Slow Cooker Ham Bean Soup (Printable Version)

Tender ham, creamy beans, and fresh vegetables slow-cooked to rich, warm perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound cooked ham, diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Beans and Legumes

06 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices and Seasonings

08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Salt to taste

# Directions:

01 - Add diced ham, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and beans to the slow cooker.
02 - Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker. Add bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
03 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for 7 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors have melded together.
04 - Remove bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust salt seasoning as needed.
05 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread or crackers if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Effortless cooking: Just load the slow cooker and let it do the work for 7 hours.
  • Gluten-free and wholesome: Naturally free of major allergens and packed with protein and fiber.
  • Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples like canned beans and low-sodium chicken broth.
  • Deeply flavorful: Thyme, parsley, garlic, and a bay leaf infuse the broth with layers of savory goodness.
  • Feeds a crowd: Yields 6 generous servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
02 -
  • Mash for thickness: After cooking, mash some of the beans directly in the pot to naturally thicken the broth without any added starch.
  • Ham hock alternative: Substitute smoked ham hocks for diced ham for a deeper, smokier flavor — just remove the bones and shred the meat before serving.
  • Add greens late: Stir in chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and tender.
  • Check your labels: If using store-bought broth or ham, always check labels for gluten or other allergens.
  • Use a 6-quart slow cooker: A minimum 6-quart capacity ensures everything fits comfortably and cooks evenly.
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