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Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Embrace the cozy flavors of Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup, a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This hearty soup combines the rich taste of ham and beans with a hint of lemon and chili, creating a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or looking to meal prep for the week, this slow-cooked soup is a flavorful choice that’s sure to please everyone.


Ingredients

  • 1 package Hurst’s® HamBeens® 15 Bean Soup® (with seasoning packet)
  • 8 cups low sodium chicken broth (or chicken stock)
  • 1 leftover ham bone with meat (or ham hocks, diced ham, or 1 lb. cooked sausage)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 15 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • Optional: Hot sauce or crushed red pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Beans:

  1. Rinse the beans and drain. Sort through to remove any debris and set aside the seasoning packet.

Slow Cooker Assembly:

  1. In a 6qt crockpot, combine the beans, chicken broth, ham bone (or alternative meat), diced onion, minced garlic, and chili powder (if using). Hold off on adding the lemon and diced tomatoes until the beans are softened.
  2. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until the beans are tender.

Final Steps:

  1. Once beans are tender, remove the ham bone (if used), chop any remaining meat, and return it to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, ham seasoning packet, and fresh lemon juice.
  3. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and add optional hot sauce or crushed red pepper for extra heat.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Serving Tips

  1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream on each serving to enhance presentation and add a burst of freshness.
  2. Accompaniments: Serve with warm crusty bread or cornbread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
  3. Customize Heat: Offer hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes on the side so guests can adjust the spice level to their liking.
  4. Cheesy Addition: Consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring leftovers into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions or larger batches in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
  3. Thawing and Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave on a low setting. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Before serving reheated soup, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the consistency if it has thickened during storage.