Navy Bean Soup with Ham Hock – Hearty Crockpot Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Navy Bean Soup with Ham Hock to bring the family together. I remember one chilly evening when my son, Jake, came home from school and declared that he was starving. Little did he know, I had a pot of this hearty soup simmering in the crockpot, filling the house with a cozy aroma that made him smile instantly.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare.
• The flavors deepen as it cooks, making it even better the next day.
• It’s budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Pure Comfort

This Navy Bean Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The tender beans, smoky ham hock, and fresh vegetables come together to create a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham.

What You Need

• 1 lb 1 lb navy beans – Soaked overnight for best results.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness to the soup.
• 2 2 carrots, diced – For added color and flavor.
• 2 2 celery stalks, diced – Enhances the soup’s aroma.
• 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – For a fragrant base.
• 1 1 ham hock – Provides a smoky flavor; can substitute with diced ham.
• 6 cups 6 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme – Adds herbal notes.
• 1 1 bay leaf – Enhances the overall flavor.
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Season as desired.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 8 hours | Total: 8 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by soaking the navy beans overnight in plenty of water. This helps soften them and reduces cooking time. Rinse and drain them before using.
2. In your crockpot, combine the soaked navy beans, diced onion, carrots, and celery. The vibrant colors will make your kitchen feel welcoming and cozy.
3. Add the minced garlic and ham hock to the pot. Stir everything together, and let the aroma of garlic fill the air as you prepare for the next step.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is submerged. The broth will bubble and simmer, creating a delicious base for your soup.
5. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and toss in the bay leaf. These ingredients will infuse the soup with flavor as it cooks throughout the day.
6. Cover the crockpot and set it to low for about 8 hours. The beans will become tender and the ham hock will release its smoky goodness into the soup.
7. Once cooked, remove the ham hock and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat from the bone and return it to the soup, stirring well to combine.
8. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish you can’t resist.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your family!

Make It Perfect

• For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
• If you don’t have a ham hock, diced ham or even bacon can work well.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or greens for extra nutrition.
• This soup is perfect for freezing; just leave out the salt until reheating.

Mix It Up

• Add diced potatoes for a heartier texture.
• Incorporate kale or spinach for added greens.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Navy Bean Soup with Ham Hock is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a homemade soup recipe that your family will love. So, gather everyone around and enjoy a hearty bowl of goodness!

Navy Bean Soup with Ham Hock Hearty Crockpot Recipe

This Navy Bean Soup with Ham Hock is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal featuring tender navy beans, smoky ham hock, and fresh vegetables simmered in chicken broth. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 8 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Soup

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Crockpot

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb navy beans soaked overnight for best results
• 1 large yellow onion diced, adds sweetness to the soup
• 2 carrots diced, for added color and flavor
• 2 stalks celery diced, enhances the soup’s aroma
• 3 cloves garlic minced, for a fragrant base
• 1 ham hock provides smoky flavor; can substitute with diced ham
• 6 cups chicken broth use low-sodium for healthier option
• 1 tsp dried thyme adds herbal notes
• 1 bay leaf enhances overall flavor
• to taste salt and pepper season as desired

Instructions

 

• Soak the navy beans overnight in plenty of water, then rinse and drain before use.
• Combine soaked navy beans, diced onion, carrots, and celery in the crockpot.
• Add minced garlic and ham hock to the pot and stir to combine.
• Pour in chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
• Add dried thyme and bay leaf to the crockpot.
• Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours until beans are tender and flavors meld.
• Remove ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well.
• Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Keyword Comfort Food, crockpot, Ham Hock, Navy Beans, One-Pot Meal