Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Soup

 

 Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Soup

 Description

Slow Cooker Ham and Beans Soup is a hearty, comforting, old-fashioned soup made with tender beans, smoky ham, and flavorful broth. Cooked slowly over several hours, this soup develops deep, rich flavors with very little effort. It’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, meal prep, or using up leftover ham.

 Ingredients

• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  (may substitute water, beef broth, or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
• 1 leftover ham bone with meat
  or ham hocks
  or diced ham
  or 1 lb (450 g) cooked sausage
• 1 package Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup (seasoning packet removed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 (15-oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Optional: hot sauce or crushed red pepper, to taste

 Instructions

1 Prepare the Beans

• Open the package of Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup and discard the seasoning packet.
• Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water.
• Check for any debris and remove if needed.

2 Assemble in the Slow Cooker

1. Add the rinsed beans to the slow cooker.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice.
4. Add chili powder if using.
5. Place the ham bone, ham hocks, diced ham, or sausage on top.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is fully covered.

3 Slow Cook

• Cover and cook:
  • 8–9 hours on LOW, or
  • 4–5 hours on HIGH
• Beans should be tender and the soup rich and thick.

4 Finish the Soup

1. If using a ham bone or ham hocks, remove them from the slow cooker.
2. Shred or chop the meat and return it to the soup.
3. Add fresh lemon juice.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce.
5. Let cook for an additional 10–15 minutes to blend flavors.

Tips for Best Results

• Adding lemon juice at the end brightens and balances the flavors.
• For a thicker soup, mash some beans directly in the slow cooker.
• This soup tastes even better the next day.

 Variations

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or extra chili powder
•  Veggie-packed: Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers
• Meat swap: Use smoked sausage or turkey
•  Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and omit the meat

 Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Crusty bread or cornbread
• Side salad
• A drizzle of olive oil or extra hot sauce

 Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months

 Perfect For:

• Cold-weather meals
• Family gatherings
• Slow cooker recipes
• Budget-friendly comfort food