The Best Lentil Soup Recipe Using a Slow Cooker

Written byStephanie Hofer Updated

This hearty, healthy slow-cooker lentil soup recipe is a true dump-and-go meal that takes just minutes to prep and fills your home with the most comforting, savory aroma all day long.

Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and wholesome goodness with this hearty dish, that’s not only healthy, but oh so delicious and convenient!

I don’t know about you, but this busy mom can’t live without her slow cooker.

This is literal a dump and go meal, that takes minutes to prep.

During the winter months I’m always looking for a good hearty recipe to keep me satisfied and warm! 

Not only is this recipe loaded with healthy ingredients, but the savory aroma fills our home while it cooks all day to perfection!

Join us as we share the secrets to creating a healthy, soul-satisfying bowl of comfort that will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

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Ingredients for Bean and Lentil Soup Recipe

To whip up a hearty bean and lentil soup, begin with the aromatic trio of onion, celery, and garlic, laying the foundation for savory goodness.

All the ingredient for the lentil soup recipe placed on the counter with the slow cooker.

Carrots will add a touch or sweetness and the potatoes, black beans and lentils make this hearty soup a well-rounded meal.

For the base of this lentil soup recipe add chicken broth, homemade is best, but canned will do.

For a touch of smoky flavor, a ham bone or ham steak brings in an amazing savory flavor.

Prepare to create a warm and hearty soup that delights the senses and satisfies the appetite.

Simple ingredients, big flavor – get ready for a satisfying bowl of comfort.

Prep Soup Ingredients

Although this recipe is easy, it will require a few minutes of prep work.

Diced vegetables, potatoes, carrots, celery and onion for the slow cooker soup recipe.

First, you’ll need to dice the onion, celery, carrots and potatoes and then place in your slow cooker.

I also like to place a slow cooker liner in my pot to make clean up a breeze.

Ingredient for soup are placed in the slow cooker, ham, lentils, black beans, carrots, onions, celery and potatoes.

If you’re using a ham bone, (my personal preference) place it in the slow cooker at this time.

However if you don’t have a ham bone, cut ham steak, or Canadian bacon into bite size pieces and add to the slow cooker.

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For another fall and winter recipe try our roasted carrots and brussel sprouts.

They’re sweet and savory and even a favorite with my kids!

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NOTE: My personal preference is using a ham bone.

After the holidays I usually have a bone or two leftover from my spiral sliced ham.

After the lentil soup simmers all day, remove the bone from the crock pot and pull all the meat off the bone.

Then return to the ham to the slow cooker.

This method results in a much more flavorful soup.

At this time add the remaining ingredient and lastly add enough water to cover the ingredients (2-4 C. depending on the size of slow cooker).

Then cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 8-9 hours, allowing the flavors to blend.

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Tips for Using Beans

While you can use canned beans, I prefer dry beans.

They will need to be soaked, but not cooked.

To soak black beans cover with water and let sit overnight.

If you’re in a rush, cover the dry beans with boiling water and let sit for an hour, drain and then place in the slow cooker.

The soaked beans will cook to perfection in the slow cooker.

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More Comfort Food Recipes

Bean and lentil soup with carrots and potatoes and a dollop of sour cream.
Stephanie Hofer

Bean & Lentil Soup

Create comfort in a bowl with our simple bean and lentil soup! A hearty mix of veggies, lentils, black beans, and ham in a flavorful chicken broth. Easy, healthy and satisfying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Servings: 12 Servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 169
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C dried beans washed and soaked or 1 can beans
  • 2 14oz. cans chicken broth
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 1 C carrots chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes (2 C.) diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 C lentils rinsed
  • 1 ham bone or 1/2lb. canadian bacon/ham steak, chopped

Equipment

  • slow cooker

Method
 

  1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
    Add 2-4 cups hot water (depending on size of slow cooker) to cover ingredients in slow cooker.
    Cover and cook on high 1 hour, reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 8-9 hours.
    If using a ham bone, remove bone and pull off meat.
    Place meat back in slow cooker.
    Discard bone.
    Ladle in bowls and garnish with sour cream.
    Serve with a slice of whole wheat toast, roll or breadstick.

Notes

Using a ham bone will result in a more flavorful soup.
After cooking time is completed, remove meat from the bones, add meat to soup and discard bones.
While you can use canned beans, I prefer dry beans.
They will need to be soaked, but not cooked.
To soak black beans cover with water and let sit overnight.
If you’re in a rush, cover the dry beans with boiling water and let sit for an hour, drain and then place in the slow cooker.
The soaked beans will cook to perfection in the slow cooker.

As you ladle out a steaming bowl of this bean and lentil soup, savor the flavor and heartiness that defines each spoonful.

This easy-to-make soup recipe, features wholesome veggies, protein-packed lentils, beans and the savory chunks of ham, it’s definitely comfort in every bite.

Did you enjoy this recipe?!

Are you ready to make your own pot of bean and lentil soup?!

Please let us know what you think of this recipe, we’d love to get your feedback!

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Pinterest image, Bowl of the Best Lentil Soup Recipe garnished with sour cream with a slice of toast.

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I’m a DIY enthusiast at heart—after all it’s in my DNA, thanks to my parents and grandparents who are avid DIYers. I’m also a devoted wife and mother of three amazing kids who keep me on my toes. My DIY journey began after my husband, Dan and I bought our first home. With high-end taste and a tight budget, I was determined to transform our builder-grade space with creativity and minimal cost. There’s nothing more satisfying than taking something unwanted and making it into a cherished piece, whether I’m restoring a vintage dresser or upcycling everyday finds.

I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned along the way and helping others create beautiful spaces without breaking the bank! When I’m not hunting for new DIY projects, I love spending time outdoors with my family, hiking, snowshoeing, and traveling.

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