Slow Cooker Ham Bean Soup

There is something deeply satisfying about coming home to a pot of soup that has been quietly doing all the work for you. This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup with Carrots and Celery is exactly that kind of recipe — a hearty, comforting bowl packed with tender diced ham, creamy cannellini beans, and wholesome vegetables, all simmered low and slow in a savory chicken broth. Whether it's a chilly weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this American classic delivers warmth and nourishment with minimal effort.

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The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity. Diced cooked ham brings a satisfying saltiness and substance, while carrots and celery add natural sweetness and a gentle crunch. The cannellini or great northern beans melt into the broth as the hours pass, creating a silky, creamy texture without any cream at all. A single bay leaf, a teaspoon of dried thyme, and a sprinkle of parsley are all it takes to transform these humble ingredients into something truly memorable. With just 20 minutes of prep, dinner essentially cooks itself.

Ingredients

• Meats: 1 lb (450 g) cooked ham, diced
• Vegetables: 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Beans & Legumes: 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• Liquids: 6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• Spices & Seasonings: 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.

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Instructions

Step 1 — Build the base

Add the diced ham, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and beans to the slow cooker.

Step 2 — Add the broth and seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 3 — Cook low and slow

Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.

Step 4 — Finish and season

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 5 — Serve

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für ein besonders cremiges Ergebnis können Sie nach dem Garen einen Teil der Bohnen mit einem Kartoffelstampfer oder einem Löffel zerdrücken — das verdichtet die Brühe auf natürliche Weise, ohne Sahne oder Mehl hinzufügen zu müssen. Achten Sie beim Kauf von Hühnerbrühe und gekochtem Schinken auf die Zutatenliste, um sicherzustellen, dass keine versteckten Allergene wie Gluten enthalten sind. Ein hochwertiger, natriumarmer Schinken sorgt dafür, dass Sie die Salzmenge am Ende besser kontrollieren können.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Anstelle von gewürfeltem Schinken können geräucherte Schweinshaxen verwendet werden — dazu die Knochen nach dem Garen entfernen und das Fleisch zerrupfen, bevor die Suppe serviert wird. Für eine grünere, nährstoffreichere Version können Sie in den letzten 30 Minuten gehackten Spinat oder Grünkohl hinzufügen. Wer eine wärmere Würze bevorzugt, kann eine Prise Chiliflocken oder geräuchertes Paprikapulver einrühren, um der Brühe eine zusätzliche Tiefe zu verleihen.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Suppe schmeckt am besten, wenn sie heiß in tiefen Schüsseln serviert wird, begleitet von knusprigem Brot oder Crackern zum Eintunken. Ein einfacher grüner Salat oder gedünstetes Gemüse rundet die Mahlzeit zu einem vollständigen Abendessen ab. Reste halten sich im Kühlschrank bis zu 4 Tage und lassen sich auch einfrieren — die Aromen werden beim Aufwärmen sogar noch intensiver.

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This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is proof that great food doesn't require complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients. With just a handful of pantry staples, a reliable slow cooker, and a little patience, you can create a meal that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. At 330 calories per serving and 27 grams of protein, it is as nourishing as it is satisfying. Make it once, and it will surely earn a permanent place in your weekly rotation.

Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use smoked ham hocks instead of diced ham?

Yes, smoked ham hocks can be used as a flavorful substitute. Be sure to remove the bones and shred the meat before serving.

→ How can I thicken the soup?

To thicken, mash a portion of the beans before stirring them back in. This creates a creamier texture without adding extra ingredients.

→ Is it possible to add greens to this dish?

Absolutely, chopped spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.

→ What type of beans works best here?

Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal for their creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the ham and vegetables.

→ Can this be prepared without a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker is recommended, you can simmer the ingredients gently on the stovetop for 2-3 hours until tenderness and flavors develop.