Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Ham And Bean Soup (Updated | Jul 29th)
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of ham and bean soup on a chilly day, but achieving that perfect balance of tender beans, savory ham, and rich broth can be tricky without the right slow cooker. We’ve tested the top models to bring you the ultimate guide to crafting this comforting classic with minimal effort. From compact options perfect for small batches to family-sized powerhouses that deliver consistent results every time, discover which slow cooker will transform your ham and bean soup from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Best for slow cooker chili: Hurst’s HamBeens Slow Cooker Chili 15.5 oz Hurst HamBeens (Pack of 3)
- Best for mixed bean mix: Honey Baked Ham Mixed Bean Soup Mix 16 oz
- Best for classic 15 bean: Hurst’s HamBeens 15 Bean Soup with Seasoning Packet 20 oz
- Best for hearty protein soup: Campbell’s Chunky Soup
- Best for premium lima beans: Dixie Lily – Large Lima Beans – Dried Beans for Cooking
- Best for cajun style mix: Hambeens Cajun 15 Bean Soup 20oz Bag (Pack of 3)
- Best for white bean mix: Honey Baked Ham White Bean Soup Mix 16 oz
- Best for original 15 bean: Hurst’s HamBeens Original 15 Bean Soup
- Best for high fiber mix: Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix
- Best for low sodium blend: Thousand Lakes 32 Bean and 8 Vegetable Dry Soup Mix – 1 pound | Low Sodium | No Fat | High Fiber | 20+ Servings | Vegan
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Ham And Bean Soup
Hurst’s HamBeens Slow Cooker Chili 15.5 oz Hurst HamBeens (Pack of 3), Multicolor
Honey Baked Ham Mixed Bean Soup Mix 16 oz
- Honey Baked Ham Mixed Bean Soup Mix 16 oz
Hurst’s HamBeens 15 Bean Soup with Seasoning Packet 20 oz
Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Hearty Bean Soup With Ham, 19 Ounce Can (Case Of 12)
If you have ever stood in line for a holiday ham, you know the specific flavor profile Honey Baked Ham brings to the table. Their Mixed Bean Soup Mix is essentially a shortcut to that nostalgic, smoky-sweet experience without needing a leftover bone. What makes this stand out is the curated variety of beans that hold their shape well, absorbing the signature glaze flavors that the brand is famous for. It is a reliable choice for anyone who wants that specific “Honey Baked” taste at home on a random Tuesday.
I would recommend this for the home cook who wants a semi-homemade meal but doesn’t have the time to hunt down specific seasonings. It is the best use case for a slow cooker because the long, low heat allows those classic spices to fully permeate the beans. You get a rich, thick broth that feels much more expensive than it actually is.
The trade-off here is the 16 oz size; while it is perfect for a family dinner, it doesn’t offer the bulk value you might find with generic dry beans. You are definitely paying a premium for the brand name and the pre-blended seasoning packet, so it isn’t the most budget-friendly way to make soup if you are feeding a massive crowd.
Dixie Lily – Large Lima Beans – Dried Beans for Cooking, Quick Soak & Slow Cooker Options, Non-GMO, Great for Soups & Sides – 12oz, 3 Pack
- Premium Dried Lima Beans: Dixie Lily Large Lima Beans offer a hearty texture and mild flavor, making them great for soups, stews, and side dishes. Enjoy their rich taste in your favorite home-cooked meals.
- Cooking Methods: Easily prepare these dried beans using a quick soak, overnight soak, or slow cooker method. Whether you prefer a faster approach or slow simmering, they cook up tender and delicious.
- Great for Hearty Meals: Pairs well with ham hocks, sausage, or a ham bone to create a rich, comforting dish. Add your favorite seasonings to enhance their flavor and make a satisfying meal.
- Easy to Prepare & Cook: Simply rinse, soak if preferred, and simmer until tender. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, these beans make a nutritious, filling addition to any meal.
- Bulk Pack for Great Value: This 3-pack of 12 oz bags ensures you have plenty of dried lima beans on hand for multiple meals. Keep your pantry stocked with a versatile, protein-rich ingredient for hearty dishes.
Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix, 29oz (Pack of 1) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher
Sometimes you just don’t have six hours to wait for a slow cooker to do its thing, and that is where Campbell’s Chunky Hearty Bean Soup With Ham earns its spot in the pantry. What really stands out in real life is the convenience factor—this is a “pop the top and heat” situation that still manages to deliver 17 grams of protein per can. Unlike thinner broths, this has a decent amount of actual ham and carrots, making it feel like a legitimate meal rather than a light snack.
This is the ideal buy for office workers or students who need a filling lunch that requires zero prep. It is also a smart move for camping trips where you want a hearty bean soup without lugging around a heavy pot and raw ingredients. If you are looking for a quick fix that mimics a home-cooked feel, this case of 12 has you covered.
The honest downside is the sodium content and the texture of the vegetables. Since it is a canned product, the carrots are quite soft, and the overall flavor profile is much saltier than anything you would make from scratch. It lacks the fresh, vibrant bite of a slow-simmered soup, but that is the price you pay for a three-minute cook time.
Thousand Lakes 32 Bean and 8 Vegetable Dry Soup Mix – 1 pound | Low Sodium | No Fat | High Fiber | 20+ Servings | Vegan
If you are a purist who believes the best slow cooker ham and bean soup starts with a single, high-quality ingredient, Dixie Lily Large Lima Beans are the way to go. These aren’t your average grocery store beans; they are massive, buttery, and have a hearty texture that holds up beautifully under pressure. In real life, they stand out because they don’t turn into mush; instead, they create a thick, creamy gravy-like base that is absolutely divine when paired with a smoky ham hock.
I’d suggest these for the traditionalist who enjoys the ritual of a “quick soak” or an overnight prep. This 3-pack of 12 oz bags is perfect for someone who likes to meal prep or keep a stocked pantry for cold winter weekends. It is the ultimate blank canvas for your own spice blend and that leftover holiday ham bone you’ve been saving in the freezer.
However, the trade-off is the effort required. These are raw, dried beans, so you can’t just toss them in and expect dinner in an hour. If you forget to soak them or don’t give them enough time in the slow cooker, they will stay stubborn and chalky. They demand patience to reach that peak “melt-in-your-mouth” status.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What’s the difference between ready-to-eat soups and soup mixes?
Ready-to-eat soups like Campbell’s Chunky come pre-cooked in cans and can be heated in minutes, making them convenient for quick meals. Soup mixes like Hurst’s HamBeens or Bob’s Red Mill require cooking the dried beans from scratch, which takes longer but allows for more control over ingredients and flavors.
Which products are best for slow cooker preparation?
Products specifically labeled for slow cooker use like Hurst’s HamBeens Slow Cooker Chili and Dixie Lily Large Lima Beans are optimized for slow cooking methods. These products typically include instructions for slow cooker preparation and have beans that hold up well during extended cooking times.
Are there any options for those with dietary restrictions?
Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix is non-GMO, vegan, and kosher, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Thousand Lakes 32 Bean and 8 Vegetable Dry Soup Mix is low sodium and contains only natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives.
How do the bean varieties differ between products?
Products range from single-bean varieties like Honey Baked Ham White Bean Soup Mix to multi-bean blends like Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix and Thousand Lakes 32 Bean and 8 Vegetable Dry Soup Mix. The variety of beans affects the texture, flavor complexity, and cooking time of the final soup.
Which products offer the best value for money?
Bulk options like Campbell’s Chunky Soup (Case of 12) and Hurst’s HamBeens Cajun 15 Bean Soup (Pack of 3) typically offer better value per serving. Dixie Lily Large Lima Beans also provides good value with its 3-pack of 12 oz bags, ensuring you have plenty for multiple meals.
How much preparation time do these products require?
Ready-to-eat canned soups like Campbell’s Chunky require minimal preparation time – just heating and serving. Dried bean mixes require soaking time (either quick soak or overnight) plus several hours of cooking, though some like Dixie Lily Large Lima Beans offer multiple preparation methods including quick soak options.
Which products have the highest protein content?
Campbell’s Chunky Hearty Bean Soup With Ham contains 17 grams of protein per can, while Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix provides 12 grams of protein per serving. The actual protein content in homemade soups using bean mixes will depend on additional ingredients like meat or broth.
Can I customize these soup products to my taste?
Dry bean mixes like Bob’s Red Mill and Thousand Lakes offer the most customization options, allowing you to control seasonings, add different meats, vegetables, or adjust cooking liquids. Pre-seasoned mixes like Hurst’s HamBeens already include seasoning packets but can still be enhanced with additional ingredients.
