Crock Pot Beef Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and packed with savory flavors. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing as it simmers away in your slow cooker. This recipe is ideal for chilly days or whenever you have leftover beef ham and want a cozy, nourishing dish with minimal effort.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. A humble combination of white beans, vegetables, herbs, and beef ham creates a flavorful, protein-packed meal that feels both rustic and wholesome. Plus, using the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while the flavors slowly develop into something truly satisfying.
This soup is wonderfully economical, especially if you’re using a leftover beef ham bone or diced beef ham. The long cooking time extracts every bit of flavor, making the broth rich and deeply savory. Dried beans are inexpensive and hearty, and they soften perfectly over the course of the day.
A classic blend of aromatics—onion, garlic, celery, and carrots—adds a comforting base to the soup. Bay leaves and thyme enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish, and a pinch of black pepper brings it all together. Simple ingredients, extraordinary taste.
It’s a great recipe to prepare in the morning before work. Come home to a hot meal ready to serve with crusty bread or a side salad. It’s family-friendly, freezes well, and only gets better with time, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
If you’re cooking for dietary preferences, this soup is naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted for low-sodium or low-fat needs. Swap in turkey ham or add extra vegetables like kale or spinach for a nutritional boost.
This dish is a staple during the winter months, especially around the holidays when leftover beef ham is plentiful. It’s cozy, filling, and makes a generous batch that can feed a crowd or stretch across multiple meals.
The slow cooking method not only develops incredible depth of flavor but also gives the beans a creamy, tender texture that’s incredibly comforting. No need to soak the beans beforehand, making this recipe even easier.
You can adapt it by using canned beans if you’re short on time—just reduce the cooking time and salt accordingly. Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten up the rich flavors.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the soup thickens slightly, giving it an even more comforting texture the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in individual portions for later.
This soup is also a great candidate for bringing to potlucks or serving at casual get-togethers. It’s warm, satisfying, and makes people feel cared for—exactly what comfort food should do.
The smoky flavor of the beef ham, especially if you’re using a bone or hock, infuses every spoonful. The beans soak up all that savory goodness, and the result is a rich, nourishing soup you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re feeding a big family or just looking for a simple, hands-off meal, Crock Pot Beef Ham and Bean Soup is a classic that delivers every time.
Servings: 8
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried great northern beans (rinsed, no need to soak)
- 1 meaty beef ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked beef ham
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Salt to taste, if needed
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crock pot in the order listed.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beans are tender.
- Remove beef ham bone (if using), shred any meat and return to the pot.
- Discard bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tips:
- No need to soak beans beforehand.
- If using canned beans, reduce liquid and cooking time.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavor.
- Freezes well—cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly.
- Uses simple pantry staples and leftover beef ham.
- Hands-off slow cooker method.
- Great for meal prep and freezes well.
Summary: This Crock Pot Beef Ham and Bean Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly dish made with white beans, veggies, and smoky beef ham. Perfect for cold days, it’s easy to prep, slow-cooked to perfection, and full of rich, savory flavor.
