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A cozy bowl of crockpot ham and bean soup, ready to be served.

Hearty Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

This hearty crockpot ham and bean soup is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for using up leftover ham. Featuring tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, it's a simple yet satisfying dish for any chilly day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-3 cups Leftover Ham diced, preferably with a ham bone for extra flavor
  • 1 pound Dried Great Northern Beans soaked overnight
  • 6-8 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth low sodium
  • 1 Onion large, yellow or white, finely chopped
  • 2 Carrots large, peeled and diced
  • 2 Celery stalks, diced
  • 4-5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Salt To taste
  • Black Pepper To taste
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil for sautéing
Optional
  • 1-2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Large Skillet
  • Slow Cooker
  • Potato Masher or Immersion Blender

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak dried beans in a large bowl overnight, then drain and rinse them thoroughly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Optionally, sear the diced ham in the same skillet until lightly browned to enhance its savory flavor.
Cooking in Crockpot
  1. Transfer sautéed vegetables and seared ham to the slow cooker, then add drained beans, ham bone (if using), broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
  2. Stir gently, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until beans are tender. Add more broth if needed.
  3. Remove the ham bone and bay leaves; shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
Finishing Touches
  1. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste; optionally, mash some beans or use an immersion blender to thicken it.
  2. For a brighter flavor, stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice just before serving. Serve hot.

Notes

Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for proper cooking and digestion. Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your preferred soup consistency. For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade broth. This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.