Easy Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Posted on November 18, 2025

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There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of soup simmering away in the crockpot. This Easy Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup recipe has become my go-to for cozy dinners, especially during chilly evenings when all I want is something hearty and comforting.

Funny story—this recipe started out as a way to use up leftover holiday ham, but now I make it year-round. The combination of tender beans, smoky ham, and flavorful broth is just unbeatable. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that feels like it took hours of effort, even though the crockpot does all the heavy lifting for you. Total win!

If your crockpot has been gathering dust, it’s time to dust it off—you’ll want to make this soup again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, let’s talk about what makes this Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup so special. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because it’s ridiculously easy.

Perfect for busy days: You literally just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing. No babysitting required.
A great way to use leftovers: Got leftover ham or a ham bone? This recipe turns them into pure gold.
Budget-friendly: Beans are super affordable, and this recipe makes a huge batch. Feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
Healthy comfort food: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s filling but doesn’t leave you feeling heavy.
Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for lazy nights. Trust me, future you will thank you.

Honestly, this is the kind of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the best part—this recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. You might already have most of these on hand!

Ham: Leftover ham or a ham bone works perfectly. If you don’t have leftovers, use a store-bought ham steak.
Dried beans: I use a mix like Great Northern or Navy beans. You can also grab a bag of mixed beans for extra variety.
Carrots: Sliced thin for a pop of sweetness and color.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness.
Onion: Yellow or white onion works best for flavor. Dice it finely so it melts into the broth.
Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
Chicken broth: This is the base of the soup. I like to use low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness.
Bay leaf: Just one adds a subtle earthy flavor. Don’t forget to fish it out before serving!
Salt and pepper: You’ll season to taste, but remember that ham is salty, so go easy at first.
Optional extras: Fresh parsley for garnish, or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

Pro tip: If you’re using dried beans, soak them overnight to speed up the cooking process and get the best texture. Don’t have time? You can use canned beans—just reduce the cooking time slightly.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make this soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

Crockpot: Any slow cooker will work, but I use a 6-quart model for this recipe.
Cutting board and knife: For slicing veggies and dicing the ham.
Measuring cups and spoons: I always recommend measuring for soups to get the balance of flavors just right.
Ladle: For serving the soup—it’s a must for those cozy soup bowls.

Quick note: If you don’t own a crockpot, you can make this soup on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. I’ll share tips for both later!

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! This method is so simple, even beginners can nail it.

Prep the beans: If you’re using dried beans, rinse them and soak them overnight in water. Drain before using.
Add the ingredients to the crockpot: Place the ham, soaked beans, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper into the crockpot.
Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 4-6 hours, but low and slow gives the best flavor.
Shred the ham: Once the soup is done, remove the ham bone (if using) and shred any remaining meat into the soup. Stir everything together.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Pro tip: If the soup seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out to your liking.

My Best Tips & Techniques

After making this recipe countless times, here are my top tips:

Don’t skip soaking the beans: It makes them cook faster and helps them absorb more flavor.
Use a ham bone if you can: It adds so much extra flavor to the broth. If you don’t have one, a ham steak works well too.
Go low and slow: Cooking on low heat for a long time really lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Perfect for meal prep!
Customize the veggies: If you’re not a fan of celery or carrots, swap them for your favorites like parsnips or sweet potatoes.

Trust me—once you’ve made this soup, you’ll never go back to canned versions.

Ways to Mix It Up

Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Here are some ideas:

Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Southern Style: Stir in collard greens or kale for a Southern-inspired twist.
Veggie-Packed: Add zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrients.
Cheesy Goodness: Top each bowl with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese.
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika for an extra layer of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the ham.

Experiment and make it yours—that’s the fun of cooking!

Serving Ideas & Storage

How to Serve:

This soup is a meal all on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:

Serve with a side of garlic bread or a slice of toasted sourdough.
Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

Storage Tips:

Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: This soup freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.

Pro tip: Freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Here’s why I feel good about serving this soup:

Nutritional Info (per serving)
Calories:	~250
Protein:	20g
Fiber:	7g
Fat:	5g

Health Highlights:

High in protein: Thanks to the ham and beans.
Rich in fiber: Beans keep you full and support digestion.
Low in fat: Despite being hearty, this soup is relatively light.

It’s hearty, healthy, and satisfying—what more could you want?

Final Thoughts

So that’s my Easy Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup recipe! I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s become one of those recipes we turn to whenever we need something comforting, filling, and downright delicious.

If you make this, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @yourhandle—I can’t wait to see your creations.

Happy cooking and enjoy those cozy dinners!

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Canned beans only need to be heated through, so you can reduce the cooking time by a couple of hours.

Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?

A: Absolutely! Simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Q: What’s the best way to soak dried beans?

A: Cover them with water and let them soak overnight. If you’re short on time, use the “quick soak” method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit for 1 hour before draining.

Q: Can I use other types of meat?

A: Sure! Smoked turkey or sausage works well if you don’t have ham.

Q: How do I know when the soup is done?

A: The beans should be tender, and the ham should shred easily. The broth will be rich and flavorful—give it a taste to check!

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