Crockpot Navy Bean and Ham Soup

There’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. This crockpot navy bean soup recipe is the perfect comfort food for those winter days. If you need an easy crockpot navy bean and ham soup for beginners, this recipe is a go-to meal.

Navy beans and ham are both filling and delicious, making this an excellent option for a weeknight dinner. During the week when you’re busy, reheat this simple crockpot navy bean and ham soup meal for a delicious lunch. The simplicity of this soup is the best part, since this family friendly crockpot navy bean and ham soup can be put together quickly if you’re busy.

It’s easy to make, and it’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Best of all, this soup is packed with protein and fiber, so it’s good for you too!

If you love warm and hearty soup, this navy bean soup recipe is for you! Made in the slow cooker, it’s an easy weeknight meal that your whole family will love.

Whether you are looking for something to warm your belly or just want a delicious and healthy meal, this crockpot navy bean soup will do the trick. Be sure to give it a try!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple ingredients you’ll have on hand
• A crowd pleaser for kids and adults
• Very filling when you’re hungry!
• Makes great leftovers

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Navy beans: Gives the meal its name, but swap out for other beans (white beans, pinto, etc) if preferred.

Smoked ham bone: Adds a smoky, meaty flavor. Chicken can be substituted as needed.

Water: Want more nutrients? Try broth.

Minced garlic and pepper: Feel free to try other spices as desired, such as salt and onion powder.

Ingredients:

• Navy beans washed and any bad beans picked out
• Smoked ham bone
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Minced garlic
• Pepper
• Bay leaves
• Water

How to Make It

Wash and inspect the navy beans ahead of time to get rid of bad beans. If you’re starting from dried beans, hydrate them the night before following instructions on the package. For a thicker, stew-like soup, consider adding sifted flour to the mix.

Carrots and onions need a long time to cook before they’re soft enough to eat, and of course the meat needs time to cook as well. For best results in the slow cooker, put the recipe on early in the day and allow it to cook all day long. To ensure the veggies are fully cooked, try piercing them with a fork or knife to check for softness. The onions will appear translucent when finished.

Step 1. Place 1 lb. of navy beans washed and any bad beans picked out into the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 2. Then, add ¾ cup of chopped carrots.

Step 3. Then, add 2 stalks of chopped celery.

Step 4. Then, add 1 onion chopped.

Step 5. Then, pour 4-5 cups of water.

Step 6. Then, add ½ tsp of pepper.

Step 7. Then, add 2 Tbsp of minced garlic.

Step 8. Lastly, add 1 large smoked ham bone.

Step 9. Set the heat to low and cook for 6-8 hours.

Step 10. Remove the ham bone and shred the meat.

Step 11. Add the ham meat back to the Crockpot.

Step 12. Mix and serve.

Serve warm!

Tips for Success

Check the spices at the end and adjust to taste.

Storage & Reheating

Store food in a sealed container for up to four days in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave in individual portions or put in a pot on the stove, simmer for a few minutes until the food is cooked all the way through. You can also freeze individual portions for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as instructed above.

Serving Suggestions

A slice of crusty bread is always good with any type of soup. You could make a pan of cornbread for an even more filling meal.

FAQs

Why is this called navy bean soup? The beans were a staple for the US Navy when they were on long deployments. The beans could be added to other vegetables and turned into a filling and healthy soup.

Can I use dry beans instead of buying canned beans?

Definitely! Be sure to rinse and soak the beans overnight, this will allow them to cook faster.

How do I add more flavor to the soup?

When you add in the ham, that will add more flavor. However, you could add ham hocks at the beginning and let them cook the entire time. Right before serving, remove the hocks and remove all the meat from the bone. Stir meat back into the soup and that should be a great flavor. Otherwise, be sure to add in celery, onions, and carrots.

What should I serve with this soup?

A slice of crusty bread is always good with any type of soup. You could make a pan of cornbread for an even more filling meal.

What if my beans did not cook all the way?

You can add more water to the crockpot and let them cook longer. The next time, soaking the beans overnight will help them cook faster.

Can I freeze the soup?

You can freeze the soup. However, remember there may be a slight difference in the texture and the flavor may not be the same once it thaws.

How do I make this smoother or creamier?

Use more water when cooking the soup. Be sure to soak the beans overnight which helps them to cook faster.  You could blend the soup to make it creamier, or use an immersion blender to blend even part of the soup.

Notes

This healthy crockpot navy bean and ham soup version is the best crockpot navy bean and ham soup recipe because of its simplicity and excellent flavor. It’s the best option for a busy weekday, and it also brings to mind a lot of great memories of meals from childhood.

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Other Delicious Crockpot Meals To Try

Crockpot Pepper Steak – It has quickly become one of my go-to steak recipes because it is so amazing!

Crockpot Lasagna – A delicious slow cooker meal with the best sauce ever.

Garlic Roasted Chicken in a Crockpot – It will fill your table with unique flavor and textures.