15-Bean Soup Smoky Ham (Printable Version)

Slow-cooked blend of 15 beans, smoky ham, and savory vegetables for a warm, hearty dish.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Beans

01 - 1 (20 oz) bag 15-bean soup mix, rinsed and sorted

→ Meats

02 - 1 leftover ham bone with some meat attached

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 3 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

08 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 2 cups water

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - Salt to taste

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Rinse and sort the beans, discarding any debris or broken beans.
02 - Place the beans in the bottom of a large slow cooker and add the ham bone on top.
03 - Add diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, canned diced tomatoes with juice, and minced garlic.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and water.
05 - Sprinkle smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper, then add the bay leaf.
06 - Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours until beans are tender.
07 - Remove the ham bone and let cool slightly. Shred any remaining meat and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
08 - Stir well, taste, and season with salt as needed.
09 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Economical and satisfying - stretches a leftover ham bone into a complete meal
  • Hands-off slow cooker preparation - perfect for busy weekdays
  • Protein-packed and nutrient-dense from the variety of beans
  • Freezes beautifully for meal prep or quick emergency dinners
  • Naturally gluten-free (with appropriate broth)
02 -
  • Don't have a ham bone? Smoked ham hocks, turkey necks, or even smoked sausage can provide similar depth of flavor
  • For deeper color and flavor, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery before adding to the slow cooker
  • The soup thickens considerably as it cools, so you may need to add additional broth when reheating leftovers
  • Add chopped greens like kale or spinach during the final 20 minutes of cooking for added nutrition
  • Most 15-bean soup mixes come with a flavor packet—it's best to discard this and use the seasonings in the recipe instead
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