Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Slow Cooker Grandma’s Ham and Bean Soup Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Grandma's Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups diced ham; 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked; 2 cups diced carrots; 1 cup diced onion; 1 tsp dried thyme; 8 cups chicken broth

By Clara Weller · Oct 10, 2026

A top-down view of a black slow cooker filled with ham, beans, carrots, and onions, ready to be cooked.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 8 h
Total: 8 h 15 min
Serves: 6

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a bay leaf during the slow cooking process, removing it before serving. The bay leaf adds a subtle, herbal complexity that complements the thyme and the savory ham.

If the soup appears too thin at the end, you can mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the slow cooker to naturally thicken the broth without adding any flour or starch.

If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can reserve a small portion of the diced vegetables and add them halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that some of the carrots and onions retain a slight bite, providing contrast to the creamy, soft beans.

Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind that the ham may already contribute a significant amount of salt.

Variations

Smoky Ham and Bean Soup: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke during the seasoning phase to impart a deep, wood-fired flavor that perfectly complements the ham and beans.
Vegetable-Rich Version: Include diced celery and leeks along with the carrots and onions to add more depth and complexity to the aromatic base of the soup.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool for no more than 2 hours before moving it to the refrigerator.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top as the liquid will expand during the freezing process.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. Add a little broth if the soup is too thick.

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. As the soup sits, the beans will continue to absorb the liquid, so you may notice it thickens considerably. This is normal and can be adjusted by adding a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring it back to the desired consistency.

This soup is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Simply prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve. It is a convenient option for meal planning throughout the week.

Serving ideas

Serve the soup hot in shallow bowls to showcase the hearty ingredients. A side of crusty bread or warm cornbread is a classic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the flavorful, creamy broth.

The contrast between the soft beans and the slightly chewy ham makes every bite satisfying and complete on its own without the need for additional complex sides.

For a fresh finish, you can top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light garnish of fresh thyme leaves. This adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the soup. A small dash of hot sauce can also be served on the side for those who enjoy a hint of heat with their comfort food.

Frequently asked questions

Can dried beans be replaced with canned beans?

Canned beans are already cooked and will become mushy if cooked for 8 hours. If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly and add them during the final hour of cooking just to heat them through.

Why is the soup too thick?

The beans continue to absorb liquid and release starch as they cook. If the soup becomes too thick, simply stir in additional chicken broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.

Can this be made on the stovetop?

Yes, the soup can be simmered on the stovetop. Use a large pot, cover it, and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. This will take significantly less time than the slow cooker.

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Grandma's Ham and Bean Soup

Prep 15 minCook 8 hTotal 8 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

2 cups diced ham
1 lb dried navy beans, soaked
2 cups diced carrots
1 cup diced onion
1 tsp dried thyme
8 cups chicken broth

Instructions

Place the diced ham into the bottom of the slow cooker basin. Layer the soaked navy beans, diced carrots, and diced onions on top of the ham to ensure even cooking.
Sprinkle the dried thyme evenly over the vegetable and bean mixture. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients until they are fully submerged. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low heat for 8 hours.
Once the cooking time is complete, stir the soup gently to combine the thickened broth with the softened beans and ham. Check that the beans are tender. Serve hot in individual bowls.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 320
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 12 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.