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A rustic bowl of ham and bean soup with chunks of ham, white beans, carrots, and herbs in a golden broth, served with crusty bread.

“Ham & Bean Soup – Slow Cooker Comfort in Every Spoonful!”

This Ham and Bean Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of slow-simmered flavor. Made with tender white beans, smoky ham, carrots, celery, onions, and fragrant herbs, it’s a wholesome one-pot meal that practically cooks itself. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection while you go about your day. Perfect for using up leftover ham, this soup is freezer-friendly, budget-conscious, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Southern Comfort
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Ladle
  • Mixing bowl (optional)
  • Piping bag (optional for garnish)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 lb dried Great Northern or navy beans, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 6–8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 cup chopped greens (spinach/kale), 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Layer Ingredients: Add rinsed beans, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Place ham bone or diced ham on top.
  • Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle in thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Pour in broth to cover ingredients.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beans are tender.
  • Shred Ham: Remove ham bone, shred meat, and return to soup. Discard bone.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt, vinegar, or lemon juice if needed. Stir in greens during the last 30 minutes if using.
  • Serve: Ladle into deep bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or sour cream if desired.

Notes

  • No need to soak beans if cooking long enough.
  • Use canned beans for a quicker version (add halfway through).
  • Freeze leftovers without potatoes for best texture.
  • Vegetarian version: use mushrooms and veggie broth.
  • Add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.
  • Soup thickens as it sits — thin with broth if needed.
Keyword bean soup, Comfort Food, ham bone, hearty soup, leftover ham, meal prep, slow cooker