Slow Cooker Ham Bone and Navy Bean Soup for Cozy Nights

When it comes to cozy nights, nothing beats a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Ham Bone and Navy Bean Soup. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham, and it reminds me of my childhood. My son, Jake, always loved helping me stir the pot while we waited for the delicious aroma to fill the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a hearty, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.
• You can throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham and reduce food waste.

Pure Comfort

This soup is pure comfort food. The combination of tender navy beans, rich ham flavor, and savory spices creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

What You Need

• 1 1 ham bone or ham hock – For deep flavor; can substitute with a smoked turkey leg.
• 1 1 lb dried navy beans – Rinse and soak overnight for best results.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness; can substitute with shallots.
• 2 2 large carrots, diced – For sweetness and color; can use parsnips.
• 2 2 celery stalks, diced – Adds crunch and flavor.
• 4 4 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall taste.
• 8 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 1 1 tsp dried thyme – For earthy flavor.
• 1 1 tsp black pepper – Adjust to taste.
• 1 1 bay leaf – Adds depth to the soup.
• to taste Salt to taste – Add at the end to control sodium.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 8 hours | Total: 8 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by rinsing the dried navy beans under cold water. This helps remove any debris and ensures they cook evenly. Soaking them overnight is a great way to soften them up.
2. In your slow cooker, place the ham bone or ham hock at the bottom. This will infuse the soup with a rich, smoky flavor as it cooks. The bone will also add a nice depth to the broth.
3. Add the soaked navy beans on top of the ham. They will absorb all the delicious flavors and become tender as they cook. Make sure to spread them evenly for consistent cooking.
4. Next, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. These veggies will add a nice sweetness and texture to the soup. You’ll start to notice a lovely aroma as they mingle with the ham.
5. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. This is where the magic happens! The garlic will sizzle and fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, covering all the ingredients. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 8 hours.
7. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham bone and bay leaf. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup. This adds even more flavor and heartiness.
8. Taste the soup and adjust the salt as needed. You want it to be flavorful but not overly salty. The ham bone will have added some saltiness already.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This dish is best enjoyed with some crusty bread on the side.

Make It Perfect

• For extra creaminess, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, let it cook uncovered for the last hour to reduce the liquid.
• This soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch for later.

Mix It Up

• Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
• Swap navy beans for black beans for a different flavor.
• Incorporate greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with warm cornbread for a classic pairing.
• A simple side salad can brighten up the meal.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Ham Bone and Navy Bean Soup is a perfect way to use leftover ham while creating a cozy meal for your family. It's comforting, easy to make, and sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Slow Cooker Ham Bone and Navy Bean Soup for Cozy Nights

A hearty and comforting slow cooker soup made with ham bone, navy beans, and vegetables. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy evenings, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 8 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 ham bone or ham hock For deep flavor; can substitute with a smoked turkey leg.
• 1 lb dried navy beans Rinse and soak overnight for best results.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness; can substitute with shallots.
• 2 large carrots, diced For sweetness and color; can use parsnips.
• 2 celery stalks, diced Adds crunch and flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the overall taste.
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 1 tsp dried thyme For earthy flavor.
• 1 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
• 1 bay leaf Adds depth to the soup.
• to taste Salt Add at the end to control sodium.

Equipment

• Slow cooker

Method

 

1. Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water and soak them overnight.
2. Place the ham bone or ham hock at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add the soaked navy beans on top of the ham bone.
4. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
5. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf.
6. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and stir gently to combine.
7. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 8 hours.
8. Remove the ham bone and bay leaf, shred any meat from the bone, and return it to the soup.
9. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
10. Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs and with crusty bread on the side.