This bean soup in the crockpot is easy to make and tastes great! If you want a rich soup that is also quick and easy to make, this is it!
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Crockpot ham and bean soup is a classic in our area. It’s something that we’ve been making and eating all my life. There’s a few different varieties, some people include veggies, others not so much.
I like adding some vegetables because they give the recipe more depth of flavor and give an otherwise plain-looking soup some color. But don’t be fooled by the white beans and simple ingredients; this recipe is packed full of delicious ham flavor.
The beans really soak up all the salty goodness from the ham and stock in crock pot bean soup, which is one of its best parts. This soup is indulgent and simple to make.
If you are making a ham for Easter or Christmas this recipe is perfect for using up leftovers!
Cooking beans from scratch can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! With a slow cooker you can cook soup beans low and slow until tender and creamy. But how long exactly should you cook soup beans in a crockpot? Read on for tips on cooking times bean prep, seasonings, and more for delicious homemade crockpot soup beans.
Why Make Soup Beans in a Crockpot?
Crockpots are ideal for cooking beans for several reasons:
- The low, slow cooking tenderizes the beans perfectly.
- You don’t have to watch or stir the pot; just set it and forget it.
- The beans soak up all the flavor from seasonings and cooking liquid.
- It’s energy efficient to let a crockpot cook beans for hours.
- You can prep a big batch for multiple meals throughout the week.
Prep Tips for Cooking Beans
Before cooking beans in the crockpot, proper prep is key:
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Pick over dried beans and rinse well. This removes any stones or debris.
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Soak beans in water for at least 4-8 hours or overnight. Be sure they are fully submerged.
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Drain the soaked beans well before adding to the crockpot
Soaking is optional but does help them cook more evenly Skipping soaking may increase cook times
How Long Should You Cook Soup Beans?
Cook times can vary based on a few factors:
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Type of bean: Smaller beans like navy or black beans may cook faster than larger beans.
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Soaking: Beans soaked beforehand require less cooking time.
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Quantity: The more beans in the crockpot, the longer it takes.
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Power of crockpot: Older models cook slower than newer ones.
That said, here are general guidelines for crockpot soup beans:
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Soaked beans: 6-10 hours on low
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Unsoaked beans: 8-12 hours on low
Check beans after minimum cook time. They should be fork tender but not mushy. Add more time if needed.
Ideal Liquid to Bean Ratio
Make sure beans are fully submerged in liquid while cooking. A good ratio is:
- 3-4 cups liquid per 1 cup dried beans
Water, broth, or stock all work well. Season the liquid, as the beans will absorb that flavor.
Add extra liquid if cooking more than 8 hours, as some evaporates over time.
Seasonings and Flavorings
Start with aromatics like onion, celery, garlic, and herbs. Here are some additional flavor ideas:
- Smoked ham hocks or bacon
- Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary
- Chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano
- Salt and pepper
Stir in seasonings like chopped onions towards the end so they don’t get overcooked and mushy.
Helpful Tips
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No need to stir beans while cooking in the crockpot.
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Don’t lift the lid unnecessarily, which lets heat escape.
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Beans can burn along the sides if cooked too long. Add liquid if needed.
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Natural bean foam may form on top; simply skim it off.
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Salt can cause bean skins to toughen, so season at the end.
Serving Soup Beans
Once cooked to creamy, tender perfection, soup beans are incredibly versatile:
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Enjoy as a side dish with cornbread, biscuits, or rice.
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Use in soups, stews, chili, or burritos.
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Top with sautéed onions and seasonings.
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Mash some of the beans to thicken the broth.
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Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chives.
With the ease of a crockpot, you can whip up the perfect pot of soup beans. Follow the recipe tips above for tender beans with amazing flavor every time. Enjoy this hearty dish all week long!
Can I used canned beans in this recipe?
I wouldn’t use canned beans in this recipe. They work better and cost less when you use dried beans. Make sure to let the beans soak in the tasty stock for a long time so they absorb the flavors.
It takes longer to cook dried beans because they need time to soak up water and cook properly. If you want to use canned beans, I would shorten the cooking time.
Here’s what you’ll need to make slow cooker ham and bean soup:
Making this tasty crockpot bean soup is simple. The slow cooker does all the work, so we can do other things while dinner cooks.
You will need a meaty ham bone. If you can’t find one, ask in the meat department; you can also use the one from your holiday ham! This recipe also calls for garlic, carrots, onions, celery, bay leaves, salt, pepper, vegetable broth, dried great northern beans, and ham bones.
Everything in this recipe is pretty straightforward and simple. The really great thing about this recipe is how well the flavors work together. Everyone will love this Crockpot bean soup.
You can also add ham if you want to. How much will depend on how much meat is still on the bone when you start the recipe.
Slow cooker pinto beans
FAQ
Can you cook soup too long in slow cooker?
Do you have to soak soup beans before cooking?
How long does it take to cook beans in a cooker?