Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with tender ham, creamy Great Northern beans, and a flavorful broth. It’s the perfect way to use a leftover ham bone and comes together with just a few minutes of prep before your slow cooker does the rest.

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

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

At our family Easter dinner, I asked if I could have the prized ham bone. My brother-in-law agreed—as long as I brought him a pot of ham and bean soup. He also made one thing very clear: it had better be good! Since the ham came from Honey Baked Ham, he wasn’t about to part with his “expensive” ham bone unless it was worth it.

My sister and brother-in-law are my biggest recipe critics. My brother-in-law is an excellent cook, and very few recipes earn his approval. As much as I love hearing compliments, I appreciate honest feedback even more because it helps me create recipes you’ll want to make.

I dropped off the soup that morning before spending the day exploring with my mom. When we returned that evening, my brother-in-law greeted me with, “I just didn’t like your soup. I LOVED your soup.” My sister’s only advice? “Don’t change a thing.”

Mission accomplished. This Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup is hearty, comforting, and one of those recipes my family asks for again and again.

One of my favorite money-saving tips is to buy a whole ham instead of a smaller cut. After dinner, I slice the leftover ham into meal-sized portions and freeze it for future recipes like quiche, breakfast burritos, egg muffins, casseroles, and this hearty ham and bean soup. It’s an easy way to stretch your grocery budget and have quick meals ready to go.

This recipe was inspired by a classic version in Southern Living Magazine, but I made several changes to make it even better. I added more broth for a heartier soup, adjusted the seasonings, and balanced the flavors to create a rich, comforting bowl that’s become a family favorite.

Ingredients to Gather

• Low Sodium Chicken Stock – Creates a rich, flavorful broth while letting the ham shine.
• Dried Great Northern Beans – Great Northern beans become creamy and tender as they slowly cook.
• Fresh Thyme – Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with ham.
• Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a touch of warmth and enhances the savory flavors.
• Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic adds rich, aromatic flavor to the broth.
• Bay Leaves – Bay leaves infuse the soup with a subtle, savory depth as it simmers.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire sauce adds a rich umami flavor that enhances the broth.
• Celery Stalks – Celery adds a mild savory flavor and classic soup texture.
• Carrots – Carrots bring a natural sweetness that balances the smoky ham.
• Yellow Onion – Yellow onion adds sweetness and creates a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Meaty Ham Bone – A meaty ham bone gives the broth its rich, smoky flavor while providing tender pieces of ham for every bowl.

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, 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.

3. Cook the covered ham and bean soup on HIGH for at least 6 hours or on LOW for 8-10 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.

Pro Tips

• Use a meaty ham bone. The more meat left on the bone, the richer and heartier your soup will be.
• Soak salty ham bones if needed. If your ham bone is especially salty, soak it in water for a few hours or rinse it well before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Cook until the beans are tender. Cooking times can vary depending on the age of the dried beans, so allow extra time if needed.
• Cook the soup 8-10 hours on LOW or about 6 hours on HIGH.
• Soak the beans overnight. Soaking dried Great Northern beans can help them cook more evenly and may make them easier to digest.
• Stir in tomato paste for extra richness. A tablespoon of tomato paste adds depth and enhances the broth.
• Add liquid smoke sparingly. Just a few drops give the soup an extra smoky flavor.
• Spice it up. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce add a little heat without overpowering the soup.

Storage

Store leftover ham and bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze

Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the soup has thickened.

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 slow cooker ham and bean 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 slow cooker ham and bean 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.

I hope you enjoy this Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup as much as my family does. If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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.

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More Soup Recipes You’ll Love

• Amazing Ham & Potato Soup
• Creamy Caramelized Onion Soup
• The Best Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Amazing Sweet Potato Soup
• Cabbage Soup with Hamburger
• Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup

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