Place the beans in a colander and sort out any debris, rinse beans in cold water and add to the slow cooker.
Add the ham, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, pepper and chicken broth, stir. Wait to add the ham flavor packet.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 6-7 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
When the cooking time is done, add the ham flavor packet and stir. Add salt to taste. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Do I need to soak the beans?No! These bean cook up perfectly WITHOUT soaking. Cook on HIGH and don't open the lid during the cooking time.Can I use a ham hock or ham shank?
Yes! Use 1-2 ham hocks or shanks instead of diced ham.
Shred the meat at the end of the cooking time, add to the soup.
Degrease the soup by laying a paper towel over the soup and lifting quickly.
Can I use chicken bouillon cubes instead of chicken broth?
Yes! Use 4-5 chicken bouillon cubes instead of chicken broth (and 8 cups of water).
Unwrap and throw in, they will dissolve and dissipate on their own.
How can I make this into a freezer meal?
Place raw veggies, diced ham, dried thyme and pepper into a ziplock bag. Don't add the beans or chicken broth, leave those in your pantry until ready to use. Freeze the veggies, ham and seasonings for up to a month.
When ready to cook, add the contents of the freezer bag, beans, and pour in 8 cups of chicken broth into the slow cooker. Wait to add the ham packet.
Cook as the normal recipe states, add ham flavor packet at end of cooking time.