Crockpot Navy Bean and Ham Soup
Slow Cooker Navy Bean and Ham Soup
Warm, comforting, and full of homemade goodness, this Slow Cooker Navy Bean and Ham Soup is the perfect meal for a chilly day. Tender navy beans simmer slowly with smoky ham, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, creating a thick, hearty soup that everyone will love.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe makes dinner effortless. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing all the flavors to blend together while the beans become wonderfully soft and creamy.
It’s an affordable, filling meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or using up leftover ham. Serve it with crusty bread or warm cornbread for a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried navy beans | 1 lb, soaked overnight and drained |
| Cooked ham, diced, or ham bone | 2 cups (about 10 oz) |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Carrots | 3 medium, sliced |
| Celery | 3 stalks, diced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped |
Instructions
1. Soak the Beans
Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover them completely with plenty of water. Allow them to soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Once softened, drain the beans and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
2. Load the Slow Cooker
Transfer the drained beans into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced ham or ham bone, sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic.
3. Add the Seasonings and Broth
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the bay leaves, then pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir gently to combine, making sure the beans are covered with liquid.
4. Let It Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours. The soup is ready when the navy beans are completely tender and have developed a soft, creamy texture.
5. Make the Soup Creamier
About 30 minutes before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves. Transfer approximately 1–1½ cups of beans into a bowl and mash them with a fork. Return the mashed beans to the slow cooker and stir well. This simple step naturally thickens the broth and gives the soup a richer consistency.
6. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the soup and add salt or extra black pepper as needed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a little freshness and color.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair it with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread for a delicious and comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra cozy dinner, serve this navy bean and ham soup with freshly baked cornbread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls. A simple side salad also makes a lovely addition.
Tip: The soup will naturally thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick when reheating, simply stir in a little chicken broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
This hearty, slow-cooked soup is full of smoky flavor, tender beans, and wholesome vegetables—a simple homemade favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
