Ham & Bean Soup (Slow Cooker Style)

A thick, flavorful broth, smoky chunks of ham, and tender white beans come together for the ultimate winter warmer. It’s cheap, hearty, and perfect for making ahead!

Some soups are just made for cold nights and hungry bellies, and this Ham & Bean Soup is one of ‘em. With fall-apart smoky ham, creamy white beans, and a rich, savory broth, this slow cooker version makes it as easy as can be. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or a budget-friendly ham hock, this soup is thick, hearty, and full of old-fashioned comfort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried great northern beans (or navy beans!)
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham (leftover ham works great!)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but delicious!)
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken broth (or water, for a lighter version!)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (brightens up the flavors!)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional!)

Supplies Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Large bowl (if soaking beans overnight!)
• Wooden spoon

Instructions

Soak the Beans (Optional but Recommended)
For extra creamy beans, soak them overnight! Rinse the beans and place them in a large bowl. Cover with 2 inches of water and soak overnight. Drain and rinse before using. (If you’re short on time, skip this step—just expect a slightly longer cook time!)

Load Up the Slow Cooker
Place the soaked (or unsoaked) beans in the slow cooker. Add ham bone or diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.

Pour in the Broth
Add 6 cups chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beans are soft and the flavors have melded.

Shred the Ham & Add Vinegar
If using a ham bone, remove it, shred off any meat, and stir the ham back into the soup. Stir in the apple cider vinegar—it brightens up the flavors!

Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread or cornbread for soaking up every last drop!

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Creamier Texture: For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork before serving.
Extra Smoky Flavor: Use a smoked ham hock or a bit of liquid smoke for extra depth.
Quick Soak Method: Boil the beans for 5 minutes, then let them sit for 1 hour before draining and adding to the slow cooker.

Variations

Southern-Style Ham & Bean Soup: Stir in a handful of chopped collard greens for a Southern twist.
Spicy Ham & Bean Soup: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Veggie-Packed Version: Toss in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for an extra hearty meal.

FAQ

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yep! Use 3 cans (15 oz each) of drained and rinsed beans, and reduce the cook time to 3-4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH.

What if I don’t have a ham bone?
No worries! Diced ham works just fine—just add it at the beginning, and you’ll still get plenty of flavor.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Just simmer everything in a large pot over medium-low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.

This Ham & Bean Soup is thick, hearty, and ridiculously satisfying—the kind of meal that fills you up and warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re meal prepping, using up leftover ham, or just craving an old-fashioned classic, this slow cooker version makes it effortless and delicious. Now grab a bowl and a slice of cornbread, and dig in!

Disclosure: Y’all, this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Keeps the beans simmerin’ and the cornbread bakin’—thank ya kindly!