There is nothing quite like the deeply savory, incredibly comforting aroma of a perfectly slow-cooked bean soup filling your home. This recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is the definition of effortless luxury. Utilizing the rich flavor locked inside a smoked ham bone (often the leftover backbone of a holiday ham or a readily available ham hock), we transform humble dried beans and basic vegetables into a magnificent meal. Say goodbye to complicated soaking procedures and constant stovetop monitoring the slow cooker does 99% of the heavy lifting. This is the simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying soup your winter evenings have been waiting for.
If you love classic, budget-friendly comfort food, this is the recipe for you. It yields a thick, creamy, and wonderfully smoky bowl of goodness that easily feeds a crowd and freezes beautifully for future enjoyment. We’ll walk through every step, ensuring your beans are tender, your broth is flavorful, and your journey to making the best homemade ham and bean soup is completely stress-free.
Recipe Snapshot
| Detail | Value |
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| Servings: | 6 to 8 |
The key to achieving the robust, deep flavor in this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is the long, slow simmer, allowing the bone marrow and residual ham fat to infuse the beans and broth completely.
Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
In a world of fast food and instant gratification, sometimes what we truly crave is patience embodied in a meal. This Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup isn’t just food; it’s an experience the promise of a cozy, flavorful dinner requiring minimal effort upfront. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household, cementing its place in your weekly rotation of simple, savory meals.
Effortless Preparation: The Magic of the Crockpot
The number one reason this recipe is beloved? Its simplicity. We call it “easy” for a reason. Unlike traditional stovetop bean soups that demand lengthy pre-soaking and constant attention to prevent scorching, this crockpot bean soup requires only 15 minutes of chopping and assembling. Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, you literally walk away. The slow, steady heat of the crockpot ensures the beans cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly creamy texture without turning to mush. This ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ nature makes it the ideal weeknight meal or a perfect project for a busy weekend where you want comfort food without the kitchen commitment.
Unbeatable Depth of Flavor Using the Ham Bone
A simple ham bone or ham hock is the culinary secret weapon here. It provides a savory, smoky richness that plain ham chunks simply cannot replicate. As the soup simmers for hours, the bone releases gelatin, marrow, and salt, transforming the broth into a deeply complex liquid gold. This essential step is what moves the soup from “good” to absolutely “great.” We focus on natural flavor extraction, which means we don’t need excessive artificial seasonings. This slow cooker ham and bean soup tastes authentically homemade, with a smoky undertone that satisfies the soul.
A Budget-Friendly Masterpiece
If you’re looking for cheap comfort food that doesn’t compromise on quality or flavor, look no further. Beans are notoriously inexpensive, and utilizing a leftover ham bone or a few inexpensive ham hocks is the perfect way to stretch your budget. You are turning ingredients that might otherwise be discarded into a full, nutritious, and filling meal for 6 to 8 people. This Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup proves that the best meals are often the most economical.
The Perfect Texture: No Mushy Beans Here
By skipping the pre-soak and relying on the long, gentle heat of the slow cooker, we achieve perfectly tender beans. Great Northern or navy beans retain their shape while becoming exquisitely creamy inside, helping to naturally thicken the soup base. The resulting consistency is hearty less like a thin broth and more like a thick, savory stew that sticks to your ribs. When you return the shredded ham back to the pot, you get satisfying texture in every spoonful, making this truly the ultimate comfort meal.
This method ensures the maximum flavor penetration, making every bite of this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup a testament to patience and simplicity. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together, smells amazing, and warms you from the inside out.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today: Comfort, Health, and Convenience
Beyond its delicious taste and straightforward method, incorporating the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup into your cooking repertoire offers significant benefits related to health, convenience, and meal planning. This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a smart culinary choice that delivers maximum return for minimum investment.
A Nutritional Powerhouse: High in Fiber and Protein
Beans, the foundation of this slow cooker comfort food, are superstars in the nutrition world. They are packed with plant-based protein and an impressive amount of dietary fiber. The fiber content not only aids in digestion but also helps you feel fuller longer, making this soup incredibly satiating. Combined with the lean protein from the shredded ham and the vitamins found in the carrots and celery, you have a well-rounded meal that supports a healthy diet. This bean soup proves that comfort food can be incredibly good for you.
The Ultimate Meal Prep Champion
If you’re a fan of meal prepping, this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is your new best friend. It cooks in huge batches (6 to 8 servings), holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days, and freezes perfectly. Making a big batch on Sunday means you have nourishing, ready-to-eat lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Because the flavors deepen overnight, the leftovers often taste even better than the initial serving! This reliability is a huge boon for busy professionals and families looking to save time and avoid unhealthy takeout.
No Soaking Required: The Slow Cooker Advantage
Many traditional bean recipes require an overnight soak, demanding foresight and planning. Our slow cooker ham bone recipe completely eliminates this step. The prolonged cooking time in the moist, controlled heat of the slow cooker naturally hydrates and softens the beans just as effectively as an overnight soak. This convenience factor dramatically lowers the barrier to entry, allowing you to decide to make this hearty bean soup on a whim, even if you forgot to plan ahead.
Want another easy, hearty meal that minimizes clean-up? Check out this recipe for Creamy Lasagna Soup, another favorite for effortless weeknight cooking!
Versatility and Customization
While the classic recipe is perfect as written, this soup is highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the thickness by mashing a portion of the beans at the end, or you can amp up the spice with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. The sturdy base of the ham bone and beans allows for endless creative license, from adding different types of vegetables (like potatoes or parsnips) to swapping out the herb profile. It’s a foundational recipe that encourages personalization.
For those who love deep, rich flavors combined with ultimate convenience, trying this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is a must. It’s the perfect antidote to a cold day and an excellent use of simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients and Utensils: Essential Components for Your Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup
A recipe this simple relies heavily on the quality and preparation of a few key ingredients. We’ll break down exactly what you need and why each component is crucial to achieving that perfect, comforting bowl of ham and bean soup.
The Heart of the Soup: Protein and Legumes
1. The Ham Bone (Flavor Base)
- 1 large smoked ham bone (or 1 pound ham hocks): This is non-negotiable for flavor. A bone from a spiral-cut ham or a package of smoked ham hocks works perfectly. The smoky flavor and gelatinous structure from the bone infuse into the liquid over hours, creating the signature rich broth of this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup. If using ham hocks, ensure they are smoked for maximum flavor.
2. The Beans (Body and Texture)
- 1 pound dried Great Northern beans or navy beans: These beans are ideal because they hold their shape well while cooking, yet they become incredibly creamy and soft.
- Preparation Note: Always rinse the beans thoroughly and pick them over. This means spreading them on a tray or cutting board and removing any small stones, broken pieces, or debris that may have gotten mixed in during harvesting or packaging.
3. The Liquid (The Vehicle for Flavor)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water, or a combination): While water works, using low-sodium chicken broth adds another layer of depth right from the start. We recommend low-sodium because the ham bone will release a significant amount of salt during cooking. Starting low allows you to control the final salinity perfectly.
Aromatics and Vegetables: The Building Blocks
The “Mirepoix” (the classic French combination of onion, carrot, and celery) provides a foundational sweetness and savory base that complements the smoky ham and creamy beans.
4. The Holy Trinity of Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds savory sweetness.
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced: Provides color, sweetness, and important nutritional value.
- 3 celery stalks, diced: Essential for that classic soup flavor and crunch.
- Tip for Consistency: Dice these vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they soften consistently over the long cooking time.
5. Garlic and Herbs (The Seasoning Layers)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides warmth and depth.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Thyme is a classic partner for both pork and beans, lending a subtle, earthy, and aromatic note.
- 2 bay leaves: These are crucial for enhancing the overall savory profile. Remember to remove them before serving!
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for the best potency.
6. Finishing Touches
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Crucially, this is added at the end. Always adjust the salt after removing the ham bone, as the bone’s salinity varies greatly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the heavy, savory soup right before serving.
Necessary Utensils for Slow Cooker Success
While this recipe is simple, having the right tools makes the preparation effortless. These items ensure your Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup cooks perfectly and safely:
- 6-quart or 7-quart Slow Cooker (Crockpot): The star of the show! A large size is necessary to comfortably fit 8 cups of liquid, the ham bone, and all the vegetables without overflow.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Essential for quickly dicing the onions, carrots, and celery.
- Colander: Used for rinsing the beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Tongs: Absolutely necessary for safely removing the hot ham bone and bay leaves from the slow cooker once the soup is finished cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate liquid and spice measurements.
Utilizing your slow cooker for hearty soups is truly a game-changer. If you love the ease of the crockpot, you might also enjoy making a batch of Crockpot Potato Soup.
By gathering these simple components, you are well on your way to creating an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the complexity of the flavor achieved through the slow cooking process.
Detailed Recipe Steps: Cooking Your Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup
The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredibly forgiving nature. Follow these steps precisely, and you will achieve a hearty, flavorful bean soup every time. Remember, the slow cooker is your partner in patience!
Step 1: Prepare and Cleanse the Ingredients
Preparation is the only hands-on part of making this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.
- Bean Prep: Take the 1 pound of dried beans (Great Northern or Navy). Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water in a colander. This rinsing step is crucial for cleanliness. Spread them out and pick out any small debris or rocks. Do not worry about soaking them; the 8-hour slow cooker time handles that process naturally and more effectively, resulting in fewer split beans.
- Vegetable Prep: Dice the large yellow onion, carrots, and celery into uniform, small pieces roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. Consistency ensures they soften at the same rate. Mince the 4 cloves of garlic.
Practical Tip: Preparing all your vegetables first (mise en place) makes the assembly process fast and smooth. This step should take no more than 15 minutes total.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker: The Layering Technique
Proper layering ensures the maximum flavor transfer during cooking.
- Place the Ham Bone: Position the smoked ham bone (or 1 pound of ham hocks) directly on the bottom of your 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker. This allows the heat to hit the bone first, starting the infusion process immediately.
- Add the Solids: Carefully add the rinsed beans over the bone. Top the beans with the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Distribute them evenly across the pot.
Cooking Trick: Placing the dense bone at the bottom helps generate heat and flavor from the base up. Ensure the ingredients are well-distributed so the liquid can circulate efficiently.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasoning: Mind the Salt
This stage is where we initiate the transformation into a savory soup.
- Pour the Broth: Gently pour the 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or water) over all the ingredients. It is vital that the beans are fully submerged, ideally by at least an inch of liquid. If your slow cooker is very wide, you might need an extra half cup of broth to ensure full coverage.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle in the 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, the 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and drop in the 2 bay leaves.
- Salt Control: Crucially, DO NOT add the main portion of the salt yet. The ham bone is highly salted and will release its sodium content slowly. Adding salt now could result in an unpalatably salty finished soup. We adjust the salinity in the final step.
Step 4: Cook the Soup: The Patient Wait
Secure the lid tightly on the slow cooker. Ensure the lid vent, if present, is clear.
- Low and Slow (Recommended): Cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours. This is the optimal setting, as the gentle heat ensures the beans cook through without splitting and allows the deepest flavor extraction from the ham bone.
- High Speed Option: Cook on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. If you are short on time, this works, but monitor the liquid level, as the higher heat can cause more rapid evaporation.
- Readiness Check: The soup is complete when the beans are completely tender and soft when tasted, and the meat on the ham bone is easily falling apart.
Step 5: Finish the Soup: Shredding and Thickening
Once cooking is complete, it’s time to incorporate the final, flavorful ham pieces.
- Remove Solids: Carefully use tongs to remove the ham bone and the bay leaves from the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaves immediately. Place the bone on a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Shred the Meat: Once cool enough to handle (about 5-10 minutes), shred any usable pieces of meat off the bone. Look for lean, tender ham pieces. Discard the bone and any large chunks of fat or skin.
- Thicken (Optional but Recommended): For a thicker soup, you can scoop out about 1 cup of the beans and liquid, mash them with a fork or use an immersion blender to quickly purée them, and then return the purée to the soup.
Step 6: Serve and Adjust: The Final Touches
This last step is critical for balancing the flavor of your Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.
- Return the Ham: Return the shredded ham meat back into the slow cooker and stir well to distribute the protein.
- Taste and Season: Taste the soup. Now is the time to add the initial 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more, as needed, until the flavor pops. If the soup is too thick (sometimes the beans absorb a lot of liquid), add a small amount of extra water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serving: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread.
This detailed process ensures that your Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is perfectly cooked, seasoned, and ready to be enjoyed.
Tips, Variations, and Common Mistakes for the Best Ham Bone Bean Soup
While the core recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is incredibly straightforward, mastering it involves a few expert tips and knowing how to adapt it to dietary needs or preferences. These suggestions will help you elevate your soup and troubleshoot common issues.
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor and Consistency
- Sauté the Aromatics (Optional Boost): While this is an “easy” recipe designed for minimal fuss, if you have an extra 5 minutes, lightly sautéing the diced onion, carrots, and celery in a little butter or olive oil on the stovetop before adding them to the slow cooker can deepen their flavor significantly. This process, called blooming, enhances the overall complexity of the soup.
- Achieve Creaminess Without Cream: If you prefer a very thick soup, use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker and purée about one-third of the soup after removing the bone. This bursts the cooked beans and creates a natural, velvety texture without needing any dairy.
- Storage and Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Bean Swaps
- Pinto Beans or Black Beans: While Great Northern or Navy beans provide the classic look and texture for this specific recipe, you can easily substitute pinto beans or cannellini beans for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Lentils: If you use lentils, note that they cook much faster. You should reduce the liquid by about 2 cups and check for tenderness after 3 hours on low.
Protein Alternatives
- Smoked Turkey Hocks: For a leaner but equally smoky flavor, substitute smoked turkey hocks for the ham bone.
- Ham Shank/Butt: If a bone isn’t available, use a 1-1.5 pound piece of smoked ham shank or butt, cutting it into large chunks and adding it at the beginning.
Making it Vegetarian (A Different Soup, but Great!)
To make a similar hearty bean soup without the ham:
- Replace the ham bone with smoked paprika and a teaspoon of liquid smoke (added towards the end).
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add a smoked vegetable base, like diced smoked tomatoes, or dried mushrooms to enhance the umami depth.
Spice and Heat
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño (seeds removed) at the beginning for a subtle kick.
- A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar added right before serving can brighten the heavy flavors.
When serving this incredible Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup, don’t forget the perfect accompaniments! Check out my Pinterest board for great ideas on sides and garnishes, including quick homemade bread recipes: Cocina Facilita Pinterest.
Avoiding Common Slow Cooker Soup Mistakes
- Mistake: Adding Salt Too Early. As emphasized, the ham bone is highly salty. Adding salt at the start guarantees an oversalted meal. Always wait until the bone has been removed and the soup tasted before adjusting salinity.
- Mistake: Not Rinsing the Beans. Although you don’t soak, rinsing is essential to remove surface starch and debris, ensuring a cleaner, clearer flavor.
- Mistake: Lifting the Lid. Resist the temptation! Every time you lift the lid on the slow cooker, you release a significant amount of heat, adding 15 to 20 minutes to the total cooking time. Trust the process, especially when making Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.
Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Ham Bone Bean Soup
The beauty of bean-based soups is their inherent nutritional richness. This Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is a fantastic source of essential nutrients, proving that comfort food can also be health-conscious and beneficial for the body.
High Fiber Content: Digestive Health
The primary ingredient, Great Northern or Navy beans, is incredibly rich in dietary fiber both soluble and insoluble. A single serving of bean soup can provide a substantial portion of your daily recommended fiber intake. Fiber is crucial for:
- Digestive Regularity: Promoting healthy bowel movements.
- Satiety: Fiber makes you feel full longer, which can aid in weight management by reducing snacking throughout the day.
- Heart Health: Soluble fiber helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
The long, slow cooking process also helps make the complex starches in the beans more digestible for many people, reducing the common issues associated with eating legumes.
Lean Protein for Muscle Maintenance
Between the beans (plant-based protein) and the shredded ham (animal protein), this soup is packed with essential amino acids. Protein is vital for:
- Muscle Repair: Necessary for maintaining and building muscle tissue.
- Energy: Providing sustained energy throughout the day.
- Immunity: Supporting the creation of enzymes and hormones.
By using the ham bone, we benefit from the protein of the meat while also gaining nutrient-rich collagen and gelatin released from the bone, which some studies suggest can support joint health.
Vitamin and Mineral Richness
The addition of the simple mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onion) ensures you get a boost of critical micronutrients:
- Carrots: Loaded with Beta-Carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune function.
- Beans: Excellent source of B vitamins (like Folate), Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium. These minerals are essential for nerve function and blood pressure regulation.
Estimated Nutritional Profile (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
Please note: exact values depend on the specific cut and fat content of the ham bone used, and whether chicken broth or water is utilized.
| Nutrient | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 300 – 350 kcal |
| Protein: | 20g – 25g |
| Fiber: | 14g – 18g |
| Carbohydrates: | 40g – 45g |
| Fat: | 5g – 8g |
| Sodium: | Variable (Control with final seasoning) |
Choosing this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup means choosing a low-effort, high-impact meal that is both filling and deeply nourishing for your body.
FAQs About Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup
Common Questions about Ham Bone Bean Soup
Do I need to soak the dried beans before making Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup?
No, pre-soaking the beans is completely unnecessary for this specific slow cooker method. The extended cooking time (8 hours on low) provides sufficient moisture and heat to tenderize the beans thoroughly. Skipping the soak is one of the key reasons this recipe is so easy and flexible for weeknight cooking.
What is the best type of bean to use for ham and bean soup?
Great Northern beans or Navy beans are the traditional favorites. They maintain their shape well during the long simmer while simultaneously providing a creamy interior, which naturally thickens the broth. You can substitute with cannellini or pinto beans, but the classic flavor profile comes from the smaller white beans.
My Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is too thin/thick. How do I fix the consistency?
If the soup is too thin, scoop out about 1-2 cups of the cooked beans and liquid, mash them, and stir the purée back into the pot; this is a great, natural way to thicken it. If it is too thick, simply add a half cup of water or chicken broth at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use a pre-cooked ham steak instead of a ham bone?
You can, but the flavor will be less complex and smoky. If using a pre-cooked ham steak, you should dice it and add it only during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from drying out. To compensate for the lost bone flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the broth at the start.
Is this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, absolutely! Bean soups are excellent for freezing. Ensure the soup has cooled completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. The consistency may thicken slightly upon thawing due to the starch content, but it will be just as delicious when reheated.
Why do I have to wait to add salt until the end of the recipe?
The ham bone releases its substantial salt content over the many hours of cooking. If you season early, you risk the soup becoming overly salty as the liquid reduces and the ham releases its flavor. Waiting until the end allows you to taste the full impact of the bone and then adjust the seasoning perfectly.
Conclusion: The Comfort of Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup
We’ve established that the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a strategy for maximizing flavor while minimizing kitchen labor. By harnessing the patient power of the slow cooker, we unlock the deep, smoky potential of the ham bone, transforming simple dried beans into a hearty, deeply satisfying stew. With only 15 minutes of hands-on preparation, you can achieve a classic comfort food that tastes like it simmered all day because it did!
This recipe is an economical winner, leveraging inexpensive ingredients to feed a large family generously. It’s also incredibly nutritious, providing high amounts of fiber and protein that make it a truly satiating and healthy meal option. Whether you are looking for the perfect Sunday meal prep, a warming dish for a cold evening, or an excellent way to use up holiday ham leftovers, this slow cooker bean soup delivers every single time.
Don’t let the thought of cooking dried beans intimidate you. Our method eliminates the frustrating guesswork and the endless stirring of stovetop methods. Simply load your crockpot, set the timer, and let the magic happen.
Now that you have the detailed guide, the practical tips, and the confidence to create this masterpiece, it’s time to get cooking! Try this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup this week. We guarantee it will earn a permanent spot in your rotation of favorite comfort foods. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and tell us your favorite garnishes in the comments below! Happy slow cooking!
If you’re interested in exploring more recipes that utilize minimal prep time for maximum comfort, be sure to browse our full selection of Cocina Facilita recipes.
Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold running water and pick out any debris or broken pieces. There is no need to pre-soak the beans for this slow cooker method. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
- Place the rinsed ham bone (or ham hocks) into the bottom of a large 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker. Add the rinsed beans, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic over the ham bone.
- Pour the 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or water) over the ingredients, ensuring the beans are fully submerged by at least an inch of liquid. Add the dried thyme, black pepper, and bay leaves. Do not add the salt yet, as the ham bone provides significant salinity during the cooking process.
- Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours, or the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the beans are completely tender and soft, and the meat is falling easily off the bone.
- Carefully remove the ham bone and the bay leaves from the slow cooker using tongs. Place the bone on a cutting board. Allow the bone to cool slightly, then shred any usable pieces of meat off the bone. Discard the bone and any excess fat or skin.
- Return the shredded ham meat back into the slow cooker. Stir well. Taste the soup and add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more, as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a small amount of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Ladle the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
