Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup 
A hearty and comforting soup, perfect for cold days. This Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup combines the savory flavors of ham and beans with a touch of lemon and chili for a delightful, warming meal.
Ingredients:
1 package Hurst’s® HamBeens® 15 Bean Soup® (with seasoning packet)
8 cups low sodium chicken broth (or chicken stock)
1 leftover ham bone with meat (or ham hocks, diced ham, or 1 lb. cooked sausage)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
15 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
1 lemon (juiced)
Optional: Hot sauce or crushed red pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Beans:
Rinse the beans and drain. Sort through to remove any debris and set aside the seasoning packet.
Slow Cooker Assembly:
In a 6qt crockpot, combine the beans, chicken broth, ham bone (or alternative meat), diced onion, minced garlic, and chili powder (if using). Hold off on adding the lemon and diced tomatoes until the beans are softened.
Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until the beans are tender.
Final Steps:
Once beans are tender, remove the ham bone (if used), chop any remaining meat, and return it to the slow cooker.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, ham seasoning packet, and fresh lemon juice.
Cook for an additional 30 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and add optional hot sauce or crushed red pepper for extra heat.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
