Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is the perfect recipe when you’re looking for a warm and nourishing soup that has been simmering all day. With this recipe, you will effortlessly create a soul-warming dish brimming with tender ham, creamy beans, and flavorful broth.

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Steak and Hungarian Mushroom Soup will make your taste buds happy.

At our family Easter meal, I asked for the prized ham bone. My brother-in-law agreed to give it to me as long as I brought him some ham and bean soup. He also noted it better be good! (They had bought a ham from the Honey Baked Ham company with a gift card, so he gave me his “expensive” treasured ham bone.)

Let me tell you, my brother-in-law and my sister are my biggest critics of recipes. My brother-in-law is an excellent cook and very few recipes receive his approval. I’m grateful for their critiques, but I want people to tell me the truth.

It’s important to me to ensure that my recipes aren’t just good; they are amazing. I want them to be dishes that people can’t stop talking about when they make them.

Photo of Close-Up of Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Recipe — Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

I dropped the soup off at my sister’s house in the morning and picked up my mom for a day of exploring. When we got back to their house, it was late at night. My brother-in-law had soup for dinner and told me, “I just didn’t like your soup. I LOVED your soup.” My sister said not to change a thing.

My mission to make the best slow cooker ham and bean soup was complete. This soup is amazing and simple to make.

One of my favorite money-saving tips is buying full-sized hams, cutting the meat after cooking, and freezing it. I use the ham in quiches, breakfast burritos, egg muffins, and casseroles. Following this tip, you can make this recipe every time you buy a ham instead of waiting for special occasions.

The original recipe came from Southern Living magazine. I made quite a few tweaks to the recipe. The original recipe needed more layers of flavor and was way too salty. I also added more broth.

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Since you found this recipe for slow cooker ham and bean soup, I’m guessing you love all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 185,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, photos of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.

Here’s How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Simple Ingredients

8 cups low sodium chicken stock

1 lb dried Great Northern beans, sorted of debris and rinsed

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

3 celery stalks, chopped (approximately 1/2 cup)

2 large carrots, peeled and chopped (approximately 1 cup)

1 small yellow onion, chopped (approximately 1 cup)

1 large, meaty ham bone (approximately 4 pounds)

Directions

1. Add the chicken stock, water, Great Northern beans, thyme, pepper, garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, celery, carrots, and onion to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.

2. Place the ham bone in the center of the soup.

Ingredients for Ham and Bean Soup in the Slow Cooker

3. Cook the covered ham and bean soup on HIGH for at least 6 hours or until the beans are tender.

4. Remove the ham bone from the soup and let it cool. After the bone is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone. Discard the gristle, fat, and bone. Shred the ham and add it to the soup.

Tips

If your ham bone is too salty, soak it in water for a few hours before using it. If you’re short on time, rinse it well.
You can add a couple of drops of liquid smoke for a flavorful twist on this recipe.
If canned Great Northern beans are used, approximately five cans equal one pound of dried beans.
Add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to spice this soup up.
You can substitute navy beans for Great Northern beans.
If you want more flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
The slow cooker ham and bean soup will take 8-10 hours in the slow cooker if you cook it on LOW.
To make your Great Northern beans easier to digest, soak them overnight and rinse them before using them.
If you decide to cook this soup on the stovetop, it will take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on the level of heat used.

What to Serve with this Recipe

Cornbread: Classic Southern-style cornbread pairs perfectly with the flavors of ham and beans.
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty French or Italian bread is excellent for dipping into the soup.
Garlic Bread: Spread slices of bread with garlic butter and toast them for a flavorful side.
Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the soup’s broth.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Gooey grilled cheese sandwiches are a comforting option for dipping into the soup.

Creative Garnishes

Fresh Herbs: Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives add a pop of color and freshness.
Crumbled Bacon: Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon on top for extra smokiness and texture.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess to the soup.
Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
Sliced Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions (scallions) provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to your slow cooker ham and bean soup.
Pesto Swirl: Drizzle a swirl of basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto for a burst of flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds heat and depth for spice lovers.
Microgreens: Sprinkle delicate microgreens like pea shoots for a visually appealing touch.

If you're looking to WOW your family, make this hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup. This easy soup recipe is perfect for chilly days, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of tender ham, creamy beans, and savory spices. Set it and forget it, then come home to a comforting meal that's sure to warm you from the inside out. Pin now to save for your next comforting dinner! / Slow Cooker Recipes / Ham Recipes / Crockpot Recipes / Crock Pot Recipes / The Best Soup Recipes / Soups and Stews — Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Can I use any type of beans in this soup?

Yes, you can use various beans, such as navy beans, Great Northern beans, or kidney beans.

Can I freeze leftover ham and bean soup?

You can easily freeze this delicious soup recipe. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.

What if the soup is too watery?

If the soup is too watery for your liking, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans or adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. Alternatively, you can remove some of the liquid and continue cooking uncovered for a while to allow it to reduce.

How long will this soup last in the refrigerator?

Slow cooker ham and bean soup can typically stay good in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.

These are just some common questions and answers regarding making slow cooker ham and bean soup. Feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Let me know in the comments what you thought of the recipe. I hope you love it too.

Be sure to join the Creating a Cozy Life group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

I created a slow cooker ham and bean soup pin for you to add to your soup board on Pinterest so you can refer back to the recipe.

You can follow me here on PINTEREST. If you make this recipe and take a photo, be sure and tag me here on INSTAGRAM.

Thanks for stopping by! I’m so happy you found us.

More Soup Recipes You’ll Love!

Printable Recipe Card for Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup with Nutrition Information

8 servings

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Name: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 8 cups low sodium chicken stock; 1 lb Great Northern beans, sorted of debris and rinsed; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 stalks celery, chopped; 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 1 large, meaty ham bone (about 4 pounds)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

If you're looking for a hearty soup to make on a chilly night, this slow cooker ham and bean soup will make your taste buds happy. It's put together in minutes and slow cooked throughout the day. Simple and delicious.

Ingredients

8 cups low sodium chicken stock
1 lb Great Northern beans, sorted of debris and rinsed
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 large, meaty ham bone (about 4 pounds)

Instructions

Add the chicken stock, Great Northern beans, thyme, black pepper, garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, celery, carrots, and onion to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
Place the ham bone in the center of the soup. Cook the covered soup on HIGH for at least 6 hours or until the beans are tender.
Remove the ham bone from the slow cooker and let cool. After the bone is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone. Discard the gristle, fat, and bone. Shred the ham and add it to the soup.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 120Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 11mgSodium 746mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 5gSugar 2gProtein 12g