Easy Slow-Cooker Ham Bone Soup

1 lb smoked ham shank or ham bone

1/2 cup chopped carrot

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cans (15.8 oz each) great northern beans, drained, rinsed

5 cups Progresso™ reduced sodium chicken broth (from two 32-oz cartons)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

 Directions

1. Spray 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place ham shank in slow cooker; add remaining ingredients.
2. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 5 to 6 hours or until ham shank is tender.
3. Remove ham shank; cut into small pieces. Stir into slow cooker. To thicken, mash beans with fork.

Note

1. This hearty ham bone soup is delicious with hot-from-the oven crescents or biscuits.
2. For more flavor, add 1 bay leaf the last hour of cook time.