Hearty, rich and irresistibly comforting – meet Slow-Cooker Ham and Bean Soup.
Growing up, an amazing go-to dinner for little ol’ me was something I liked to call “beanie weanies”. Now this genius title is not completely from my vast imagination, but more so an ode to Hormel Kid’s Kitchen Beans & Wieners. This was a microwave meal my parents used to buy for me at the store, and I would inhale it like it was nobody’s business. But sadly, Hormel Kid’s Kitchen is no longer in production, meaning my adult self can no longer enjoy beanie weanies. Or, can I? Ah, the suspense! Why yes, I have come across a recipe that allows me to be a kid once again and enjoy the flavors of beanie weanies. I’m talking about the irresistible, mouthwatering recipe of slow-cooker ham and bean soup.
This recipe is one of the ultra-comforting and healthy dinner ideas of the season. I’m not sure you guys are ready for this depth of flavor! Great Northern beans, a ham bone, carrots, celery, garlic…my stomach is singing just thinking about it! If you’re in need of an absolutely delicious, hearty, and wholesome dinner to make this cozy season, look no further than trying out slow-cooker ham and bean soup.
Where To Buy A Ham Bone?
If you don’t cook very much, or perhaps stick to boneless meats only, then you may be a little confused by the ham bone ingredient. While odd sounding, I promise it will not be difficult to find! If you’d like to utilize ham meat for another recipe, then you can simply purchase a bone-in ham from your local grocery store. Or, sometimes stores or butchers will sell ham bones solo, which would be less time-consuming when preparing this dish.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Leftover soup is one of my greatest joys in the autumn season, and thankfully this slow-cooker ham and bean soup can be stored and enjoyed for up to a week. To do so, simply store your leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge. For longer storage, this recipe freezes well for up to 2 months, so just make sure to use a freezer-safe, airtight container. I like to use Souper Cubes!
Serving Suggestions
What is soup’s best friend? Perhaps a nice, crusty slice of bread. And that is exactly what I would love to dip into slow-cooker ham and bean soup. But you could also have a side of Sweet Cornbread Casserole, a refreshing Cucumber Salad, or some Roasted Red Potatoes. Wow, I’m jealous. I may have to make some more delectable slow-cooker ham and bean soup now, too!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried Great Northern beans rinsed
- 1 large ham bone or ham hock
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the rinsed beans, ham bone, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beans are tender. Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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