As the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty soup to warm you from the inside out. And when it comes to comfort food, slow cooker ham bone soup reigns supreme. This classic dish, made with leftover ham bones and an array of vegetables, has been a family favorite for generations, and it’s easy to see why.
With its rich, savory broth and tender chunks of ham, this soup is the perfect antidote to cold, dreary days. The slow cooker makes it a breeze to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together into a delicious, satisfying meal.
A Tasty Way to Use Up Holiday Leftovers
One of the best things about ham bone soup is that it’s an excellent way to use leftover ham from holiday meals. Instead of letting that meaty bone go to waste, toss it into the slow cooker with some beans, vegetables, and broth to create a flavorful, filling soup that will feed your family for days.
Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also saves you money on groceries. With just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have, you can whip up a big batch of soup that will stretch your food budget and keep everyone happy and well-fed.
A Nutritious & Satisfying Meal
In addition to being delicious, ham bone soup is also packed with nutrients. The ham bone is a great protein source, while the beans and vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This makes it a well-rounded meal that will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
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Plus, because it’s made in the slow cooker, the flavors have plenty of time to develop, resulting in a deep, complex broth that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, ham bone soup is sure to hit the spot.
Customizable to Your Tastes
Another great thing about ham bone soup is that it’s highly customizable. While most recipes call for a basic combination of ham, beans, and vegetables, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Love carrots? Throw in a few extra. Prefer a spicier soup? Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can also experiment with different types of beans, from classic navy beans to creamy cannellini or hearty kidney beans. And if you have other leftover vegetables from your holiday meal, such as sweet potatoes or green beans, feel free to toss those in as well.
The possibilities are endless!

Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 leftover ham bone
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 1 15-ounce can corn
- 2 large red potatoes chopped
- 2.5 cups cooked pinto beans
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ham diced
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Place the leftover ham bone in your slow cooker, then add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, canned corn, cubed red potatoes, and cooked pinto beans, stirring gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Pour 4 cups of water into the slow cooker, ensuring enough liquid for the ingredients to cook and flavors to meld together.
- Set your slow cooker to low and simmer the soup for 7 hours, letting the flavors develop and intensify.
- After 7 hours, carefully discard the ham bone from the slow cooker. Add the diced ham to the soup, stirring it to distribute the meat evenly throughout the vegetables and broth.
- Continue cooking the soup on low for 1-2 hours, allowing the diced ham to warm through and the flavors to meld further.
- Before serving, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the hot, comforting ham bone soup into bowls and enjoy the hearty and satisfying meal you've created from your leftover holiday ham.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.