Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker)

5 from 1 vote

Ham and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker)

This Crockpot ham and lentil soup recipe is a hearty, easy, and comforting way to use up leftover ham! It has crispy bacon, filling lentils, and a delicious tomato broth.

Prep Time15

Cook Time4

Total Time4 15

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Crockpot ham and lentil soup, Ham and Lentil Soup

Servings:

Author: Natasha Bull

Ingredients

6 strips bacon cut into small pieces
1 medium onion chopped finely
2 sticks celery chopped finely
2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
4 cloves garlic minced
2 cups diced ham or more, to taste
6 cups chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1.5 cups dry green or brown lentils
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

Fry the bacon until crispy in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 10 min). Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
Add the onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then transfer the skillet mixture to your slow cooker.
Add the cooked bacon to the slow cooker, along with the ham, chicken broth, tomato sauce, lentils, Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
Season with salt & pepper as needed.

Notes

6 cups chicken broth equals one and a half 32 oz. cartons.
You can use a leftover ham bone if you happen to have one.
Stovetop method: do the sautéing steps in a large soup pot or Dutch oven, then simmer the soup for about an hour or until the lentils are cooked. Keep an eye on it and add more liquid if needed.

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