Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate in comfort food! Loaded with juicy ham and beans, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme all cooked together to perfection in the slow cooker. Delicious and satisfying, this will certainly bring those warm fall feelings straight to your family dinner table! (Stovetop instructions too!)

Pair this filling soup with a side of Dinner Rolls, Angel Biscuits, (great for dunking into the broth) or a piece of  Homemade Cornbread smothered in honey butter – yum!

More Ham Recipes

Leftover ham? Here are some of our favorite ways to use it up:

1. Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
2. Deep Dish Ham and Asparagus Quiche
3. Ham and Cabbage Soup
4. Slow Cooker Overnight Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
5. Ham and Cheese Mini Corn Muffins

Ingredients for Ham and Bean Soup

Classic ingredients come together to make a deliciously filling, hearty soup that will keep you warm all fall and winter long! As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need:

• butter – Unsalted is best for this soup given the salt content in the ham and beans.
• white onion – White or yellow onions will work depending on your preference.
• carrot – Sliced into bite sized pieces.
• garlic – Feel free to add extra minced garlic for more flavor.
• thyme – About 2-3 fresh sprigs.
• beans – You can use cannellini, navy, or great northern beans.
• chicken stock – Low sodium will keep the salt intake down. Vegetable stock can also be substituted.
• ham – About one pound, cubed. If you have a ham bone, USE.IT. It will add amazing flavor to this soup!
• smoked paprika – Smoked paprika lends a great smoky taste to the soup.
• bay leaf – optional but adds great flavor to the soup.

How to Make Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

The best part about this soup is throwing everything in the crockpot. Set it and forget it until it’s time to call the family together for dinner! Want to make it on the stovetop? I’ve got instructions on how to do that below.

1. Sauté onions. In a medium sized sauté pan, heat the butter and cook the diced onion for about 5 minutes on medium low heat.
2. Add remaining ingredients. Add the carrots, onion, garlic, beans, ham (plus the ham bone if you have it), thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf (if using) and low sodium chicken stock to the crockpot.
3. Cook. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
4. Enjoy. Serve while piping hot with croutons, rolls, or cornbread and enjoy!

How To Make Stovetop Ham and Bean Soup

You can make this ham and bean soup recipe in a large stock pot or dutch oven on the stove. Let’s take a quick look:

1. Sauté onions. In a large dutch oven or stock pot, heat the butter and cook the diced onion for about 5 minutes on medium low heat.
2. Add remaining ingredients. Add the carrots, onion, garlic, beans, ham (plus the ham bone if you have it) , thyme, smoked paprika, (bay leaf if using) and low sodium chicken stock to the dutch oven.
3. Cook. Cook for about 30 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, never letting the soup come to a boil. A nice simmer is perfect.
4. Enjoy. Serve while piping hot with croutons, rolls, or cornbread and enjoy!

FAQs

How long will Ham and Bean Soup stay fresh?

You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe can also be made ahead and frozen. It will keep it’s delicious flavor for up to 3 months. Perfect for when life gets busy and you just need some comfort food! Let thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I make this soup on the stove if I don’t have a crockpot?

Absolutely! For a quick and easy weeknight meal (or if you just don’t wait for the slow cooker to do it’s thing) you can make this in a large stock pot on the stove. The steps are the same, but instead of tossing everything into the crockpot and waiting for it to cook, simply add all the ingredients into the stock pot and cook for 30 minutes. 

Tips and Variations

• Try topping this Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese!
• Stir in or top the soup with red pepper flakes for a little h eat.
• This is the perfect recipe for using up leftover ham from the holidays. Or you can get a pound of thick sliced ham from the deli to save time and without having to prepare a whole ham.
• Canned beans taste amazing but if you really want to go all out, you can cook your own beans from scratch and then add them into the soup.
• Grilled cheese is a great side option or leftover corn souffle from the holidays!
• If you do have a leftover hambone, add that into the soup for a rich and savory flavor bonus.
• Celery, spinach, or kale are great additions to give some green to your soup.
• Try adding in small chunks of red potatoes for a flavorful combination.

More Hearty Soup Recipes:

1. Ham and Cabbage Soup
2. Crockpot Chili
3. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
4. Beer Cheese Soup
5. Chicken Enchilada Soup
6. Sausage Kale Soup Recipe
7. Zuppa Toscana Soup

How To Make Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup