There’s something magical about Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup. Picture a bubbling pot of savory goodness, with tender beans absorbing the rich flavors of smoky ham. This comforting dish fills your home with an irresistible aroma that promises warmth and satisfaction. stuffed pepper soup recipe comforting butternut squash soup It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside, especially on chilly evenings when you need something cozy. savory stuffed flank steak.
Growing up, my grandmother made this soup every winter. It became a beloved family tradition, served alongside crusty bread and laughter. The anticipation of diving into that hearty bowl was almost as delightful as the first spoonful itself. hearty taco bowl recipe Now, I invite you to experience this nostalgia with my own take on her classic recipe, perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup requires minimal prep, making it an effortless weeknight meal
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, with a delightful balance of smokiness and earthiness
- Its visual appeal comes from vibrant ingredients that create a lovely medley in your bowl
- Versatile enough for leftovers or meal prep, it’s a dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again
I remember the first time I made this soup for my friends; their faces lit up with joy! They didn’t just enjoy it; they practically begged for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ham Hock: A generous piece of ham hock adds deep flavor and richness; look for one with plenty of meat on it.
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Dried White Beans: Great Northern or navy beans work best; soak them overnight for optimal tenderness.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots provide sweetness; chop them into even pieces for consistent cooking.
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Celery: This aromatic vegetable enhances flavor; use crisp stalks for maximum crunch.
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Onion: Diced onions add depth; yellow onions are ideal for this recipe.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the overall taste; crush them to release their natural oils.
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Bay Leaves: These leaves impart a subtle earthy flavor; don’t forget to remove them before serving!
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while adding moisture and flavor.
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Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an herbal note; you can substitute dried if needed.
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Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper elevates flavors without overpowering the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for a flavorful journey as we create this scrumptious soup!
Gather Your Ingredients: Begin by assembling all ingredients on your kitchen counter. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Soak the Beans: Rinse dried white beans under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with water. This step ensures they cook evenly and become tender.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Add Everything to the Crockpot: Transfer sautéed vegetables into your crockpot along with soaked beans, ham hock, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, and chicken broth.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover your crockpot and set it on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours. The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste and Adjust: Once done cooking, remove the ham hock and shred any remaining meat back into the soup. Taste it and adjust seasoning if necessary—don’t be shy!
This simple process creates an unforgettable bowl of comfort that warms your heart and soul—perfect for lazy Sundays or busy weeknights! Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup!
You Must Know
- Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup is a cozy classic that warms both the heart and stomach
- Its rich flavors develop beautifully throughout cooking, while the simplicity of preparation makes it a go-to for busy weeknights
- Perfect for leftovers, this soup is always better the next day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding the ham and beans to enhance flavor. Layering ingredients helps build depth in your soup, ensuring a delightful experience from the first spoonful to the last.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in extra vegetables like carrots or spinach for added nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of beans or spices to create your unique twist on this classic dish!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When reheating, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To maximize flavor, use smoked ham hocks instead of regular ham; it adds a wonderful smokiness
- Always soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and enhance digestibility
- Keep your seasoning light at first; you can always add more later!
Cooking this Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup reminds me of chilly evenings spent with family, where laughter filled the kitchen as we enjoyed hearty bowls together. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Vegetable Soup recipe.

FAQ
Can I use canned beans for Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup?
For more inspiration, check out this Country Ranch Green Beans recipe.
Yes, using canned beans saves time but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup?
Cooking this soup on low takes about 8 hours, while high cooking takes around 4-5 hours.
What can I serve with Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup is a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly evenings. This savory soup features tender beans and smoky ham, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your home with comfort. With minimal prep time and rich flavors, it’s a family favorite that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Enjoy it with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ham hock (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup dried Great Northern or navy beans, soaked overnight
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your kitchen counter.
- Rinse and soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Transfer sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add soaked beans, ham hock, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove the ham hock; shred meat back into the soup. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 40mg






