If you’re craving a comforting, hearty, and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out, then a Navy Bean and Ham Soup might just be the perfect dish for you. This recipe is the ideal blend of protein-rich beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered together in a delicious broth. The beauty of this dish is that it’s simple, yet it delivers a depth of flavor that feels both nourishing and satisfying.
But here’s the best part-this recipe uses a Crock Pot (slow cooker), which means minimal effort for maximum flavor. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can have a soul-satisfying soup waiting for you when you come home after a busy day. Let’s dive into this Navy Bean and Ham Soup Crock Pot recipe, which is packed with wholesome ingredients and effortless prep!
Navy Bean And Ham Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This Navy Bean and Ham Soup is a cozy meal, perfect for the cooler months or anytime you need something filling. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it allows all the flavors to develop while you get on with your day.
Total Time: 6-8 hours (depending on your slow cooker)
Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. There’s nothing fancy here-just wholesome, simple ingredients that make for a delicious soup.
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Navy Beans (dried) – 1 lb
- These small, creamy white beans are the backbone of this soup. They cook up tender and absorb the flavors around them, making the broth rich and thick.
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Ham (preferably a bone-in hock or leftover ham) – 2 cups, diced
- If you’ve got leftover ham from a holiday meal or a bone-in ham hock, this is the time to use it! The ham adds a savory, smoky richness to the broth that elevates the entire dish.
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Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and chopped
- Carrots add natural sweetness and a pop of color to the soup. They also help balance out the saltiness of the ham.
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Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
- Celery brings freshness and a slight crunch. It also complements the earthy flavor of the beans.
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Onion – 1 large, chopped
- Onion is a must in any hearty soup. It adds a base layer of savory flavor and aroma.
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Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Garlic, in combination with the onions, creates an aromatic foundation that fills your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.
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Bay Leaves – 2
- Bay leaves are often used in soups and stews to add subtle, herbal flavors.
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Chicken or Vegetable Broth – 6 cups
- This broth serves as the liquid base for the soup and is essential for melding all the flavors together.
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Salt & Pepper – to taste
- Seasoning is everything! You’ll need to taste as you go, but salt and pepper will balance the flavors perfectly.
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Thyme (optional) – 1 tsp, dried
- Adding thyme will introduce an earthy, herby note that complements the beans and ham nicely. You can use fresh thyme as well, just a few sprigs.
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Olive Oil – for sautéing (optional)
- If you want to add a bit of extra depth to the flavor, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil before putting them in the Crock Pot.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process. Trust me, the simplicity of this recipe is part of what makes it so good!
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Prepare The Beans
- First, rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water. Check for any debris or broken beans, and discard any that you find.
- Optional: For extra tender beans, soak them overnight in water. If you don’t have time, don’t worry-you can still cook them in the Crock Pot without soaking, but it will take a bit longer.
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Sauté The Veggies (Optional)
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step enhances the flavors, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
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Add Everything To The Crock Pot
- Transfer the soaked or unsoaked beans to your slow cooker.
- Add the sautéed vegetables (if you did that step), along with the diced ham, bay leaves, thyme (if using), and the chicken or vegetable broth.
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Season
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, and you can adjust later. Remember, the ham will add some saltiness, so it’s important to taste as you go.
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Slow Cook
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can set it to high for 4-5 hours. Check for doneness-when the beans are tender and the flavors have melded, you’re ready to go!
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Final Touches
- Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed-sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can bring everything into perfect balance.
- For a creamier texture, you can mash a portion of the beans with a potato masher, or use an immersion blender to blend a bit of the soup directly in the pot.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a quick moment to highlight the ingredients that make this dish so special.
- Navy Beans: These beans are small but mighty! They’re packed with fiber, protein, and minerals like iron and potassium, making them an incredibly nutritious choice. They also have a mild flavor that allows them to absorb the flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Ham: This adds more than just protein-its smoky flavor is what gives the soup that rich depth. If you’re using a ham hock, the bone will infuse the soup with even more flavor as it simmers.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions make up the classic flavor trio that’s often referred to as ’mirepoix’ in cooking. Together, they create the backbone of flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Expert Tips
- Do not over-soak the beans: If you choose to soak your beans overnight, make sure to drain and rinse them before using them in the recipe. Over-soaked beans can lose their texture and mushy beans don’t make for the best soup.
- Adjust the broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth, or let the soup cook longer with the lid off to reduce the liquid. Conversely, for a brothier version, add more liquid towards the end of the cooking time.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: For a little acidity to balance the richness of the ham, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This brightens up the flavors and cuts through the saltiness.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe-here are some variations you can try:
- Smoked sausage: If you’re not a fan of ham or want to switch it up, smoked sausage or kielbasa is a great alternative. It’ll give the soup a different flavor profile, but still bring that savory, smoky essence.
- Add greens: Throw in some chopped kale or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a burst of color and nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This adds a fun layer of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Creamy version: If you prefer a creamy soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk toward the end of the cooking time.
Final Words
This Navy Bean and Ham Soup is one of those timeless, comforting recipes that everyone should know how to make. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, the simplicity and heartiness of this dish will never disappoint. Plus, it’s an incredibly flexible recipe-use up leftovers, swap in different vegetables, or experiment with seasonings to make it your own!
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Navy Bean And Ham Soup In A Crock Pot?
To make navy bean and ham soup in a crock pot, you will need dried navy beans, cooked ham (or ham hocks), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add potatoes or other vegetables based on preference.
Do I Need To Soak The Beans Before Cooking Them In The Crock Pot?
It is recommended to soak dried navy beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. However, you can also use unsoaked beans, but they may require a longer cooking time and might be a bit firmer.
Can I Use Canned Navy Beans Instead Of Dried Beans In The Crock Pot Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute canned navy beans for dried beans. However, canned beans are already cooked, so add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How Long Should I Cook Navy Bean And Ham Soup In The Crock Pot?
If using soaked dried beans, cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For unsoaked beans, cooking on low will take 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Can I Use Frozen Ham In This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ham in the recipe. Simply thaw the ham first and cut it into small pieces before adding it to the crock pot. If using ham hocks, they can be added frozen, but you might need to extend the cooking time.
What Vegetables Can I Add To Navy Bean And Ham Soup?
In addition to onions, carrots, and celery, you can add vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, spinach, or kale. For added flavor, try adding bell peppers or leeks.
How Do I Make Navy Bean And Ham Soup Thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a few seconds. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or a thickening agent like flour.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker Liner For Easier Cleanup?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier. Just place the liner inside the crock pot before adding the ingredients. This will help prevent food from sticking to the sides and reduce scrubbing time.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make the soup healthier, consider using low-sodium broth and reducing the amount of ham or using a leaner cut of ham. You can also add more vegetables and reduce or omit any added salt.
Can I Freeze Navy Bean And Ham Soup For Later?
Yes, navy bean and ham soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, it may need a bit of added broth or water as the soup may thicken.