Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy
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There’s nothing like a big bowl of ham and bean soup simmering away in the crockpot, especially when you’re staring at leftover holiday ham from Thanksgiving or Christmas and want something warm, wholesome, and satisfying! This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple: soak the beans, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it bubble away until the beans are creamy, the ham is tender, and the whole house smells cozy. It’s the kind of feel-good meal that fits perfectly into the slower holiday days when you want comfort without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • A simple, set-it-and-forget-it crockpot meal.

  • A great way to use up leftover ham from Thanksgiving or Christmas, and turn it into something that everyone will want to tuck into. 

  • Cozy, filling, and feels good for you at the same time.

  • Budget-friendly and made mostly with pantry staples.

  • Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

Regular readers will know that I love nothing more than a good crockpot soup! Make sure you check out more of my favorites for cozy season, including crockpot chicken noodle soup, crockpot cheeseburger soup, crockpot potato soup, crockpot minestrone soup, crockpot ham and lentil soup, and crockpot lasagna soup! 

crockpot ham and bean soup

Ingredients

Please note that you’ll find the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

  • Dried Great Northern beans: Mild, creamy, and perfect for slow-cooked soups. Make sure to sort and soak them first.

  • Ham, cubed: Use leftover ham, a ham steak, or any cooked ham you have on hand. Adds salty, smoky flavor.

  • Chicken broth: Low-sodium works best so you can control the seasoning.

  • Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.

  • Salt: Start with a light hand — ham and broth can be naturally salty.

  • Black pepper: For a little warmth and balance.

  • Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle, savory boost without overpowering the ham.

crockpot leftover ham bean soup

How To Make Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup

  • Sort through the beans, then soak them in water for about 8 hours or overnight. Drain them well before using.

  • Add everything to your crockpot and cook on high for about 4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup smells amazing.

  • Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

crockpot ham bean soup

Storage & Reheating 

Store any leftover ham and bean soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up in the fridge.

ham bean soup in crockpot

Recipe Notes 

  • Not everyone adds garlic to ham and bean soup, so it’s totally up to you. If you prefer fresh garlic instead of the powder, use about ½ teaspoon of minced garlic.

  • Great Northern beans are classic, but you can swap in another variety if you like. Any white bean works well here.

  • If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, water works just fine. You may just need to bump up the salt a bit to make up for the lost flavor.

ham bean crockpot soup

Serving Ideas

This crockpot ham and bean soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides can make it feel like the coziest meal ever:

  • Crusty bread or dinner rolls — perfect for dunking and soaking up every last bit.

  • Cornbread — a slightly sweet, classic pairing that goes incredibly well with salty ham.

  • Side salad — something fresh and crisp to balance the richness of the soup.

  • Biscuits — soft, buttery, and ideal for scooping.

It’s the kind of soup that feels right at home on chilly nights, weekend lunches, or anytime you want something simple and comforting. 

crockpot leftover ham and bean soup

Add-Ins

This soup is simple by design, but if you want to make it a little extra, consider adding:

  • Carrots — chopped or sliced for a touch of sweetness.

  • Celery — classic for building a deeper flavor base.

  • Bay leaves — add them at the start for a subtle, savory boost.

  • Smoked paprika — just a pinch for extra smokiness.

  • Ham bone or ham hock — toss it in with everything else for richer flavor.

  • Diced potatoes — for a heartier, thicker soup.

  • Fresh herbs — parsley or thyme added at the end brightens everything.

These additions blend right in and make the soup feel even cozier without straying too far from the traditional version.

crockpot leftover ham bean soup
Print Recipe

Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup

This cozy crockpot ham and bean soup is simple, hearty, and full of classic comfort. Dried white beans, tender ham, and a handful of pantry staples simmer low and slow until everything is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Course: Soup
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried Great Northern beans
  • 1 lb ham cubed
  • 4½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Instructions

  • Sort through the beans, then soak them in water for about 8 hours or overnight. Drain them well before using.
  • Add everything to your crockpot and cook on high for about 4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup smells amazing.
  • Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

When a recipe is this easy and still delivers big, cozy flavor, it’s one you’ll come back to all season long. This crockpot ham and bean soup is simple, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or slow, chilly weekends, or any time you have leftovers that you want to make the best of. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment — it helps other home cooks find the recipe, too!

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