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Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Category: Comforting Bowls of Warmth

This slow cooker ham and bean dish combines tender beans with flavorful ham and a blend of seasonings for a rich, comforting meal. Starting with rinsed beans and broth, it simmers slowly to develop deep flavors. Acidic ingredients like tomato and lemon juice are added late to maintain bean tenderness. Optional chili powder and hot sauce can add a subtle kick. The result is a warm, filling dish that’s perfect for feeding a group and requires minimal hands-on time.

Labels: #slow-cooker #gluten-free

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:15:35 GMT
A white bowl filled with ham and bean soup. Save
A white bowl filled with ham and bean soup. | lilicooks.com

This slow cooker ham and bean soup is a perfect no-fuss recipe for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. It uses a handy mix of beans with a seasoning packet and a ham bone or leftover ham to build rich, comforting flavors over several hours. No soaking required, which makes prep quick and easy.

I first made this soup on a chilly weekend when I had leftover ham from a holiday dinner. It quickly became a family favorite and now I turn to it every time I want something hearty and comforting without fuss.

Ingredients

  • HamBeens 15 Bean Soup mix: offers a variety of beans and built-in seasoning for rich taste. Choose a brand you trust for consistent results
  • Reduced sodium chicken broth: adds depth without overwhelming saltiness. You can swap for vegetable or beef broth depending on your preference
  • Ham bone, ham hocks, or diced ham: deliver smoky, savory flavor and extra protein. If you don’t have a ham bone, ask for one at the deli or use leftover cooked ham
  • Medium yellow onion: for sweetness and aromatic base
  • Garlic clove: minced to enhance overall savoriness
  • Chili powder: optional to add warmth and slight spice
  • Canned diced tomatoes with juices: for acid balance and freshness, added late to keep beans tender
  • Fresh lemon juice: brightens and lifts the soup just before serving
  • Hot sauce or red pepper flakes: to taste if you want extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sift and Prep Beans:
Rinse the beans carefully in a colander to remove any dust or debris. Drain them well. Set the seasoning packet aside for later to add after the beans are softened.
Build the Flavor Base:
Place the rinsed beans in a 6 quart slow cooker along with the reduced sodium chicken broth, diced ham bone or ham pieces, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and optional chili powder. Stir gently to combine.
Slow Cook the Beans:
Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours until the beans are fully tender. This slow cook allows the flavors to meld and the beans to soften without needing a pre-soak.
Add Final Ingredients:
Once the beans are tender, remove the ham bone and chop off any meat left on it. Return the meat to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, the seasoning packet, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well.
Finish Cooking and Season:
Cook the soup for another 30 minutes to blend these fresh flavors. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
A bowl of soup with ham and beans.
A bowl of soup with ham and beans. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the ham bone. I remember my grandmother always saving bones just to make soups and stews. It adds a smokey richness that sliced ham alone doesn't deliver. Every time I make it, it brings a little nostalgia and warmth to the table.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time so it tastes even better the next day.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have HamBeens mix you can use any dried bean mix but soak them overnight or adjust cooking time accordingly.

Vegetarian version works well with vegetable broth and skipping ham replaced by smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.

Try swapping chicken broth for turkey stock for a different twist or richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve this soup with crusty bread or corn muffins to soak up the broth.
  • A crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables make a nice fresh contrast.
  • Top with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for creaminess.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use soaked beans instead of dry beans?

Yes, soaked beans can be used; reduce the liquid by about one cup to maintain the right consistency.

→ What if I don't have a ham bone for flavor?

You can substitute leftover chopped ham or ham hocks for a similar smoky, savory taste.

→ Why are acidic ingredients added later in cooking?

Acidic ingredients like tomato and lemon juice are added after beans soften to prevent toughening their skins and ensure tenderness.

→ Can I adjust the thickness of the dish?

For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the beans and stir it back in; to thin, simply add more broth or water.

→ Is chili powder required?

Chili powder is optional and can be added to introduce a mild warmth, but the dish is flavorful without it.

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Hearty ham and beans cooked slowly with spices for a comforting, easy-to-make meal.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
360 min
Overall Time
380 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 12 Serves (12 servings)

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Soup Base

01 1 package HamBeens® 15 Bean Soup mix with seasoning packet
02 8 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
03 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Meat

05 1 meaty ham bone or ham hocks, or 1 lb cooked sausage, diced ham optional

→ Additional Flavorings

06 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
07 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
08 Juice of 1 lemon
09 Hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Rinse the bean mix thoroughly and drain. Remove any debris and set seasoning packet aside.

Step 02

In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine rinsed beans, chicken broth, ham bone or ham hocks (if using), diced onion, minced garlic, and chili powder if using.

Step 03

Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours until beans are tender.

Step 04

Remove the ham bone and chop any meat remaining on it; return the meat to the slow cooker.

Step 05

Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, the seasoning packet from the bean mix, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Tips

  1. Avoid adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes and lemon juice until beans are fully softened to prevent toughening.
  2. Use leftover ham bone or ham hocks for enhanced flavor; a pound of cooked sausage is an acceptable substitute.
  3. To adjust consistency, add extra broth for thinner soup or blend part of the beans for thickness.
  4. No soaking of beans is required when slow cooking; if beans are pre-soaked, reduce broth volume by 1 cup.

Required Tools

  • 6-quart slow cooker

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains pork; may contain allergens in seasoning packet and canned tomatoes.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 259
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 18 g