Slow Cooker Lentil Ham Soup

My Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham Recipe At A Glance

Primary Cooking Method: Crock pot
Number of Ingredients: 6
Total Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Cook Time: 6 hours
Level of Effort To Make: Easy Peasy
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I make lentil soup all year long, but ham is one of those things I pretty much only eat during the holiday season, so when I get my hands on a leftover ham bone, it’s going into this slow cooker lentil ham soup.

The ham bone (or a ham hock if I’m fresh out) gives the broth so much flavor, and the lentils soak it all up, making this soup hearty, smoky, and ridiculously comforting.

Plus, this lentil ham soup is basically an excuse to bake homemade sourdough bread because between the two, I can easily take down half a loaf in one sitting. It’s cozy, filling, high in protein and a great way to use up leftovers from a holiday ham. If you love soups that are easy, made in the crock pot and are super big on flavor and low on effort, this lentil ham soup recipe for you.

6 Ingredients to make Slow Cooker Lentil Ham Soup

• 2 cups lentils – Use green or brown lentils, they hold up better in the crock pot and give them a quick rinse to get off any dusts.
• 1 large ham hock or 2 cups diced ham – Both work perfectly. The ham hock brings that rich, fall-apart texture, while diced ham is quick, easy, and still full of flavor. Use what you’ve got!
• 4 carrots, chopped – You can also short cut this by buying baby carrots and just cutting them in half.
• 2 onions, chopped – White or yellow sweet onion works best.
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps things light and lets you control the salt. I like to use chicken bone broth, but regular chicken broth will work.
• 1 can diced tomatoes with juices – If you want more flavor go with fire roasted!
• 1 teaspoon salt and pepper each – Just enough to add a little warmth without overpowering anything.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder – You can also use fresh minced garlic, but I would go for around 2 tablespoons of the fresh stuff.

Make This Recipe Yours Additions

• Extra Veggies: Add 1-2 cups of chopped celery, zucchini, or diced potatoes to bulk up the soup. Fresh greens like spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last 10 minutes for a pop of color and nutrients.
• Herbs & Aromatics: Toss in a bay leaf, a few sprigs of thyme, or a rosemary sprig for added flavor. If you love garlic, add a few cloves of minced garlic along with the other ingredients.
• Smoky Flair: A teaspoon of smoked paprika or ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke can enhance the ham’s natural smokiness, especially if you’re using diced ham instead of a ham hock.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to bring some heat. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
• Creamy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk toward the end of cooking for a velvety texture.
• Grain Add-Ins: For a heartier dish, add a cup of cooked quinoa, barley, or wild rice when serving.
• Toppings: Finish with fresh parsley or cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt works well for extra creaminess

How to make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham

For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Prep Ahead

Chop the Veggies: Get the chopping out of the way early! Carrots, onions, and celery can all be diced a day or two ahead and stashed in the fridge. Bonus points if you convince someone else to do it for you.

Pre-Cut the Ham: Using diced ham? You can chop it ahead of time or cheat and grab the pre-cut stuff at the store—no judgment here. Ham hocks, luckily, are ready to roll as is.

Rinse the Lentils: You can do this ahead of time and store them dry until you’re ready to toss them in.

Assemble the Ingredients: Measure out your spices and combine the broth and tomatoes in a container. Come cooking day, all you’ll have to do is dump and go.

Freeze for Later: Assemble everything (minus the broth) in a freezer bag, seal it up, and freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s go time, just dump it in the slow cooker, add the broth, and let it do its thing.

My Best Cooking Tips for Making Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham

1. Layer It Right: Place the ham hock or diced ham at the bottom of the slow cooker. This lets all that smoky, salty goodness spread throughout the soup. Add the lentils next, then layer the veggies on top—this helps everything cook evenly and keeps the lentils from sticking.
2. Go Easy on the Salt: Ham and broth already bring plenty of salt to the party, so hold off on adding more until the soup is fully cooked. It’s easier to adjust at the end than fix an overly salty soup.
3. Add Greens at the End: If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir them in during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. This keeps them vibrant and fresh instead of overcooked and mushy.
4. Let It Rest: Once the soup is done, let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to settle and makes the soup even tastier.
5. Finish with a Kick: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar just before serving brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the ham. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are a great way to add a fresh touch.
6. Save Those Leftovers: This soup stores beautifully. It tastes even better the next day and freezes well, so you can enjoy it whenever you need a quick, comforting meal.

Menu Ideas – What to Eat with Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of sourdough or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. Add toppings like sliced apples, walnuts, or goat cheese for extra flavor.
• Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is a natural match, especially if you love a bit of sweet and savory contrast.
• Roasted Veggies: Serve up some roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a side that’s both colorful and nutritious.
• Grilled Cheese: A melty, gooey grilled cheese sandwich makes for a classic comfort-food combo. Bonus points if you use a sharp cheddar or Gruyère.
• Baked Potatoes: A loaded baked potato with sour cream, cheese, and chives pairs beautifully with the smoky, savory notes of the soup.
• Pickled Veggies: Add a small plate of pickled onions, cucumbers, or beets for a tangy, refreshing bite between spoonfuls.
• Dessert Option: If you want to end on a sweet note, keep it simple with a fruit crisp or some buttery shortbread cookies.

How to store & reheat Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Ham

Storing in the Fridge: Let the soup cool completely before popping it into an airtight container. It’ll hang out happily in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re storing a big ham hock along with it, you might want to pull it out and keep it separate to avoid overpowering the soup.

Freezing for Later: This soup is freezer-friendly, which is a total win for future-you. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags once it’s cooled. Leave a little space at the top—soup likes to expand when it freezes. Label it (because mystery freezer meals are no fun), and it’ll keep for about 3 months. Freezing in individual portions is great for quick lunches or solo dinners.

Reheating from the Fridge: Warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, giving it a stir now and then until it’s steaming. If you’re in a microwave mood, zap individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stir, and heat more if needed.

Reheating from Frozen: Forgot to thaw it? No worries. For stovetop, heat it low and slow, stirring occasionally, until it’s thawed and hot. If you’re in a rush, a quick run under warm water loosens the frozen block so you can get it going faster. Microwave users, just heat it in short bursts and stir often for even results.

Soup Too Thick? If it’s looking a little chunky after sitting, just add a splash of water or broth when reheating—it’ll go back to its cozy, soupy self.

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