Go Back
An overhead view of a hearty ham and bean soup in a rustic bowl, surrounded by ingredients like carrots and celery. A perfect example of a crock pot soup.

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food! An easy, flavorful crock pot recipe simmering tender beans and smoky ham to perfection. The perfect way to use leftover ham for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dried Great Northern beans rinsed and picked over
  • 1 meaty ham bone or smoked ham hock about 1.5-2 lbs
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker 6-quart or larger

Instructions
 

  1. Place the rinsed beans, ham bone, onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
  2. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the beans are tender.
  4. Carefully remove the ham bone. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat off the bone, discarding the bone and fat. Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker.
  5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

No Soak Method: This recipe does not require pre-soaking the beans, as the long, slow cooking time is sufficient to make them tender.
Thickening Tip: For a thicker soup, you can mash about 1 cup of the beans with a fork and stir them back into the soup.
QR Code linking back to recipe