Crockpot Ham & Lentil Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Ham & Lentil Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender lentils, savory ham, and vegetables, it’s an easy slow-cooker recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers big on flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked ham, diced
• 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the ham, lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the lentils are tender and the soup is fragrant.
3. Step 3: Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.
4. Step 4: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a smokier flavor, use smoked ham or add a dash of liquid smoke.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the lentils before serving or cook uncovered in the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe fully vegetarian—just omit the ham or replace with smoked tofu.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Using canned lentils will reduce cooking time significantly. Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.

Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?

No soaking is necessary for brown or green lentils. Just rinse them well before adding to the slow cooker.

Crockpot Ham & Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 201 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty and comforting Crockpot Ham & Lentil Soup featuring tender lentils, savory diced ham, and a mix of vegetables slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic herbs and smoky paprika. This easy-to-make, nourishing soup is perfect for cozy meals and requires minimal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked ham (diced)
• 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils (rinsed)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced ham, rinsed lentils, diced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf into your slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
2. Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours if you need it done sooner. Cook until the lentils are tender and the soup is fragrant and full of flavor.
3. Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, carefully remove the bay leaf from the soup as it has infused its flavor during cooking and should be discarded.
4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve warm for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or dust before cooking.
• You can add a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• If thicker soup is preferred, blend a portion of it and then stir back in.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crockpot ham soup, lentil soup, slow cooker recipes, ham and lentils, easy soup recipe, comfort food