Use leftover ham from holiday meals to make this Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup! It's hearty, simple, and easy--just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it go.
Cozy and comforting, this meal can be made with common pantry ingredients. You'll love the combination of tender beans, savory ham, and flavorful broth that come together for a meal that's perfect for chilly days.
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🩵 About This Recipe
Made with only 4 ingredients and essentially one simple step, this slow cooker ham and bean soup is the perfect way to utilize leftovers! Combine savory ham with beans, onion, and broth for an amazing and easy dish that's sure to fill you up.
Buy and dice some ham or use leftovers from your holiday meal or Sunday dinner to make this super easy bean soup. The whole family will love this delicious meal, and you'll love that the prep and cleanup are beyond easy!
Can't get enough ham? Try my Baked Egg Frittata with Ham or this amazing Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham for your next holiday meal!
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- great northern beans - cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker and absorb a lot of the smoky flavor from the ham.
- cubed ham - provides so much flavor and heartiness.
- chicken broth - gives the soup a rich and savory base.
- yellow onion
- seasonings - I typically add some salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
🔪 Let's Make Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Combine and Cook
Mix all of the ingredients in your slow cooker, then cook on high for 4 hours or until the beans are softened.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Before you soak the beans, quickly sort through them to take out any debris or beans that are damaged.
- Soaking the beans overnight or ahead of time is recommended, but if you forget to do this step you can boil them for a few minutes and then let them sit to speed up the process.
❔ FAQs
Yes, I recommend soaking the beans overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
Absolutely, a ham bone can add some extra flavor and is a great way to make sure you're eliminating more food waste!
If you want a slightly thicker result, use a spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker. You could also remove a cup or two and process in a blender or with an immersion blender, then stir back into the rest of the soup.
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Some diced carrots and diced celery can be added for a bit of extra nutrition and flavor.
- Minced fresh garlic also works if you want a more authentic garlic flavor.
- Navy beans and cannellini beans can both be used in place of the northern beans.
- Instead of chicken broth, you can use just water and add some extra salt to make up for the flavor. Vegetable broth should also work.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
This recipe is a perfect way to turn leftover ham into a brand new delicious meal!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
Transfer leftover ham and bean soup and store in the fridge for 6 days or so. You can also freeze the soup for 2 to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave individual portions or pour into a soup pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything is nice and hot again. Allow frozen soup to thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.
⏳ Make Ahead Instructions
I strongly recommend soaking the beans overnight so they cook properly. Otherwise, the 4 hours might not cut it and you may end up overcooking the onions and ham while the beans catch up.
Keep It Handy
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🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
This slow cooker ham and bean soup pairs well with a nice crusty bread or some cornbread. A simple salad also works as a great side.
For some additional garnish, sprinkle the soup with fresh chopped parsley or green onions.
😋 More Crockpot Soup Recipes You'll Love
- Crock Pot Chicken Stew with Guinness - Inspired by Irish cuisine, this hearty soup is packed with amazing savory flavors.
- Hearty Chicken Taco Soup - A fun option to switch things up on taco night, this soup features tender chicken and a warm blend of spices.
- Crock Pot Beef Stew with Mushrooms - Earthy flavors and filling beef come together for the ultimate slow cooker stew.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup - This recipe from A Cup Full of Sass is the perfect way to quickly prepare this classic comforting soup!
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Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
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📋 Recipe Card
Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried great northern beans
- 1 pound ham, cubed
- 4 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Sort the beans and soak them in water for about 8 hours or overnight. Drain.1 pound dried great northern beans
- Add the beans and the remaining ingredients to the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or until the beans are softened.1 pound ham, cubed, 4 ½ cups chicken broth, 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Notes
Prep Tips:
- Sort through the dried beans before soaking to remove any small debris or damaged beans.
- If you forget to soak the beans overnight, a quick soak method (boiling briefly and letting them sit) can help speed things up.
- Leftover ham works great in this recipe.
Variation Suggestions:
- If desired, add diced carrots and celery for a more traditional ham and bean soup.
- You can use minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
- Try navy beans or cannellini beans instead of great northern beans.
- If you don't have chicken broth, substitute water and add a little extra salt to boost the flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.
- Add a simple green salad on the side.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a pretty finish.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
- This soup freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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Deb says
Hands down one of my favorite soups. The flavor is fantastic, and it's so easy to make in the slow cooker.
Kristin King says
I agree, it's one of my favorites as well! It's so easy and my family just loves it. Thanks so much for stopping by!