Name: Cozy Crock Pot Ham and White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bay leaf; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed and drained; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cups diced cooked ham (or 1 ham hock); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish); Salt and black pepper, to taste

This Cozy Crock Pot Ham and White Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender ham, creamy white beans, and flavorful vegetables, it simmers slowly to develop rich, savory flavors, making it an easy, wholesome meal for the whole family to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cozy Crock Pot Ham and White Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, effortlessly combining simplicity with soul-warming flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the ham, beans, and vegetables with deep, savory goodness over hours of gentle simmering. It’s perfect for busy days—set it in the morning, and by dinnertime, your home will be filled with the inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal. This recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and ideal for using leftover ham, making it a practical choice for families or meal preppers. Whether you’re curling up on a cold evening or feeding a crowd, this wholesome, protein-packed soup delivers satisfaction in every spoonful.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Rinse the Beans: Always rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
Low and Slow: Cook on low for the best texture and flavor infusion; high heat can make beans mushy.
Ham Bone Bonus: If you have a ham bone, add it to the crock pot for extra depth of flavor.
Thicken Naturally: Mash a few beans against the pot’s side to thicken the soup without flour or cornstarch.
Taste and Adjust: Season lightly at the start, as ham can be salty; adjust salt at the end.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh thyme or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

Yield: Serves 6

Cozy Crock Pot Ham and White Bean Soup

Cozy Crock Pot Ham and White Bean Soup: hearty, savory, and easy, with tender ham and creamy beans.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 bay leaf
1 medium onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed and drained
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cups diced cooked ham (or 1 ham hock)
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by prepping all your ingredients—dice the ham, rinse the beans, and chop the onion, carrots, and celery. This makes the process smooth and stress-free!
Optional Sauté (Flavor Boost): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. This step enhances the veggies’ sweetness but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Load the Crock Pot: Place the diced ham (or ham hock) and rinsed white beans into the crock pot. If you sautéed the vegetables, add them now; otherwise, add raw veggies directly.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the broth, then add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
Set and Forget: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low setting yields the best flavor and texture.
Check Bean Tenderness: About 30 minutes before serving, check the beans—they should be soft and creamy. If using a ham hock, remove it, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
Thicken if Desired: For a thicker soup, mash a few beans against the side of the pot with a spoon and stir. This creates a cozy, hearty texture.
Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Ham can be salty, so go light at first.
Remove Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving—it’s done its job infusing flavor!
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal.

Notes

If using a ham hock, ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding; it adds incredible depth but takes longer to break down.
For a vegan version, skip the ham, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 203Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 52mgSodium 1084mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 25g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Ham: Use leftover ham, diced ham steak, or even a ham hock for smoky, meaty richness. Opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake.
White Beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans work best for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Canned beans save time, but dried beans (soaked overnight) offer a fresher taste.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions form the classic mirepoix base, adding sweetness and depth. Dice uniformly for even cooking.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth keeps the soup flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the savory profile; avoid pre-minced for the best flavor.
Herbs: Dried thyme and bay leaves add earthy warmth. Fresh herbs can be used but add them at the end.
Olive Oil: A small amount for sautéing vegetables enhances their natural flavors before slow cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: Swap ham for smoked turkey, sausage, or bacon for a different smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika for depth.
Bean Options: Try navy beans, pinto beans, or a mix for varied texture. Lentils can work but cook faster, so adjust time.
Vegetable Swaps: Add diced potatoes, kale, or spinach for extra heartiness. Zucchini or parsnips can replace carrots for a twist.
Broth Choices: Use beef broth for a richer flavor or water with a bouillon cube for budget-friendly cooking.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Creamy Texture: Blend a portion of the soup or add a splash of cream for a velvety finish.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check broth labels for hidden gluten.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if thickened.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tip: Stir well while reheating to redistribute flavors; add water or broth to adjust consistency.