Crockpot Ham & Lentil Soup
Leftovers might just be my favorite part of the holidays, and today’s recipe is here to show you that they don’t have to be boring!
This cozy soup combines tender lentils, smoky diced ham, and plenty of veggies for a simple, no-fuss meal that basically cooks itself. Everything goes straight into the slow cooker — no soaking, no stress — and after a few hours, you’ve got a rich, flavorful soup that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day. Perfect for using up leftover ham or for an easy weeknight dinner that feels like comfort in a bowl!
I often serve this one on the days following Thanksgiving and Christmas when I’ve got a chunk of leftover ham that needs a little love, and it’s the perfect way to create a wholesome, hearty meal that’s packed with goodness and is just what everyone needs after the indulgence of the holidays.
Be sure to check out some more of my crockpot favorites! I think you’ll also enjoy my crockpot crack potato soup, crockpot turkey stew, crockpot pot roast, crockpot pulled ham, crockpot chicken parmesan soup, and crockpot cranberry meatballs.
Ingredients
Here I’m going to walk you through the ingredients selected, then move on to share some extra pics from the process and hints and tips to guide you through. If you’d prefer to just grab the printable recipe card, you’ll find one at the bottom of this post!
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Cooked ham – the salty, savory star of the show that gives this soup incredible flavor. Great for using up leftovers!
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Brown or green lentils – hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up all that smoky ham goodness.
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Onion – adds a flavorful base that balances the richness of the broth.
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Carrots – bring a touch of sweetness and color to the mix.
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Celery – adds that classic soup flavor and a little extra texture.
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Garlic – because no cozy soup is complete without it.
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Diced tomatoes – add brightness and just the right amount of acidity.
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Chicken broth – ties everything together and makes the soup rich and comforting.
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Dried thyme – gives the soup that earthy, herby warmth.
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Smoked paprika – adds a subtle smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the ham.
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Bay leaf – small but mighty! It infuses a gentle background flavor as the soup simmers.
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Salt and pepper – season to taste once it’s done, since the ham adds plenty of saltiness on its own.
How To Make Crockpot Ham & Lentil Soup
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Add everything to your slow cooker — the ham, lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Give it all a good stir so everything’s mixed together.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 if you’re short on time) until the lentils are soft and the soup smells incredible.
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Fish out the bay leaf before serving — it did its job!
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Taste and adjust with a little salt and pepper if needed, then grab a bowl and get cozy.
Storage & Reheating
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This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Freeze leftovers in single servings for up to 3 months. It reheats like a dream!
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The lentils may thicken a bit after chilling, so just stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to that perfect cozy consistency.
Recipe Notes
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No soaking required — just give the lentils a quick rinse before adding them in.
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Want an extra boost of flavor? Sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic in a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
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Serve your soup with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad to make it a complete, cozy meal.
Substitutes & Variations
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Want to make it meatless? Use vegetable broth and skip the ham — it’s still hearty and delicious.
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Swap in smoked sausage or even a little bacon if you’re craving a different kind of smoky flavor.
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Try red lentils for a softer, creamier soup. They cook a bit faster, so start checking around the 4–5 hour mark.
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Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale right before serving for extra color (and bonus nutrients).
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Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a silky, rich finish.
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Top each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a handful of crunchy croutons.
Serving Ideas
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides make it even better:
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Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop.
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Add a light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
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Feeling extra cozy? Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort combo.
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A side of roasted vegetables or baked sweet potatoes also pairs beautifully if you want to round out the meal.
Crockpot Ham & Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked ham diced
- 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils rinsed
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add everything to your slow cooker — the ham, lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Give it all a good stir so everything’s mixed together.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 if you’re short on time) until the lentils are soft and the soup smells incredible.
- Fish out the bay leaf before serving — it did its job!
- Taste and adjust with a little salt and pepper if needed, then grab a bowl and get cozy.
This recipe really serves up all the cozy vibes, and it’s one of my favorite ways to feed my family in the days after Thanksgiving and Christmas! Have you tried it? If so, I’d really love to hear about it. You can leave a comment below with a star rating and share your thoughts. It really helps other readers who might be thinking about trying it, and it also gives me ideas and inspiration for more recipes that you might enjoy in the future. Enjoy, and as always, thanks so much for being here and supporting my work!
