensure you saute it a little in olive oil before adding it to the crockpot. 
• Ham Substitution: If you don’t have any ham or a leftover hambone, you can dice up a large smoked pork chop, cooked bacon, or some smoked sausage. You will get a slightly different flavor profile depending on what you choose to use. Either way, the smokey and salty flavors will give a similar result. 
• Chicken Broth Substitution:  You can use dried chicken bouillon if you don’t have chicken broth. Just follow the instructions on the package for the best results. 
• Honey Substitution: Substitute light or dark brown sugar for the honey in this recipe. Just be careful with ratios; you don’t want your soup to be too sweet. 

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers of this great recipe, you are in luck. This delicious and hearty soup is even better the next day. Put your cooled soup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. It makes a great lunch or dinner the next day. 

Can I Freeze? 

Yes. You can freeze this easy slow cooker ham and bean soup. Place cooled leftovers into an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag and place them in the freezer. They will keep for up to 3 months. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Layer Flavors: Sautéing onions and garlic in oil before adding them to the Crock Pot can impart a deeper and more complex flavor to the soup. This extra step can bring a deeper, more complex flavor to this classic soup. 
• Adding the Honey: Coating the measuring spoon with oil or cooking spray before measuring honey helps it slide off easier. This will ensure accurate measurements without the honey sticking to the spoon.
• Consistency: Being mindful of the soup’s consistency allows you to tailor it to your liking. Adding more broth or water creates a lighter soup while cooking with the lid off for the last hour, which thickens it up.
• Garnish: Garnish each bowl of this delicious soup with fresh parsley. This will add a beautiful visual touch to the stew. 

How to Thicken

If your slow cooker soup is not thick enough for your liking, there are a few ways to fix this. 

• Extended Cooking Time: Continue cooking the soup with the lid off for an additional period, allowing more liquid to evaporate and naturally thicken the soup.
• Mashed Beans: Take a ladle or two of the soup and blend it until smooth with an immersion blender. Mix the mashed soup back into the pot. The starch from the beans will contribute to thickening.
• Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate bowl, mix a few tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and let it simmer until it reaches the desired thickness.
• Flour or Roux: In a small saucepan, melt butter and add flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes, then whisk it into the soup. Allow the soup to simmer until it thickens.
• Potato Flakes or Puree: Add instant mashed potato flakes or puree a small amount of cooked potatoes and mix them into the soup. Potatoes are natural thickeners.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grate some cheddar cheese and stir it into the soup. The melted cheese will contribute to a creamier and thicker consistency.

Stovetop Instructions

• Step One: Heat a bit of oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add dried minced onion and sauté until fragrant. Add diced ham and sauté for a few minutes until it starts to brown.
• Step Two: Add carrots and celery to the pot. Stir in dried thyme, curry powder, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Step Three: Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Step Four: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors melded.
• Step Five: Stir in the drained and rinsed pinto, white, and black beans. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the beans are heated through.
• Step Six: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.
• Step Seven: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Slow Cooker Soups

• Pizza Soup
• Spicy Sausage Soup
• Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
• Slow Cooker Dill Pickle Soup
• Slow Cooker Beef Brisket & Vegetable Soup

FAQ

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• Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Hash
• Christmas Ham
• Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Ham & Eggs in a Muffin Tin
• Crockpot Pineapple Ham Balls

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