Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of home quite like a rich, hearty bean soup. But when you introduce the smoky depth of a slow-cooked ham bone, you elevate comfort food to an entirely new level. This recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. It takes advantage of the slow cooker’s ability to gently coax flavor from humble ingredients, transforming a leftover ham bone into a velvety, deeply savory broth that is absolutely irresistible.

Forget the long hours standing over a stove. Once the simple preparation is complete, your Crockpot does all the heavy lifting. The result is a thick, protein-packed soup perfect for chilly evenings, meal prepping, or simply satisfying that deep craving for genuine, nourishing food. Whether you’re utilizing the remnants of a holiday ham or picking up a smoked ham hock specifically for this purpose, you are minutes away from creating a masterpiece of classic American cuisine. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a hands-off method for achieving deep, complex flavor that tastes like it cooked all day because it did!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

The magic of the slow cooker is undeniable, and when paired with the robust flavor potential of a ham bone, the results are spectacular. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a foolproof pathway to culinary satisfaction, ensuring a perfect pot of soup every time. There are several compelling reasons why this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup will become a permanent fixture in your rotation.

Unbeatable Depth of Flavor

The centerpiece of this dish, the smoked ham bone, provides a profound, smoky saltiness and rich collagen that cannot be replicated with just ham chunks or store-bought broth alone. As the ham bone simmers slowly for hours, it releases marrow and gelatin into the liquid. This process creates a broth that is inherently thicker and far more flavorful than any standard stock. The low, slow heat ensures maximum extraction of flavor compounds, resulting in a complex, umami-rich base that defines the dish.

The Definition of Hands-Off Cooking

Modern life demands efficiency, and the slow cooker delivers. After a brief 15-minute prep (which is optional if you choose to skip the sautéing step), you simply toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. You can load the ingredients before work and come home to a fully cooked, deeply fragrant, and comforting dinner. This convenience makes the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup an ideal solution for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you are entertaining but don’t want to be tied to the kitchen. The slow cooker method means no stirring, no constant temperature checks, and absolutely no risk of scorching the beans.

A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

This bean soup is incredibly economical. Dried beans are one of the most cost-effective sources of protein and fiber available. Furthermore, the recipe utilizes a component the ham bone that would otherwise be discarded after preparing a larger ham. This zero-waste approach means you are extracting every last bit of value and flavor from your ingredients. A single large ham bone and a bag of inexpensive dried beans yield a huge volume of highly nutritious, filling, and delicious food, making the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup perfect for feeding a crowd or providing multiple healthy meals throughout the week.

Perfect Consistency and Texture

Slow cooking is the best method for achieving perfectly tender beans. Unlike stovetop methods where beans can sometimes split or remain tough, the gentle heat of the slow cooker ensures that the beans cook evenly and reach a beautifully creamy texture. We also include a genius finishing step: mashing a portion of the beans at the end. This technique, without adding cream or flour, naturally thickens the soup, giving it that wonderfully hearty, rustic consistency that you expect from a classic ham and bean soup.

The combination of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and truly phenomenal flavor means this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is a recipe you will turn to again and again when you need nourishing, soul-satisfying comfort.

Why You Should Try This Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup Recipe Today

If you’ve hesitated about making bean soup from scratch, perhaps concerned about soaking times or achieving the right texture, the slow cooker dispels all those worries. This specific recipe method streamlines the process while maximizing the classic flavors of ham and beans. Trying this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup recipe offers several distinct advantages that elevate it beyond standard soup recipes.

No Pre-Soaking Required

One of the biggest hurdles in cooking dried beans is the traditional requirement for an overnight soak. While soaking does reduce cooking time and sometimes aids digestion, the slow cooker bypasses this step entirely. Because the beans are cooking for 8 to 10 hours at a gentle, consistent temperature, they have ample time to hydrate and soften completely without the need for pre-soaking. This makes the preparation spontaneous if you decide on a whim that you want soup for tomorrow, all you need to do is rinse the beans and toss them in with the ham bone.

Optimal Flavor Marriage

The careful selection of aromatic vegetables onion, carrots, and celery (the holy trinity known as mirepoix) combined with fresh garlic and classic herbs like thyme and bay leaf, provides a clean, earthy canvas for the smoky ham bone. We offer the optional step of sautéing these aromatics. While it’s an extra step, it’s worth noting that briefly sautéing the vegetables deepens their sweetness and locks in flavor before the long slow cook, ensuring the final soup broth is truly robust. This foundational flavor layer is key to achieving a truly remarkable Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.

The Secret Ingredient: Acid

Often overlooked in slow-cooked dishes, the inclusion of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the very end is a non-negotiable step for flavor complexity. Slow-cooked dishes, while deeply savory, can sometimes taste flat. A small amount of acid brightens the entire profile, cutting through the richness of the ham and elevating the earthy notes of the beans. It’s the final touch that transforms a good soup into a great one. This tip alone is reason enough to try this recipe!

Ideal for Utilizing Leftovers

This recipe is the ultimate solution for what to do with that large, meaty ham bone left over from a holiday feast (like Christmas or Easter). Instead of throwing away the bone, you harness all the remaining protein, fat, and bone marrow to create an entirely new, spectacular dish. Utilizing the ham bone for soup is a wonderful tradition of thrift and flavor maximization. This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides. For a truly hearty meal, serve a warm bowl of Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup alongside a batch of our creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread.

Whether you’re a slow cooker veteran or a novice cook, the simplicity and deep reward of this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup recipe make it an essential addition to your recipe file. It’s comforting, easy on the wallet, and undeniably delicious.

Essential Ingredients and Utensils for Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

Success in making a hearty, flavorful soup often comes down to the quality of a few foundational ingredients and the right tools. This Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup relies on simple pantry staples, but precise quantities and preparation matter when using a slow cooker for such a long duration. Pay close attention to the details of the ham bone and the liquid ratios to ensure your soup is perfectly cooked, tender, and seasoned.

The Core Ingredients

The beauty of bean soup lies in its simplicity, focusing on maximizing the natural flavor released by the ham bone and the foundational vegetables.

• 1 Large Smoked Ham Bone: This is the soul of the soup. Ensure it has some meat attached the more meat, the richer the yield. If you don’t have a large bone, you can substitute 2-3 smoked ham hocks or shanks. The smoked flavor is key for achieving that classic depth.
• 1 Pound Bag (about 2 cups) Dried Beans: You have flexibility here. A traditional 15-bean soup mix provides great texture and visual interest. Great Northern beans, navy beans, or pinto beans also work beautifully. Consistency is important, so stick to one type if using single-variety bags.
• 6 Cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium is critical. Since the smoked ham bone contributes significant salt throughout the cooking process, starting with low-sodium broth prevents the final dish from being over-salted.
• 2 Cups Water: Used to supplement the broth, ensuring the ingredients remain submerged without oversaturating the flavor profile too early.
• 1 Large Yellow Onion: Finely chopped. This provides the crucial aromatic base.
• 2 Medium Carrots: Peeled and diced. Carrots add sweetness and color, balancing the savory ham.
• 2 Stalks Celery: Diced. Along with onion and carrots, this completes the mirepoix, the essential flavor foundation.
• 4 Cloves Garlic: Minced. Garlic adds warmth and pungency, best added near the end of the optional sautéing step.

Key Seasonings and Finishing Touches

These herbs and spices are non-negotiable for that authentic, earthy bean soup flavor.

• 2 Whole Bay Leaves: These contribute a subtle, herbal background note. They must be removed before serving.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme: Thyme pairs exceptionally well with ham and beans, lending an earthy, slightly floral touch.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley: Used primarily for flavor reinforcement during cooking.
• ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper is highly recommended, as its aroma fades quickly when pre-ground.
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil (Optional): Used only if you choose to sauté the aromatics for deeper flavor complexity.
• Salt, to taste: Remember to Wait until the end! The ham bone will dictate the final saltiness.
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: This is the secret ingredient for brightness. Acid at the end is essential for balancing the rich, slow-cooked flavors of the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.

Necessary Kitchen Utensils and Tools

While the process is simple, having the right tools on hand ensures a seamless preparation and cooking experience for your Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.

Choosing high-quality ingredients and having your utensils organized sets the stage for a perfect batch of Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup. The combination of the smoky ham bone, the earthy legumes, and the slow, consistent heat of the Crockpot guarantees a deep, satisfying meal.

Detailed Recipe Steps: Creating the Perfect Ham Bone Bean Soup

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, proving that the most delicious comfort foods require time, not complex techniques. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is flavorful, tender, and perfectly seasoned.

Step 1: Preparation of Beans and Aromatics (The Flavor Foundation)

1. Rinsing the Beans

Before adding the beans to the slow cooker, inspection is paramount. Open the bag of dried beans and spread them out briefly on a baking sheet or counter. Look carefully for any small stones, debris, or visibly broken beans, and discard them. Once cleaned, place the beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cool running water. This removes any dust or residue that might cloud the broth. Remember: Because we are using the slow cooker, soaking overnight is not required, making this process incredibly simple and immediate.

2. Sautéing the Mirepoix (Optional, but Recommended for Maximum Flavor)

While you can simply toss the raw vegetables into the slow cooker, taking a few minutes to sauté the aromatics significantly enhances the final flavor of the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.

• Heat the tablespoon of olive oil (if using) in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped yellow onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these “hard” vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This caramelizes their natural sugars, locking in a deeper sweetness.
• Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Garlic burns easily, so only cook until it is fragrant about 30 to 60 seconds.
• Turn off the heat.

Step 2: Loading the Slow Cooker for the Long Cook

1. Layering the Ingredients

The layering process is straightforward in the slow cooker:

• Place the cleaned and rinsed dried beans directly into the basin of your large 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker.
• Add the sautéed aromatic vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, and garlic) over the beans. If you skipped the sautéing, simply add the raw chopped vegetables now.
• Nestle the large, smoked ham bone securely into the center of the beans and vegetables. Ensure it’s resting comfortably near the bottom to allow maximum flavor release into the liquid.

2. Adding the Liquid and Initial Seasoning

This is where the magic starts. Pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and the 2 cups of water. It is important to ensure all ingredients especially the beans are fully submerged in the liquid. If they aren’t, add a little more water (half a cup at a time) until everything is covered.

Now, add the seasonings: the two whole bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, and black pepper. Crucially, do not add any additional salt at this stage. The salt content of ham bones varies wildly, and adding extra salt now could result in an inedibly salty soup hours later.

Step 3: Seasoning and Initial Cooking

1. The Set-and-Forget Phase

Cover the slow cooker tightly with the lid. Choose your preferred cooking setting:

• Low Setting: Cook for 8 to 10 hours. This is the optimal time for the deepest flavor extraction from the ham bone and the creamiest bean texture.
• High Setting: Cook for 4 to 5 hours. Use this setting if you are short on time, but ensure the beans are fully tender before proceeding.

The goal is simple: cook until the beans are completely tender and soft. Test the beans by pressing one against the side of the pot; it should yield easily.

Step 4: Finishing the Soup and Perfecting the Texture

1. Removing the Bone and Shredding the Ham

Once the beans are tender, the soup is almost done! Carefully use sturdy tongs to remove the hot ham bone from the slow cooker. Place it on a cutting board and discard the two bay leaves from the pot. Allow the bone to cool for a few minutes until it is comfortable to handle.

Pick any remaining meat from the bone, shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Return the cooked, savory ham meat to the slow cooker. Discard the remaining bone, fat, and gristle.

2. Thickening and Adjusting Consistency

Check the thickness of your Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup. If you prefer a rustic, thicker texture, employ the “smash and stir” method:

• Scoop out about 1 cup of the cooked beans (or more, depending on preference).
• Use the back of a spoon to vigorously smash the beans against the side of the slow cooker pot, creating a thick paste. Stir this paste back into the soup.

Alternatively, use an immersion blender and briefly pulse the soup 2–3 times, taking care not to fully purée it. This step naturally thickens the broth without requiring flour or cornstarch, enhancing the hearty nature of the dish.

3. The Final Flavor Polish

Now is the time for final seasoning. Taste the soup. If it requires more salt (after the ham bone has contributed its flavor), add salt gradually. Finally, stir in the 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This small addition of acid cuts through the richness and brightens the entire flavor profile. Let the finished soup sit covered on the WARM setting for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully meld before serving.

For a fantastic, comforting side to this savory soup, consider preparing our simple yet decadent dessert or a batch of cheesy corn casserole.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations for the Best Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

While the standard recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is perfect as written, understanding a few key tricks and variations can help you tailor the dish to your specific taste, dietary needs, or available ingredients. These tips will ensure consistent success and allow you to get creative with your slow-cooked masterpiece.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soup Consistency

1. Controlling Salt: The ham bone is the primary source of salt. Always wait until the very end to taste and add additional salt. If your soup tastes a bit bland, don’t just add salt add the acid (vinegar or lemon juice) first, as it often fixes apparent blandness by enhancing existing flavors.
2. If the Soup is Too Thick: If the beans absorb too much liquid during the long cook, simply stir in an extra cup of hot broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.
3. If the Soup is Too Thin: Besides mashing the beans (Step 4, part 3), you can also scoop out about 1/4 cup of the soup liquid, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour until smooth, and stir the slurry back into the hot soup. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
4. Aromatic Boost: If you love a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika (about 1/2 teaspoon) alongside the other dried herbs.

Ingredient Alternatives and Dietary Variations

Swapping the Beans

This recipe is highly adaptable to different types of legumes. If you don’t have a mixed bean soup bag, try these alternatives:

• Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans: These classic choices create a very creamy, traditional soup texture and cook down beautifully.
• Pinto or Kidney Beans: These will hold their shape better and provide a firmer texture and a slightly earthier flavor.
• Pre-Soaked Beans: If you prefer to soak your beans overnight, reduce the slow cooking time on the LOW setting to 6–7 hours.

Ham Bone Alternatives (When You Don’t Have a Bone)

If you crave Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup but lack the bone, you can achieve a similar flavor profile:

• Smoked Ham Hocks or Shanks: These are widely available in grocery stores and provide excellent smoke flavor and collagen. Use 2 to 3 hocks instead of one large bone.
• Smoked Turkey Leg: For a slightly leaner option, a smoked turkey leg or wing works well, offering a deep, savory, smoky taste.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Variation: To make a hearty meatless bean soup, omit the ham bone entirely. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the depth of the ham bone. You can also add chopped root vegetables (like parsnips or sweet potatoes) for extra heartiness.

Making It Gluten-Free

Naturally, the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is gluten-free, provided you do not use flour in the thickening slurry. If you need to thicken the soup, stick to mashing the beans or using a cornstarch slurry, ensuring maximum flavor while maintaining strict gluten-free compliance.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serving this hearty soup requires minimal effort. It is fantastic paired with cornbread, crusty French bread, or a simple side salad. For more delicious comfort food inspiration, be sure to check out our collection of recipes on Pinterest: Recipes Amaya Pinterest.

Storage: The Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup stores wonderfully. Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. It also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. The soup often thickens significantly upon cooling, so you may need to stir in a splash of broth when reheating.

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and flexible. By following these simple tips, you can guarantee a perfect, flavorful bowl of Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup every single time.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Ham Bone Bean Soup

Far from being just a comforting indulgence, the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is a nutritional powerhouse. This dish provides excellent macroeconomic balance, delivering high fiber, significant protein, and essential micronutrients. It’s a meal that not only satisfies but actively contributes to a healthy diet, maximizing the benefits of legumes and the deep nutrition derived from slow-cooked bone broth.

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, based on 10 servings)

(Note: Nutritional values are approximations as they vary based on the specific type of ham bone used, especially its fat content.)

• Calories: Approximately 300–350 kcal
• Protein: 20–25 grams (High protein content comes from the beans and the ham meat)
• Fiber: 12–15 grams (Excellent source of dietary fiber)
• Fats: 8–12 grams (Primarily from the ham bone; much of the surface fat is skimmed or discarded)
• Carbohydrates: 40–50 grams (Complex carbohydrates derived from the legumes)

Health Benefits of Beans and Legumes

Beans are celebrated as a “superfood” for good reason. They are the star of the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup and provide massive health advantages:

1. Digestive Health: The high content of soluble and insoluble fiber promotes digestive regularity, aids in satiety, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy spikes and crashes.
2. Heart Health: Regular consumption of beans is associated with lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. The fiber binds to cholesterol and helps eliminate it from the body, supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.
3. Complete Nutrition: Beans are rich in essential micronutrients, including iron, folate (B9), magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Folate is especially important for cell division and red blood cell formation.
4. Sustained Energy: As a complex carbohydrate, beans are digested slowly, providing steady, sustained energy over many hours, making this soup an incredibly filling and satisfying meal.

The Power of Bone Broth and Slow Cooking

The slow cooking method used for the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is key to unlocking added nutritional benefits:

• Collagen and Gelatin: When the ham bone simmers for 8–10 hours, it releases collagen, which transforms into gelatin in the broth. Gelatin is beneficial for joint health, skin elasticity, and digestive lining integrity.
• Mineral Extraction: The long, gentle cooking process helps draw out minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, from the ham bone and marrow into the broth, making the soup highly nourishing.
• Low-Fat Option: By using a slow cooker and allowing the soup to cool slightly before serving (if time allows), you can easily skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface, resulting in a healthier final product without sacrificing any of the smoky flavor imparted by the ham.

In short, every spoonful of this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup delivers comforting flavors coupled with substantial protein and fiber, making it a delicious choice for health-conscious diners. It is the perfect marriage of flavor, convenience, and superior nutrition, easily enjoyed alongside a lighter side dish, like our creamy, dreamy pimento cheese spread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

Conclusion: The Reward of Making Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

There is immense satisfaction in transforming simple, humble ingredients into a deeply flavorful, nourishing meal. The Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is the epitome of comfort food alchemy taking a leftover component, the smoked ham bone, and turning it into the basis for a savory, hearty broth that permeates every single bean and aromatic vegetable. This recipe promises not only ease through the hands-off slow cooking process but also delivers a complex depth of flavor that tastes like hours of careful attention.

We’ve established that the slow cooker method is superior for beans, eliminating the need for soaking and ensuring an even, tender texture every time. We also highlighted the essential finishing steps the secret addition of acid and the technique of mashing a portion of the beans that elevate this soup from good to truly exceptional. This is more than just a soup; it’s a robust, protein-packed, and budget-friendly meal that easily feeds the whole family.

Whether you’re battling a cold winter chill, looking for the perfect meal prep solution, or simply craving the deep satisfaction of classic comfort, the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is your answer. Give this recipe a try and experience the wonderful aroma and flavor that fills your kitchen all day long. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread or perhaps something sweet, like our easy, moist corn casserole, to complete the perfect comforting feast.

We encourage you to share your results! Did you use a 15-bean mix or Great Northern beans? What was your favorite variation? Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who need a little bit of slow-cooked comfort in their lives. Happy cooking!

Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

A comforting and hearty soup utilizing a smoked ham bone to infuse dried beans with deep, savory flavor. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that requires minimal hands-on time.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 large Smoked ham bone with some meat attached is ideal
• 1 pound bag Dried mixed beans 15-bean soup mix, or Great Northern beans (about 2 cups)

Liquids and Aromatics

• 6 cups Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups Water
• 1 large Yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 medium Carrots peeled and diced
• 2 stalks Celery diced
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (optional, for sautéing aromatics)

Seasoning and Finishing

• 2 whole Bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground is preferred
• to taste Salt Wait until the end, as the ham bone is salty
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for finishing

Equipment

• 6-quart Slow Cooker
• Large Skillet (Optional)
• Cutting Board and Tongs

Method

 

Step 1: Preparation of Beans and Aromatics

1. Inspect the dried beans carefully, removing any debris, stones, or broken beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cool running water using a colander. (Rinsing is essential, though soaking is usually not required for slow cooker cooking.)
2. Optional Flavor Boost: If you choose to maximize flavor, heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking until fragrant. If skipping, simply use raw vegetables.

Step 2: Loading the Slow Cooker

1. Place the cleaned and rinsed dried beans directly into the basin of a large 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker.
2. Add the sautéed aromatic vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, and garlic), or simply add the raw chopped vegetables if you skipped the sautéing step.
3. Nestle the large smoked ham bone into the center of the beans and vegetables. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and the 2 cups of water. Ensure all ingredients are submerged; if not, add a little more water until everything is covered by liquid.

Step 3: Cooking and Seasoning

1. Add the seasonings: the two bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, and black pepper. Do not add additional salt at this stage.
2. Cover the slow cooker tightly with the lid. Cook the soup on the LOW setting for 8 to 10 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until the beans are completely tender and soft.

Step 4: Finishing the Soup

1. Once the cooking time is complete and the beans are tender, carefully remove the ham bone from the slow cooker using tongs. Place the bone on a cutting board to cool slightly. Discard the bay leaves.
2. Allow the ham bone to cool for a few minutes. Pick any remaining meat from the bone, shred it or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return the cooked ham meat to the slow cooker. Discard the remaining bone and any fat or gristle.
3. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can smash about 1 cup of the cooked beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon, or briefly use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup. Stir well.
4. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings. Because the ham bone can vary greatly in saltiness, this is the time to add salt, if necessary. Add the 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
5. Stir the finished soup well and let it sit covered on the WARM setting for 15 minutes before serving to allow the final flavors to meld. Serve hot.

Notes

For a richer broth, substitute beef broth for chicken broth. This soup freezes exceptionally well; cool completely and transfer to airtight containers, leaving headspace. It will keep for up to 3 months.