Gigi'S Crock-Pot Bean Soup
Hearty crock-pot bean soup with smoky ham and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings. Rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak navy beans overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans.
- Place all ingredients, including beans, ham bones, cooked ham chunks, garlic powder, thyme, pepper, bay leaves, parsley, chopped onions, and carrots, into a 5 to 6-quart crock-pot.
- Add water to fill to the top.
- Cover and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours or longer.
- After about 3 hours of cooking, mash the beans lightly to thicken the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier soup, consider blending a portion of the beans before adding them to the crock-pot. If you don't have navy beans, great northern beans can be a suitable substitute. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder according to your taste; fresh garlic can also be used for a more robust flavor. Adding some diced celery can enhance the depth of this hearty soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious bean soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Dutchman'S Bowl(Soup) for a delightful soup night. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. A side salad or pickled vegetables can also complement the soup well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gigi'S Crock-Pot Bean Soup contains roughly 287 calories, with 21g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (178% of the Daily Value), iron (162% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. At about 287 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, dried beans are actually preferred for this recipe! Just make sure to soak them overnight to ensure they cook properly in the crock-pot. This will help them soften and absorb the flavors of the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham bones and cooked ham chunks. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a hearty texture.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired thickness. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed after adding more liquid.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).