Slow Cooked Ham and Bean Soup

Name: Slow Cooked Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight; 2 cups diced cooked ham; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food | Warm Meals

I love making Slow Cooked Ham and Bean Soup because it’s the perfect blend of hearty flavors and comfort. The best part is that I can toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer while I go about my day. The beans soak up the rich, smoky taste from the ham, creating a delightful dish that warms the soul. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use leftover ham from holiday meals and always fills the house with a delicious aroma.

Created by

The Chefkevinfoods Team

Last updated on 2026-02-14T16:42:19.558Z

Making Slow Cooked Ham and Bean Soup has become a comforting ritual for me. I recall the first time I tried this recipe — I had some leftover ham and wanted to create something delicious yet easy. The combination of beans and tender ham cooked slowly made the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a soup that was just perfect.

I've found that soaking the beans overnight really enhances their texture, ensuring they're soft and creamy when we finally dig in. I also like to customize the soup with herbs like thyme and a dash of vinegar at the end for a bright finish. It’s simple yet oh so good!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly days
Utilizes leftover ham, minimizing waste
Rich, smoky flavor with a hint of spice

The Importance of Soaking Beans

Soaking dried navy beans overnight is an essential step in this recipe. This process not only helps to soften the beans, making them easier to cook, but it also reduces cooking time. If you forget to soak them, you can quick-soak by boiling the beans for about 5 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour. This ensures that the beans will fully cook by the end of your slow cooking time, preventing any remaining hardness.

Another benefit of soaking beans is that it can help to mitigate digestive issues some people experience. By soaking and rinsing the beans, you remove some of the oligosaccharides that can cause gas. This is especially important in a dish like ham and bean soup, where the beans are the star ingredient and should be enjoyed comfortably.

Enhancing Flavor with Herbs and Spices

In this recipe, the bay leaf and thyme play crucial roles in enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup. Bay leaves add a subtle earthy note that balances out the richness of the ham, while thyme contributes a mild, aromatic flavor that complements the vegetables. For an added kick, consider including a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika, which can deepen the smoky flavor from the ham.

Don't hesitate to experiment with other herbs as well! For example, adding fresh parsley or even rosemary during the last half-hour of cooking can introduce a fresh dimension. Just be cautious with stronger herbs; they can easily overpower the delicate flavors of the soup.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

To create a complete meal, serve your Slow Cooked Ham and Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread or freshly baked cornbread. These options complement the hearty soup beautifully and are perfect for dipping. You can also top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, for an additional burst of freshness and color on the table.

For a different take, consider pairing the soup with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad will provide a nice contrast to the warm, soothing nature of the soup. This combination makes a satisfying and balanced meal that everyone will appreciate.

Ingredients

Gather these wholesome ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
2 cups diced cooked ham
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have these ingredients ready, we can begin creating this delicious soup!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your soup:

Combine Ingredients

In a slow cooker, combine soaked beans, diced ham, onion, garlic, chicken broth, water, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beans are soft and flavors meld.

Serve

Remove bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, then serve warm. Enjoy with crusty bread!

And just like that, you’ve created a delicious, comforting soup!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans after cooking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time, which is ideal for busy days. Once cooked, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen further. For longer storage, this soup freezes remarkably well; simply place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.

To reheat the soup, you can either thaw it in the fridge overnight before gently reheating on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, you might want to add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency, especially if the soup thickens during storage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your beans are still hard after the cooking time is complete, it often means they may have been too old or not soaked correctly. Replace the beans with fresh ones, making sure to soak them adequately before cooking. It's also important to avoid adding acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, too early, as these can toughen the beans and extend cooking time.

If your soup turns out too thick, don't worry! Simply stir in more chicken broth or water until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if the soup is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a little while longer to reduce to your liking. Adding a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water can also help thicken the broth if needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can substitute about 2 cans of drained and rinsed beans for the dried beans. Adjust the cooking time accordingly since they will be softer.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

→ What can I serve with ham and bean soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just make sure your broth is also gluten-free.