Ham and Bean Soup

This hearty ham and bean soup is a perfect recipe for the Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, or Stove Top. It's made with navy beans and delicious bites of ham and carrots in a thick and flavorful broth!

📝 Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cups ham (diced. (equal to two 8 oz. ham steaks.))
• 2 cups carrots (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 ham bone (see notes for alternatives)
• 1 lb. dried Navy beans (rinsed)
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs thyme

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Stove Top ---
2. 2Rinse the beans under cold water.
3. 3Heat the olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat and add the onions.
4. 4Cook for 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
5. 5Add the carrots, diced ham and the garlic and cook for 1 minute. (PRO Tip: You may also add the carrots during the last 40-45 minutes of cooking for a firmer consistency.)
6. 6Add the chicken broth, water, ham bone, navy beans, onion powder, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
7. 7Simmer with the lid partially cracked for 3+ hours, or until it's thickened to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will become and the softer the beans will get. Stir occasionally as the beans will settle to the bottom of the pot.
8. 8Remove the ham bone/hock, the bay leaf, and thyme stems. Serve and enjoy!
9. 9*Add a little additional water or broth if the soup ends up thicker than you’d like.
10. 10--- Slow Cooker ---
11. 11Note: Crock Pots can vary greatly in terms of heat. Refrain from opening the lid during cooking to ensure the beans have enough heat to cook down in a sufficient amount of time. Note that high altitudes also require more cooking time.
12. 12Rinse the beans under cold water. Add all of the ingredients to a large slow cooker (5 quarts or larger).
13. 13Cook on high for 6+ hours. It's ready to serve once the beans are tender and the soup is thickened to your desired consistency.
14. 14Remove the ham bone/hock, the bay leaf, and thyme stems and serve!
15. 15--- Instant Pot ---
16. 16Rinse the beans under cold water.
17. 17Add the olive oil and butter to the Instant Pot and hit the “Sautee” button. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
18. 18Add the diced ham and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
19. 19Add the remaining ingredients and secure the lid.
20. 20Press the ‘cancel’ button, followed by the ‘Pressure Cook’ button.
21. 21Set the timer to 45 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to get up to pressure.
22. 22Once finished, let 10 minutes pass before you trigger the quick release valve. This will allow most of the pressure to release naturally, allowing the soup to cook a little bit longer.
23. 23Remove the ham bone/hock, the bay leaf, and thyme stems and serve!