Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup (Print Format)
Hearty ham and beans cooked slowly with spices for a comforting, easy-to-make meal.
# 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:
01 -
Rinse the bean mix thoroughly and drain. Remove any debris and set seasoning packet aside.
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.
03 -
Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours until beans are tender.
04 -
Remove the ham bone and chop any meat remaining on it; return the meat to the slow cooker.
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:
01 -
Avoid adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes and lemon juice until beans are fully softened to prevent toughening.
02 -
Use leftover ham bone or ham hocks for enhanced flavor; a pound of cooked sausage is an acceptable substitute.
03 -
To adjust consistency, add extra broth for thinner soup or blend part of the beans for thickness.
04 -
No soaking of beans is required when slow cooking; if beans are pre-soaked, reduce broth volume by 1 cup.