Description
This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, protein-packed dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. With just a few simple ingredients and no need to soak the beans beforehand, this recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a comforting, home-cooked meal without the hassle. The slow cooking process allows the beans to soak up all the rich flavors of ham, garlic, onion, and broth, resulting in a thick, flavorful soup that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 package HamBeens® 15 Bean Soup® with seasoning packet
- 8 cups reduced sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 meaty ham bone or ham hocks, diced ham, or 1 lb cooked sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, mincedRinse the beans thoroughly and drain them.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the beans thoroughly and drain them. Remove any debris and set the seasoning packet aside.
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the beans, chicken broth, ham bone (or hocks), diced onion, minced garlic, and chili powder.
- Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7–8 hours, until the beans are tender.
- Once the beans are cooked, remove the ham bone, chop any remaining meat from it, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), the seasoning packet from the beans, and the lemon juice.
- Continue cooking for another 30 minutes to blend all the flavors together.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
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- Serving: Serve your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup hot, paired with crusty bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls for a hearty meal. Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. A side salad or steamed green vegetables also balance out the richness.
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.