Crock Pot Ham & Bean Soup | Easy & Cozy!
Warm up with this hearty Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup! This easy slow cooker recipe is packed with flavor, making it the perfect way to use up leftover ham. Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it simmer to perfection. Whether you’re meal prepping or craving a cozy dinner, this classic soup is sure to satisfy! ⭐ Ingredients: • 1 meaty ham bone (with some meat still attached) • 1 lb dried beans (great Northern, navy, or a 15-bean mix) • 1 large onion, diced • 2-3 carrots, peeled and sliced • 2-3 celery stalks, sliced • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced • 1 bay leaf • 1 tsp dried thyme • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional) • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 6-8 cups chicken broth or water (enough to cover ingredients) • Salt, to taste (adjust after cooking as ham is salty) Optional Add-Ins: • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained) • 1-2 cups chopped kale or spinach (added near the end) Instructions: 1. Prepare the Beans: • If using dried beans, rinse them and soak overnight in water. Drain and rinse before adding to the Crockpot. Alternatively, use the quick soak method: boil beans for 1-2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour. Then drain and rinse 2. Assemble the Crockpot: • Place the ham bone in the Crockpot. • Add soaked beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. • Pour in enough chicken broth or water to cover the ingredients. 3. Cook: • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until beans are tender and the ham is falling off the bone. 4. Shred the Ham: • Remove the ham bone and let it cool slightly. Shred any meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone. 5. Adjust Seasoning: • Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add kale or spinach if desired, stirring it in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. 6. Serve: • Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or cornbread. 🔥 Perfect for: Meal prep, easy dinners, and comfort food lovers! 👍 If you love this recipe, don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more delicious slow cooker meals! #HamAndBeanSoup #SlowCookerSoup #CrockPotRecipes #ComfortFood #EasyDinner #LeftoverHam #MealPrep
