Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Soup – A Hearty Classic for Chilly Days!

This slow cooker ham and beans soup is what to cook on a chili day. It takes just minutes to prepare and cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker all day long. with No-soaking required, this slow cooker ham and beans soup can be one of your all-time favorite foods when the weather calls for hearty foods. If you are not a slow cooker fan you can follow these instant pot instructions here: Instant pot Recipe

Slow cooker ham and bean soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a delicious, filling meal. This soup is made with simple ingredients, including dried beans, ham hocks or ham bone, vegetables, and seasonings, that are cooked low and slow in a slow cooker for several hours. The end result is a thick and creamy soup that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

One of the benefits of using a slow cooker for this recipe is that it allows the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a more flavorful soup. Additionally, using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare since it requires minimal effort and attention.

HAM HOCK SUBSTITUTES

While ham is a traditional ingredient in slow cooker ham and bean soup, it is possible to substitute it with other ingredients if you prefer. Here are a few options:

Bacon: If you don’t have ham or don’t eat pork, you can use bacon instead. Simply cook the bacon until crisp, chop it up, and add it to the slow cooker with the beans.

Smoked turkey: Another option is to use smoked turkey in place of ham. Smoked turkey has a similar flavor profile to ham and can be found at most grocery stores.

Vegetarian/vegan options: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can omit the ham entirely or use a plant-based substitute such as smoked tofu, seitan, or tempeh. You could also add a smoky flavor by using liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

Keep in mind that substituting the ham will affect the overall flavor of the soup, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly. Also, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the ingredient you choose to substitute.

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INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups low sodium chicken broth can sub water, beef, or vegetable broth for added flavor
• 1 leftover ham bone with meat or ham hocks, diced ham or
• 1 lb. cooked sausage
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 lemon juiced
• 1 onion diced
• 1 package Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup
• Optional: Hot sauce or crushed red pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 ) After rinsing and draining the beans, sort any unwanted debris and set it aside.

2 ) In a slow cooker, place beans, diced ham, onion, broth, garlic, and chili powder. (you can use ham bone instead of diced ham)

 

3 ) Cook for 7-8 hours on low (or 4.5-5 on high) or just until beans are tender.

4 ) Once your beans are soft and tender if you used the hambone remove it and chop any meat left on to add it back to the pot.

5 ) Stir in diced tomatoes, Ham Flavor packet, and lemon juice.

6 ) Cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results possible when making slow-cooker ham and bean soup:

• Soak the beans: Soaking the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours can help to reduce their cooking time and ensure that they cook evenly.
• Use a ham hock or ham bone: Using a ham hock or ham bone adds flavor and richness to the soup. You can usually find these at your local butcher or grocery store.
• Add the vegetables at the right time: To prevent the vegetables from becoming too mushy, add them to the slow cooker during the last hour or two of cooking.
• Don’t skimp on the seasonings: The key to a flavorful soup is to season it well. Be sure to add plenty of salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
• Serve with crusty bread: This soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a slice of crusty bread or a roll to help soak up the broth.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make a delicious and satisfying slow-cooker ham and bean soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

What to eat with ham hocks and beans:

If you’re looking for something to serve with your beans and ham hocks, there are a number of options. Here are some ideas for what to serve with this hearty and flavorful dish:

• Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll is a classic and easy option that goes well with any soup. You can also try serving the soup with cornbread for a Southern-style meal.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can help balance out the richness of the soup. Consider using ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.
• Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect complement to ham hock and bean soup. Use your favorite bread and cheese, and serve it hot off the grill.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes can add some variety and texture to your meal. Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and slightly crispy.
• Fruit: A light and refreshing fruit salad or a plate of sliced fruit can provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the soup. Try using seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or oranges.

Pro Tips for the Best Ham and Beans Soup

• No Soaking Needed
  Dry beans cook perfectly in the slow cooker without pre-soaking—just rinse and go!
• Use a Meaty Ham Bone or Ham Hock
  It adds richness, depth, and that smoky flavor that makes this soup amazing.
• Sauté the Veggies First (Optional)
  For an added layer of flavor, quickly sauté onions, garlic, or carrots before adding them to the crockpot.
• Season at the End
  Ham can be salty—taste before adding extra salt once it’s done cooking.
• Add Herbs for Extra Flavor
  Bay leaves, thyme, or parsley can enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Serve with Bread or Cornbread
  It’s the perfect side for soaking up every bit of broth!
• It Freezes Beautifully
  Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for a quick future meal.

FAQ – Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Soup

Q1: Do I need to soak the beans first?

• A: No! That’s the beauty of this recipe—no soaking required when using a slow cooker.

Q2: What kind of beans should I use?

• A: Great Northern beans, navy beans, or pinto beans all work well. Use what you like or have on hand.

Q3: Can I use leftover holiday ham?

• A: Absolutely. Leftover ham adds incredible flavor. A ham bone with some meat on it works especially well.

Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?

• A: Yes! Swap the ham with smoked paprika and use veggie broth for a vegetarian version.

Q5: How long does it take to cook?

• A: Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the beans are tender.

Q6: Can I freeze the soup?

• A: Definitely. Let it cool, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q7: Can I add veggies?

• A: Yes—try adding carrots, celery, or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra nutrition and texture.

Q8: What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

• A: Mash a few beans with a spoon or blend a cup of soup and return it to the pot for a thicker consistency.

• See also: 
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• How To Know What Size Instant Pot To Buy