Creamy Crockpot Ham and White Bean Casserole for Easy Dinners

Name: Crockpot Creamy Ham and White Bean Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups diced cooked ham; 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained; 1 medium leek, washed and thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp melted butter; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Transform leftover holiday ham into a rich, comforting meal with this simple crockpot ham and white bean casserole. Tender white beans, sautéed leeks, diced ham, and fresh thyme slow cook in a silky broth before being folded with melted Gruyere cheese. It is ideal for busy Thanksgiving week nights when you want a warm, hands-off dinner that feeds the whole family.

Crockpot Creamy Ham and White Bean Casserole, an easy crockpot dinner recipe

Prep: 15 minCook: 4 hrTotal: 4 hr 15 minServes: 6

Ingredients

3 cups diced cooked ham
2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium leek, washed and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a 5 to 6-quart crockpot, combine the diced ham, rinsed white beans, sliced leek, minced garlic, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir well to integrate.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours) until the leeks are tender and the dish is hot throughout. Ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 F.
Turn the crockpot setting to warm. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese until completely melted and smooth.
In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyere.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover and let sit on LOW or WARM for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and toppings set. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Ham Swap: Leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas roast ham works perfectly, but store-bought diced smoked ham is an easy shortcut.
Extra Crunch: For a crispier topping, transfer the finished casserole to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.