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Fail Proof Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup: Ultimate Comfort Food

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Crock Pot Ham & Beans

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This easy crock pot ham and bean soup is fail proof! Your family will beg for this delicious comfort food.

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The first time I tried to make my own beans, I failed.

No…it was actually a major fail.

They stuck to the bottom of the pot.

The house smelled awful for DAYS.  It was not a fun experience.

So when I mentioned trying it again, my Hubby wasn’t enthusiastic.

I could see his point.  The stench of burned beans isn’t exactly a “welcome home” scent.

But this recipe for easy crock pot ham and bean soup was the perfect way to change his mind.

After trying it just one time, I swore I would never make beans any other way again.

And my family…even the little ones, request this comfort food whenever the weather turns cold.

The Easiest Way To Make Ham and Beans

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Like all of my favorite recipes, this meal is:

  • Flexible. You just need one small bag. I like to use small red beans.  We also enjoy a bag of mixed soup beans for some variety.
  • Frugal.  It’s my favorite way to use leftover ham.  Use as little as a ham bone (and once people find out you’ll use it, they’ll offer you theirs for free!).  Or use more if you had leftovers from a ham meal.
  • Simple seasonings.  The dollar store garlic powder, onion flakes, and Italian seasoning is enough to give this soup a punch of flavor.
  • Fail proof.  The hardest part of this recipe is remembering to start it the night before, so set an alarm on your phone.

The night before you should put your dried beans in the crock pot.

Crock Pot Ham and Beans

As you pour the beans in, check for any “less than perfect” beans and “not even beans” items like small rocks. (I don’t usually find much, but it’s worth a look).

Cover the beans with 7 cups of water, put on your lid, and leave it on the counter.  Do not turn on your Crock Pot.

We especially enjoy Ham and Beans with a side of this World’s Best Honey Cornbread (which, FYI, really is the world’s best).

Easy Crock Pot Ham and Beans Recipe

Crock Pot Ham and Beans
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Easy Crock Pot Ham and Beans

Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword Comfort Food
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 8 hours
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  • 2 c dried beans I prefer small red beans or the 16 bean mix.
  • 7 c water
  • 1 c cubed ham Or use a ham bone for a richer flavor.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion flakes
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. The night before, check your beans for small rocks and imperfections. (I rarely find any.)

  2. Pour beans into your crock pot and pour the water over them. Cover and leave unplugged overnight. (We are only soaking the beans, not cooking them.)

  3. The next morning, pour the water off of your beans. They should have increased in size quite a bit.

  4. Sprinkle seasonings over beans. Add your hambone and/or cubed ham. Feel free to use more or less ham to your taste.

  5. Pour another 7 cups of water over the ham and beans.

  6. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours. Enjoy!

 

Now that I use this crock pot method for ham and beans, there’s no more stinky bean days around here!

What is your family’s favorite comfort food?
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Need to learn how to cook dried beans in the crock pot or slow cooker? This ham and beans recipe is the perfect recipe for beginners. Use those bags of dried beans with this delicious but easy recipe.

12 Comments

  1. Julie on October 28, 2015 at 6:21 pm

    This looks delicious! I love making soups when it gets cold outside. They taste better each day as the flavors meld, too.

    • Jamie Jeffers on October 29, 2015 at 10:05 am

      You are so right about that! I’m going to have to make 2 crock pots of it so we have some leftovers. 🙂

  2. Debbie on October 30, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    Hi Jamie, We love ham and beans. It’s a favorite southern recipe my mom cooked when I was growing up. Nothing like a pot of beans on the boil!
    Thanks for sharing your recipe with FGF!
    Have a great weekend!
    Deb

  3. Kyle Suzanne on October 31, 2015 at 10:28 pm

    We eat beans and rice every week. I modify it slightly each week and I think I’l work this one into the rotation because I do not have a recipe that involves Italian Seasoning. Thanks for linking up with Frugal Friday this week!
    Blessings
    Kyle

  4. Chelc | Inside the Fox Den on November 3, 2015 at 2:30 pm

    I’ve been looking for new crock pot recipes! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday, hope to see you again next week!

  5. JES on November 4, 2015 at 5:23 am

    We will probably make this with our beef bones. Thank you for sharing this easy crock pot recipe on the Art of Home-Making Mondays! 🙂

    • Jamie Jeffers on November 4, 2015 at 9:29 am

      That’s a great idea! I have some beef soup bones I could be using up myself. I will have to try it, too.

  6. Bonnie V on November 6, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    I love ham & beans. I’ve also used ham hocks. I hadn’t thought of using Italian seasoning. I’ll have to try it next time.

    Stopping by from the Homestead Blog Hop.

  7. April J Harris on November 7, 2015 at 4:34 am

    Thank you for sharing this excellent tutorial and recipe at the Hearth and Soul Hop, Jamie. Your Crock Pot Ham and Beans look so delicious, healthy and comforting. Stumbled and shared 🙂

  8. Shirley Wood on November 7, 2015 at 9:25 am

    This is a favorite dish at our house! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday. We hope you will party with us again starting Sunday night.