If you’re searching for a cozy, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, this Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with smoky ham, tender lentils, and a vibrant mix of vegetables, this slow cooker soup offers layers of flavor that develop beautifully over hours of gentle simmering. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and makes for a wonderfully satisfying lunch or dinner that you can feel good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role: from the savory bacon and ham bringing smoky richness, to the lentils adding heartiness and texture, and the fresh vegetables contributing lovely color and subtle sweetness.
- Bacon (6 strips, cut into small pieces): Adds irresistible smoky depth and a crispy contrast that enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped finely): Builds a flavorful base with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped finely): Provides a subtle, refreshing crunch and balances out the richness.
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled & chopped finely): Bring a pop of color and gentle sweetness to the broth.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the overall taste.
- Diced Ham (2 cups or more): The star protein that makes this soup hearty and satisfying with its smoky undertones.
- Chicken Broth (6 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties every ingredient together with comfort.
- Tomato Sauce (1, 15-ounce can): Contributes subtle acidity and richness for a velvety texture.
- Dry Green or Brown Lentils (1.5 cups): Nutrient-packed legumes that thicken the soup and offer a wonderful earthiness.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that elevates the soup with familiar Mediterranean warmth.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces herbaceous notes and a subtle peppery touch.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste): Adds a mild kick for balanced flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for adjusting the seasoning to your personal preference.
How to Make Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the bacon
Start by frying the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and crispy, about 10 minutes. This will infuse your soup with amazing smoky flavor. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving just 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the veggies
In that same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add your finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and develop a bit of light browning. This caramelization enhances the soup’s depth and natural sweetness, setting a fantastic foundation.
Step 3: Add garlic and transfer
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds – enough to release its fragrance but not burn it. Then pour the sautéed veggie mixture into your slow cooker to combine with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine all ingredients and slow cook
Now it’s time for the main assembly. Add the crispy bacon, diced ham, chicken broth, tomato sauce, lentils, Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir, set your slow cooker on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours, and let the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Season and finish
Once cooking is complete, taste your soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. This finishing touch brings everything into perfect harmony and readies your soup for serving.
How to Serve Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance each bowl with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a fresh, vibrant contrast. A dollop of sour cream can add lovely creaminess if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or warm cornbread to soak up every savory drop. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette can also balance the heartiness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or charming mini cast iron pots. You can also offer mix-in toppings like crispy fried shallots or crunchy croutons on the side so guests can customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe keeps really well. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days to enjoy quick, flavorful meals the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Lentils hold up well after freezing, making this soup a perfect make-ahead option.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green or brown lentils hold their shape well for this soup, you can experiment with other varieties. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and may turn mushy.
Is it necessary to cook the bacon first?
Yes, cooking the bacon first develops rich smoky flavor and renders fat that’s used to sauté the veggies. It adds depth you wouldn’t get from just adding raw bacon to the slow cooker.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Simply omit the bacon and ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika can help mimic the smoky notes from the meat.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove a cup of lentils and vegetables from the cooked soup and puree them, then stir back into the pot to create a natural thickener.
How spicy is the soup with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The 1/4 teaspoon adds just a gentle kick to balance the flavors—it’s not overly spicy. You can always adjust the amount up or down depending on your heat tolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying dishes that feels effortlessly special. The slow cooking infuses each ingredient with comforting warmth, while the heartiness of ham and lentils makes it endlessly filling. I genuinely encourage you to give it a go—you’ll have a new favorite for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a bowl of pure comfort.
Print
Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Ham and Lentil Soup is a comforting slow cooker recipe that combines smoky bacon, tender ham, and nutritious lentils in a flavorful tomato and herb broth. Perfect for a warming meal, it offers a rich blend of textures and savory taste achieved through a slow simmer that melds the ingredients beautifully.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 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 & chopped finely)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids and Beans
- 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 & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. Once crispy, transfer the bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned, which will enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Add Garlic and Transfer: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, then transfer this vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the cooked bacon, diced ham, chicken broth, tomato sauce, lentils, Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the lentils to become tender and the flavors to meld together into a savory, hearty soup.
- Season and Serve: Before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes in the slow cooker.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the soup’s spiciness.
- If using a stovetop method instead of slow cooker, simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- This soup freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and ham and increase lentils; use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
