Best Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

This classic ham and bean soup features tender dried Great Northern beans simmered with cubed ham, chicken broth, and simple seasonings. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s truly a “toss and go” meal where the crockpot does all the work while you go about your day.

Looking for more slow cooker comfort food? This Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is another winter favorite, or try my Crockpot Pot Roast for a complete hands-free meal. For another pasta-free soup option, check out my Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Effort Required: This crockpot ham and bean soup recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time, then the slow cooker takes over. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hot meal without standing over the stove.
• Budget-Friendly: Using leftover ham means you’re getting the most out of your holiday meal. Combined with affordable vegetables and pantry staples, this soup feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender ham and creamy Great Northern beans creates a satisfying soup that warms you from the inside out. The chicken broth base brings everything together with rich, savory flavor that tastes just like grandma’s kitchen.
• One-Pot Meal: With protein, vegetables, and potatoes all in one pot, this is a complete meal that minimizes cleanup. No need for multiple side dishes when this soup has it all.

What Are Great Northern Beans?

Great Northern beans are medium-sized white beans with a delicate, mild flavor and smooth texture. They’re perfect for soups because they hold their shape well during long cooking times while becoming tender and creamy. These beans are traditionally used in ham and bean soup, absorbing all the savory flavors from the broth and ham as they cook.

Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Dried Great Northern Beans – These white beans are the star of the show. You’ll need to sort through them first to remove any debris, then soak them in water for about 8 hours or overnight. This soaking process softens the beans and reduces the cooking time, ensuring they cook evenly in the crockpot.
• Ham – Leftover ham from your holiday meal is perfect for this recipe. Cut it into bite-sized cubes so every spoonful has tender pieces of ham. The ham adds a smoky, salty depth that flavors the entire soup.
• Chicken Broth – A good quality chicken broth forms the flavorful base of this soup. It should completely cover the green beans in the crockpot. If needed, add a little water to ensure everything is properly submerged.
• Yellow Onion – Fresh chopped yellow onion adds aromatic flavor and a touch of sweetness to the soup. The onion breaks down during cooking, infusing the broth with its savory essence and complementing the ham perfectly.
• Garlic Powder – Garlic powder brings a subtle garlicky warmth to the soup. It pairs beautifully with the ham and complements the vegetables without overpowering them.
• Salt and Black Pepper – These essential seasonings bring out all the other flavors in the soup. Start with the amounts listed and adjust to your taste preference at the end of cooking.

Substitutions and Additions

• Use other bean options if you prefer. While Great Northern beans are traditional, you could substitute navy beans, cannellini beans, or even pinto beans for a different flavor profile.
• Skip the garlic powder if you’re not a fan. Not everyone uses garlic in this recipe, so it’s completely optional based on your preferences.
• Add diced carrots and celery for extra vegetables and a classic ham and bean soup flavor. These additions bring color and texture to the soup.
• Swap water for the chicken broth if that’s all you have on hand. Just be sure to add a bit more salt to compensate for the loss of flavor from the broth.
• Add a ham bone if you have one left from your holiday meal. It will infuse even more ham flavor into the soup as it cooks, making it extra rich and delicious.

How to Make Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Start by sorting through your dried Great Northern beans to remove any debris or stones. Rinse the beans well, then place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for about 8 hours or overnight. This step is essential for properly cooked beans, so don’t skip it.

STEP 2. Once your beans have soaked, drain them completely and add them to your 6-quart crockpot. Add the cubed ham, chicken broth, chopped yellow onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

STEP 3. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours, or until the beans are softened and tender. Check the beans after 3.5 hours to see if they’re done. Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting soup!

Recipe Tips

• Cut your potatoes uniformly so they all cook at the same rate. Uneven pieces mean some will be mushy while others are still firm.
• Sort through the beans carefully before soaking to remove any small stones or debris that can sometimes be mixed in with dried beans.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking. Depending on how salty your ham and broth are, you may need to add more salt or pepper.
• Use a 6-quart crockpot as specified to ensure everything fits comfortably with room for the liquid to circulate.
• Stir gently if you check on the soup during cooking to avoid breaking up the potatoes too much.

Storing Tips

• Storage: Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. This ham and bean soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerator: Store your leftover crockpot ham and bean soup in an airtight container for up to 6 days. The flavors actually develop even more as it sits, making leftovers taste just as good or better.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers. The vegetables may change texture slightly when thawed, but the soup will still be delicious. Leave some headspace in the container for expansion during freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave or warm the soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth if it’s thickened up in storage.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or Sweet Cornbread with Honey Drizzle for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. A simple green salad on the side adds freshness and crunch that complements the soup’s hearty nature.

For a complete meal spread, serve this alongside Homemade Jiffy Cornbread Stuffing or a Copycat Chick-fil-A Coleslaw. The cool, crisp coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm soup.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Soup Recipes? Try These:

• Easy Crockpot Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage
• Cozy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup (One-Pot Comfort Food!)
• Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
• See all our soup and chowder recipes!