Hearty Crock Pot Ham and Vegetable Soup

The slow-cooked blend of savory ham, tender garden vegetables, and herby broth makes this Crock Pot Ham and Vegetable Soup the epitome of cozy comfort food. It’s ideal for busy weekdays when you want something wholesome and satisfying without hovering over the stove.

This soup is also a great way to use up leftover ham or clean out the veggie drawer with style. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty dinner or prep it for lunches throughout the week, each bowl is warming, filling, and nutrient-packed. Pair with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort combo.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced

• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut

• 1/2 cup frozen corn

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Directions:

1. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent (optional for added flavor).

2. Add all ingredients into a crock pot or slow cooker.

3. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until vegetables are tender.

4. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm with crusty bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high) | Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low)
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crock Pot Ham and Vegetable Soup is the definition of warm, satisfying comfort food. Made with tender cubes of ham, hearty root vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is designed to nourish the body and soothe the soul. Slow-cooked to perfection, each spoonful delivers a rich combination of savory meat, earthy vegetables, and subtle herbs that make it both filling and flavorful.

This recipe is especially loved for its convenience it uses leftover or pre-cooked ham and a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a family on a budget, or just trying to stay warm during the colder months, this soup is a one-pot wonder that checks all the boxes.

The Magic of the Crock Pot

One of the best parts of this dish is the use of the slow cooker. The Crock Pot allows all the ingredients to gently simmer over hours, melding flavors in a way that stove-top cooking can’t always replicate. This long, slow simmering creates incredibly tender vegetables and deeply infused broth, which results in a soup that tastes like it’s been lovingly cooked all day because it has.

Using a slow cooker also means it’s mostly hands-off. After chopping the ingredients and placing them in the pot, you simply turn it on and let it do the work. There’s no need to stand over a stove, making it ideal for busy weekdays, family gatherings, or prepping meals ahead of time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup isn’t just tasty it’s practical and healthy too. The combination of lean ham and a medley of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas provides a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and customizable to suit various dietary preferences.

Aside from being nourishing, the soup is very forgiving. You can use fresh, frozen, or even canned vegetables depending on what you have on hand. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from holiday meals or stretch a small amount of meat into several servings.

Origins and Inspiration

Ham and vegetable soup is a classic dish that likely traces its roots to European and American traditions of making hearty, economical soups using leftover meat and seasonal vegetables. In older generations, nothing was wasted and this soup captures that philosophy perfectly.

The Crock Pot version modernizes the approach by offering convenience and consistency. It became especially popular in the 1970s when slow cookers entered mainstream American kitchens and busy households needed nutritious meals that could cook while everyone was away at work or school.

Health Benefits

This soup is more than just a feel-good meal it’s good for you, too. Here’s why:

• High in Protein: Ham adds a solid protein boost, helping you feel full longer and supporting muscle health.
• Rich in Fiber: Thanks to the vegetables, especially peas, carrots, and green beans, this soup supports digestive health.
• Low in Fat: Using lean cuts of ham or trimming fat off leftovers keeps the dish heart-healthy.
• Packed with Vitamins: Root vegetables and leafy greens provide essential vitamins like A, C, and K, plus potassium and folate.

It’s also a smart option for those watching their calorie intake. A serving generally contains fewer than 250 kcal, making it a light yet satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Ham and Vegetable Soup is a full meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty sourdough or French bread
• Cheddar biscuits or cornbread
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Grilled cheese or panini sandwiches

You can serve it as a main dish or use smaller portions as a starter for larger meals. It also stores exceptionally well and can be enjoyed for lunch the next day just reheat and enjoy.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This soup is a meal prepper’s dream. It stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers. When reheating, simply microwave or heat in a pot until warmed through.

For freezing, consider storing it in single-serve portions to make quick weekday lunches even easier. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this is a simple recipe, here are a few tips to make sure your soup turns out perfect:

• Overcooking the Vegetables: If you’re using particularly tender vegetables, add them toward the last hour of cooking to avoid mushiness.
• Too Salty Broth: Ham can be salty, especially if it’s cured. Use low-sodium broth and taste the soup before adding extra salt.
• Cutting Ingredients Unevenly: Try to dice your vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly.
• Not Browning the Onions or Garlic First (Optional Step): Though optional, sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor dramatically.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this soup to suit your preferences:

• Add a grain like barley, rice, or small pasta for a heartier soup.
• Make it creamy by adding a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
• Add leafy greens like kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes.
• Try different meats such as turkey, sausage, or smoked chicken for a twist.
• Spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes, smoked paprika, or herbs like rosemary or oregano.

Similar Recipes You Might Love

If this soup hits the spot, you might also enjoy:

• Split Pea and Ham Soup
• Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
• Beef and Barley Vegetable Stew
• Turkey Vegetable Soup
• Creamy Potato and Leek Soup

These recipes share the same comfort-food DNA and are perfect for rotating into your meal plan throughout the colder months.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Ham and Vegetable Soup is the kind of dish that becomes a staple once you try it. It’s easy to prepare, packed with nourishing ingredients, and delivers on both flavor and heartiness. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold night, use up leftover ham from a holiday feast, or simply feed a hungry crowd without stress, this soup is up to the task.

Its flexibility, longevity in the fridge or freezer, and overall comfort factor make it one of the best slow cooker meals you can have in your arsenal. It’s the perfect reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients when cooked slowly with love can make the most satisfying dishes.

So the next time you’re craving something cozy, toss a few ingredients into your Crock Pot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a steaming bowl of goodness waiting to be enjoyed.