I’m so excited to share my Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup with you! This isn’t just soup — it’s a warm, hearty, and comforting hug in a bowl. Imagine tender white beans, savory ham, and flavorful veggies all simmered together slowly for a rich, satisfying taste. It’s perfect for chilly days, leftover ham, or when you just want a simple, nourishing meal with minimal effort.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Yield: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made ham and bean soup in my slow cooker — the smell alone filled my kitchen with the most comforting aroma! There’s something magical about letting the beans and ham slowly cook together, allowing the flavors to deepen and mingle.
This recipe is incredibly easy. All you need to do is soak the beans overnight, chop a few veggies, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By dinner time, you’ll have a rich, hearty soup that tastes like it simmered for hours on the stove.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or using up leftover ham, this soup is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Description
This soup is all about simple ingredients coming together to create deep, hearty flavor. Here’s why it works so well:
• Creamy, tender white beans that soak up all the flavors
• Savory cooked ham, with optional ham bone for even more depth
• Sweet carrots, fragrant onions, and crisp celery for color and texture
• Aromatic sage and bay leaf to add warmth and subtle earthiness
• A hint of Dijon mustard to complement the ham without overpowering
• Chicken broth as a flavorful base that keeps it light yet satisfying
It’s a hands-off, cozy meal that’s perfect for fall and winter, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
• 1 lb dried great northern beans, soaked overnight
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 ham bone (optional, for extra flavor)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage (or ½ teaspoon ground sage)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Beans:
• Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in a 5-quart slow cooker. - Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
• Add diced ham, carrots, celery, and onion.
• Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
• Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, sage, and bay leaf.
• Place the ham bone in the middle of the ingredients if using. - Slow Cook the Soup:
• Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beans are tender. - Finish and Serve:
• Remove the ham bone and cut any excess meat off it, returning it to the soup. Discard the bone.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
• Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Process Details
• Slow Cooking: Cooking slowly allows the beans to become creamy and absorb the flavors from the ham, vegetables, and seasonings.
• Using a Ham Bone: If you have a leftover ham bone, it adds a rich, smoky depth of flavor. Don’t forget to remove it before serving.
• Seasoning: Ham is naturally salty, so it’s best to season the soup at the end. Taste first to avoid over-salting.
Tips for Success
• Soaking Beans: Soak overnight to reduce cooking time and help beans cook evenly.
• Herb Substitutions: Fresh sage can be used instead of dried, but reduce the quantity as fresh herbs are stronger.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Soup keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Slow Cooker Size: Use a 5-quart slow cooker for best results; adjust quantities for larger or smaller crockpots.
Serving Ideas
• Appetizers: Pair with Italian sliders or warm rolls.
• Side Dishes: Serve with sweet skillet cornbread, a fresh salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Comfort Meals: Enjoy as a standalone cozy meal on cold days.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 355
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 17g
• Sodium: 1716mg
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 3471 IU
• Vitamin C: 16 mg
• Calcium: 169 mg
• Iron: 5 mg
My Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. Every spoonful delivers tender beans, savory ham, and perfectly cooked vegetables in a rich, warming broth. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for busy days, family dinners, or when you want a cozy meal with minimal effort.
Once you try it, I promise this ham and bean soup will become one of your go-to winter favorites — simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.
