Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup Recipe For Hearty Meals

Name: Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491282H22M27S
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 pound dried navy beans rinsed and picked over; – 1 large smoked ham bone, ham hock, or ham shank; – 2 cups shredded, julienned, or diced carrots; – 1 medium rib of sliced celery; – 4 cloves of minced garlic; – 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock; – 2 bay leaves; – 1 tablespoon dried parsley; – ½ teaspoon celery salt; – ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder; – Black pepper to taste; – Several dashes of hot pepper sauce

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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup

Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a meal that’s been cooking itself all day that’s the magic of this Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup. It’s super easy to throw together with just a few ingredients, perfect for anyone juggling a busy schedule like busy parents or working pros. Not only does it save time, but it also delivers a hearty, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in soup form.

This recipe is packed with health perks that make it a win for diet-conscious folks. You’ll get a good dose of fiber from the navy beans, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer, plus protein from the ham that supports your energy levels. It’s adaptable too, so whether you’re vegan or watching calories, you can tweak it without losing that rich, smoky taste that makes every bite special.

Oh, and let’s not forget how versatile it is for all kinds of eaters, from students whipping up a quick meal to seniors looking for something gentle on the stomach. Think about adding your own twist, like extra veggies for more crunch, and you’ve got a soup that fits right into your routine. If you’re like me, always experimenting in the kitchen, this one will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Health Benefits and Ease

The ease of this recipe shines through with minimal prep and hands-off cooking, letting you focus on what matters most. Health-wise, it’s loaded with nutrients that boost heart health and provide sustained energy, making it ideal for anyone from food enthusiasts to travelers needing a reliable meal. Plus, its distinctive flavor from the smoky ham and creamy beans sets it apart from ordinary soups, turning a simple dinner into something memorable.

To dive deeper into the benefits of navy beans, check out this resource on Navy Beans Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. It’s a great read if you’re curious about how this ingredient packs a punch.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup
2. Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup
5. Mastering Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup
8. Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup

Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup

Getting the ingredients just right is key to making this Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup shine, and it’s all about simple, fresh items that come together beautifully. Start with the basics like dried navy beans and smoked ham for that hearty base, then add veggies and seasonings to build layers of flavor. This section breaks it down into a clear list so you can shop and prep without any fuss.

Main Ingredients List

Here’s the full lineup of ingredients you’ll need, based on the classic recipe. I’ve pulled these straight from the details to make sure everything is spot-on with precise measurements:

1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
1 large smoked ham bone, ham hock, or ham shank
2 cups shredded, julienned, or diced carrots
1 medium rib of sliced celery
4 cloves of minced garlic
7 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon celery salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
Black pepper to taste
Several dashes of hot pepper sauce

These ingredients create a balanced soup that’s creamy and full of savoriness. For special tweaks, like making it vegan, swap the ham for smoked tofu and use veggie broth instead.

Special Dietary Options

If you’re adjusting for dietary needs, it’s straightforward. For a vegan version, replace ham with smoked tofu or mushrooms and opt for vegetable broth. Gluten-free? Just double-check that your broth and spices are certified gluten-free. To keep it low-calorie, go for lean ham and skip any extra fats easy peasy!

How to Prepare the Perfect Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Diving into this Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup recipe is like setting up a foolproof plan for a delicious meal. First, gather your ingredients and give those dried navy beans a good rinse to get rid of any bits you don’t want. It’s that simple start that sets the stage for a soup that’s tender and full of flavor.

Next, prep your veggies chop the carrots, slice the celery, and mince the garlic so everything’s ready to go. This step makes cooking feel less overwhelming, especially if you’re a busy parent or student racing against the clock. Once that’s done, it’s time to layer it all in the crockpot for that slow magic to happen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow this guide to nail the preparation:

Rinse 1 pound of dried navy beans and pick over them to remove any debris; you can soak them overnight if you want to speed things up, but it’s not a must.
Add the rinsed beans, 1 large smoked ham bone or equivalent, 2 cups of prepared carrots, 1 medium rib of sliced celery, and 4 cloves of minced garlic to your crockpot.
Pour in 7 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, then toss in 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, ½ teaspoon of celery salt, ½ teaspoon of dry mustard powder, black pepper to taste, and a few dashes of hot pepper sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beans are tender and everything smells amazing.
Remove the ham bone, shred the meat from it, and toss out the bone and fat; partially blend the soup with an immersion blender for creaminess, but keep most beans whole.
Stir the shredded ham back in, and if you like, add 1 to 2 cups of extra diced ham for more heartiness.
Heat through and serve; a little splash of apple cider vinegar can make it taste even brighter if you’re in the mood for a twist.

(For more ideas on hearty casseroles, check out our Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe, which pairs great with soups like this one.) Remember, adding veggies later, like in the last couple of hours, keeps them from getting too soft trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup

One of the best parts about this Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup is how easy it is to make it your own, especially if you have specific dietary needs. Whether you’re going vegan or just want something lighter, swapping ingredients can keep the soup tasty and true to your preferences. It’s all about experimenting without the stress.

For protein swaps, try smoked tempeh instead of ham for a plant-based option, or use turkey ham if you’re aiming for something leaner. If beans aren’t your thing, black beans can step in for a fun flavor change. On the veggie side, adding sweet potatoes brings in extra sweetness and nutrients, making it even more filling.

Don’t forget seasonings swap chicken broth for veggie broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly, and play with spices like smoked paprika for a new twist. These changes let everyone from newlyweds to baking enthusiasts enjoy a bowl that’s just right for them.

Mastering Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, leveling up your Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup can make it even more exciting. Try roasting the ham bone first for a deeper, richer taste, or caramelize those onions before they go in it’s those little extras that turn good into great. If you’re like me, always tweaking recipes, this is where the fun begins.

Flavor Boosts and Storage Hacks

For flavor variations, a dash of apple cider vinegar at serving time adds a bright kick, or toss in fresh herbs like parsley for extra freshness. Presentation-wise, top it with chopped scallions or bacon bits to make it look as good as it tastes perfect for food enthusiasts wanting to impress. And if you’re prepping ahead, store the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors only get better.

Nutritionally, each serving has about 344 calories, with 56g carbs, 26g protein, 3g fat, and 571mg sodium, plus plenty of fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. For more on ham’s nutrition, visit Holiday Ham Calories and Nutrition. Oh, and if you’re exploring other cozy recipes, our Chicken Taco Casserole is a must-try for variety.

How to Store Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup: Best Practices

Storing your Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup properly keeps it fresh and ready for another day, which is a big help for busy folks. Pop leftovers in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge for up to 4 days that way, you’ve got an easy meal waiting. Freezing is even better for longer storage, lasting up to 3 months if you portion it out right.

When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight or warm it up on the stove, stirring to keep everything mixed. For meal prep, making a big batch means less work during the week, so think about dividing it into single servings. It’s all about making life simpler while enjoying that homemade goodness.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Navy Bean And Ham Soup

Can I use dried beans without soaking them for navy bean and ham soup?

Yes, you can use dried navy beans without soaking them, but rinsing and picking through the beans to remove any debris is important. Skipping the soak will increase the cooking time slightly, so expect the slow cooker to run 7 to 9 hours on low. Soaking beans for several hours or overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, but it is not required for this recipe.

What’s the best substitute if I don’t have a ham bone for the soup?

If you don’t have a leftover ham bone, ham hocks or a smoked ham shank purchased from the store work well as substitutes. These add rich smoky flavor and saltiness similar to the bone. If you want a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for flavor, although it won’t taste quite the same.

Should I use fresh garlic or jarred minced garlic in slow cooker navy bean soup?

Jarred minced garlic is recommended for slow cooker recipes because fresh garlic can lose its flavor when cooked for many hours. Adding minced garlic from a jar helps maintain a consistent garlic flavor throughout the cooking process. If you prefer fresh garlic, add it toward the end of cooking to retain more of its sharpness.

How can I keep the vegetables from becoming too soft in crockpot navy bean and ham soup?

To avoid mushy vegetables, add carrots and celery later in the cooking process—about halfway through or during the last 2 hours. This allows the vegetables to cook to tender but still maintain some texture. You can also chop them into larger pieces so they hold up better during the long cooking time.

What herbs and seasonings work best in ham and navy bean soup?

Bay leaves, dried parsley, celery salt, dry mustard powder, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce are classic seasonings that complement the flavors. You can substitute prepared mustard for dry mustard powder if preferred. Adjust seasoning at the end of cooking, especially salt, since the ham adds natural saltiness. Adding fresh parsley after cooking brightens the flavor.

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Hearty Comfort