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Bowl of Slow Cooker Spinach Bean Soup garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley on a wooden table

Slow Cooker Spinach Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Spinach Bean Soup is your ultimate time-saving solution for a hearty, flavorful soup that practically cooks itself. Whether you're prepping for busy weeknights or looking for a comforting, hands-off meal, this recipe delivers tender beans, vibrant spinach, and smoky turkey in every spoonful.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried navy beans
  • 2 cartons 32 ounces each chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 smoked turkey wing about 7 ounces
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 10 cups chopped fresh spinach about 8 ounces
  • 1 large sweet red pepper chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Method
 

  1. Rinse and sort the navy beans, discarding any debris. Place the beans in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 2 inches. Cover and let soak overnight.
  2. Drain and rinse the beans, discarding the soaking liquid. Return the beans to the saucepan and add water to cover by 2 inches again.
  3. Bring the beans to a boil and let them boil for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse once more.
  4. In a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker, combine the prepped beans, chicken broth, water, smoked turkey wing, onion, jalapeno, garlic, bay leaves, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or until the beans are tender.
  6. Discard the smoked turkey wing and bay leaves. Stir in the spinach, red pepper, and salt. Let sit until heated through.
  7. Serve warm. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

Pre-boil your beans: Skip this step, and you might end up with undercooked beans. Trust me, it's worth the extra 15 minutes.