10 Navy Bean Ham Soup Recipes For A Hearty Slow Cooker Meal

Navy bean ham soup is a classic, comforting dish that has been a staple in many cuisines for generations. This hearty and nourishing meal is perfect for cold winter days, offering a satisfying blend of protein, fiber, and warmth. With a slow cooker, you can easily prepare this delicious soup, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time. Here, we present 10 unique and flavorful recipes for navy bean ham soup, each with its own twist and a step-by-step guide for a perfect slow-cooked meal.

The Classic Navy Bean Ham Soup

This traditional recipe is a staple for many families and a great starting point for those new to slow-cooked soups. The key to this recipe’s success lies in the quality of the ingredients and the slow cooking process, which allows the beans to become tender and the flavors to intensify.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
2. In a large slow cooker, combine the beans, broth, water, ham hock, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender.
5. Remove the ham hock and shred the meat, discarding the bone and skin. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Smoky Bacon and Bean Soup

For a heartier and smokier variation, this recipe adds bacon to the mix, infusing the soup with a delicious, savory flavor. The combination of ham and bacon creates a rich, meaty broth that is hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 6-8 slices bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain off excess fat and set aside.
2. Follow the same preparation steps as the classic recipe, adding the cooked bacon and smoked paprika to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
4. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Veggie-Loaded Navy Bean Ham Soup

This recipe is perfect for those who want to add a boost of nutrients and fiber to their soup. By incorporating a variety of vegetables, you can create a vibrant and healthy meal without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Follow the preparation steps for the classic recipe.
2. After adding the ham hock, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, stir in the diced carrots and celery.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, then add the frozen corn and peas.
4. Continue cooking for an additional hour, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
5. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
6. Season to taste and serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Spicy Ham and Bean Soup with a Kick

For those who enjoy a little heat, this recipe adds a spicy twist to the traditional navy bean ham soup. The combination of spices and chili peppers creates a warm and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, minced (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Follow the preparation steps for the classic recipe.
2. After adding the ham hock, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, stir in the minced jalapeño peppers, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, allowing the spices to infuse and the beans to become tender.
4. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more chili powder or jalapeños if desired.
6. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a cooling contrast.

Ham and Bean Soup with Tomato and Basil

This recipe adds a Mediterranean twist to the classic soup, incorporating the freshness of tomatoes and basil. The result is a bright and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer evening.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 medium tomatoes, diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Follow the preparation steps for the classic recipe.
2. After adding the ham hock, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, stir in the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and dried oregano.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more basil or oregano if desired.
6. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian touch.

Creamy Ham and Bean Soup

For a richer and creamier version, this recipe adds dairy to the soup, creating a comforting and indulgent dish. The addition of cream and cheese provides a luxurious texture and a depth of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Follow the preparation steps for the classic recipe.
2. After cooking the beans and ham hock, remove a cup of the cooked beans and blend them into a smooth puree.
3. Return the bean puree to the slow cooker and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
5. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more cheese or cream if desired.
7. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a crusty baguette for dipping.

Ham and Bean Soup with a Touch of Beer

Adding a splash of beer to this recipe imparts a unique and slightly bitter flavor to the soup, creating a complex and intriguing dish. The beer adds depth and a subtle malty note that pairs well with the ham and beans.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup dark beer (such as stout or porter)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Follow the preparation steps for the classic recipe.
2. After adding the ham hock, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, pour in the dark beer and add the bay leaf.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, allowing the beer to reduce and infuse its flavor.
4. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more beer if desired for a stronger flavor.
6. Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Barbecue-Style Ham and Bean Soup

For a twist on the traditional recipe, this version incorporates barbecue flavors, creating a sweet and savory dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy indoor meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Follow the preparation steps for the classic recipe.
2. After adding the ham hock, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, stir in the barbecue sauce and brown sugar.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
4. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more barbecue sauce or brown sugar if desired.
6. Serve with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a side of cornbread for a true Southern-style meal.

Ham and Bean Soup with a Hint of Lemon

This recipe adds a bright and refreshing twist to the classic soup by incorporating lemon juice and zest. The citrusy notes cut through the richness of the ham and beans, creating a balanced and unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Follow the preparation steps for the classic recipe.
2. After adding the ham hock, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, stir in the lemon zest and juice.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, allowing the lemon flavor to infuse.
4. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice or zest if desired.
6. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of citrus.

Navy Bean Ham Soup with Wild Rice

This recipe takes the classic soup to new heights by adding wild rice, creating a heartier and more textured dish. The nuttiness of the wild rice complements the sweetness of the ham and beans, resulting in a satisfying and unique meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup wild rice, rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Follow the preparation steps for the classic recipe.
2. After adding the ham hock, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, stir in the rinsed wild rice.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, allowing the wild rice to become tender.
4. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

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            <h3>What type of ham should I use for these recipes?</h3>
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