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Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe

Avatar photoByOlivia Bennett
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 66 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness that’s effortlessly prepared, this Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe is going to be your new best friend. With tender lentils, smoky ham, and a medley of savory vegetables slowly melding together, it’s the perfect meal to cozy up with any day of the week.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Incredible Flavor Infusion: Slow-cooking allows the smoky ham and earthy lentils to blend beautifully, creating a soup with deep, rich taste that’s hard to beat.
Super Simple Prep: With just a bit of chopping and then letting the slow cooker do all the work, this recipe is perfect even on your busiest days.
Nutritious and Filling: Lentils pack protein and fiber while the ham adds savory satisfaction, making this soup both healthy and hearty.
Great for Leftovers: Made ahead or stored easily, it tastes even better the next day, giving you a delicious, fuss-free meal option for busy nights.

A black ladle holds a thick soup filled with several layers of ingredients, including small green lentils, bright orange carrot cubes, light pink meat pieces, and bits of green herbs. The soup base is a rich reddish-brown broth with visible flecks of herbs and spices throughout. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ham and Lentil Soup Slow Cooker, hearty ham lentil soup, easy slow cooker soup recipe, healthy lentil and ham soup, comforting slow cooker meal

Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe shines because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor and texture. Each veggie adds sweetness and color, the ham brings that smoky heartiness, and the lentils thicken everything up into a satisfying bowl.

Flat lay of crispy bacon strips, finely chopped onion, bright orange carrot pieces, fresh celery sticks sliced, minced garlic cloves, diced pink ham chunks, dry green lentils, and a small bowl of rich red tomato sauce, all beautifully arranged with sprigs of dried oregano and Italian seasoning scattered around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ham and Lentil Soup Slow Cooker, hearty ham lentil soup, easy slow cooker soup recipe, healthy lentil and ham soup, comforting slow cooker meal
  • Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky base flavor—feel free to swap for pancetta for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
  • Onion, Celery & Carrots: The classic mirepoix trio forms the aromatic foundation, giving the soup depth and natural sweetness.
  • Ham: Diced cooked ham lends smokiness and meaty texture; leftover ham or a ham bone for added flavor works wonderfully.
  • Lentils: Dry green or brown lentils hold their shape well during slow cooking; red lentils aren’t recommended as they tend to break down too much.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid base that ties it all together; homemade or store-bought both work fine.
  • Tomato Sauce: Adds acidity and richness, balancing the richness of the ham and bacon perfectly.
  • Italian Seasoning & Oregano: Bring herbal hints that brighten and complement the soup without overpowering it.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a touch to introduce a mild, warming kick—adjust to your heat preference.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by frying the bacon strips in a skillet over medium-high heat until they turn beautifully crispy, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving just a tablespoon or two of bacon fat in the pan to cook the veggies in for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Into that reserved bacon fat, toss the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook this vibrant mix for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften and develop a light golden color. This step unlocks the veggies’ natural sweetness, building the heart of your soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Transfer

Next, stir in minced garlic for just about 30 seconds—enough to release its aroma without burning. Then, transfer everything from the skillet into your slow cooker, setting the stage for those flavors to deepen over time.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add the crispy bacon, diced ham, chicken broth, tomato sauce, dry lentils, and your seasonings (Italian seasoning, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes) right into the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir so ingredients are well combined and ready to cook slowly to perfection.

Step 5: Slow Cook and Season

Cook your soup on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours—the longer, the better the flavors marry! Once done, give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. That’s it: a deeply satisfying and effortless meal!

How to Serve Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with thick yellow split pea soup. The soup has visible chunks of bright orange carrot pieces, light pink cubes of meat, translucent small onion bits, and crispy browned bacon pieces on top. The broth is rich and orange-brown in color, with a slightly shiny, thick texture. The soup is garnished with small green herb flakes scattered across the surface. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ham and Lentil Soup Slow Cooker, hearty ham lentil soup, easy slow cooker soup recipe, healthy lentil and ham soup, comforting slow cooker meal

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top adds freshness and a burst of color. If you like, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of good olive oil can add creaminess and richness to each bite, making every spoonful a little celebration.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm rolls—perfect for dipping. A crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables make great complementary sides, balancing the soup’s heartiness with fresh, bright flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls for that cozy homemade feel, or get fancy with individual mini slow cooker bowls to keep them warm at a dinner party. You could even ladle it over a bed of rice or quinoa for an extra hearty twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover ham and lentil soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as the freshly made soup.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy meal anytime.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm throughout. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much during storage. Microwave reheating is fine too—just cover and heat in intervals, stirring between cycles.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe without bacon?

    Absolutely! The bacon adds smokiness and depth, but you can leave it out or replace it with smoked paprika or smoked sausage for a similar flavor profile without the pork crispiness.

  2. What lentils work best for this soup?

    Dry green or brown lentils are ideal because they hold their shape during slow cooking. Avoid red lentils as they tend to break down and create a mushier texture.

  3. Can I use a ham bone instead of diced ham?

    Yes! Using a ham bone will infuse the soup with amazing flavor; just add diced ham or another protein to provide some bite since the bone itself doesn’t add meat chunks.

  4. Is there a stovetop method for this Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe?

    Definitely! After sautéing the veggies and bacon, combine all ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven, bring to a simmer, and cook for about an hour or until lentils are tender, adding liquid as needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about a steaming bowl of Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and simplicity all in one pot. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds (and probably thirds) in no time!

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Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe

Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This hearty Ham and Lentil Soup recipe combines smoky bacon, savory ham, and tender lentils slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a comforting and filling meal, packed with vegetables and flavorful herbs, ideal for chilly days and easy batch cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Proteins

  • 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups diced ham (or more, to taste)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped finely
  • 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Other Ingredients

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cups dry green or brown lentils

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, but leave 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for sautéing the vegetables.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet with bacon fat. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, enhancing their natural flavors.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic into the sautéed vegetables and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then transfer this vegetable mixture into your slow cooker.
  4. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the crispy bacon, diced ham, chicken broth, tomato sauce, dry lentils, Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker with the vegetables. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Slow Cook the Soup: Cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The lentils should become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully during this time.
  6. Season and Serve: Once cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir well and serve warm as a hearty meal perfect for colder days.

Notes

  • 6 cups chicken broth equals one and a half 32 oz. cartons.
  • You can enhance flavor by using a leftover ham bone in place of some ham.
  • For stovetop cooking: After sautéing, transfer ingredients to a large soup pot or Dutch oven and simmer for about 1 hour or until lentils are cooked, adding extra liquid if necessary.
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