Slow Cooker Ham and White Bean Bake for Easy Meal Prep

Name: Slow Cooker Caramelized Leek Ham and Bean Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 large leeks, white and light green parts sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups diced cooked ham; 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini white beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened; 1 1/2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese, divided; 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves for garnish

This creamy slow cooker ham and white bean casserole brings ultimate comfort to your weeknight routine with minimal effort. Sweet caramelized leeks, smoky cheddar, tender cannellini beans, and savory ham simmer together into a cozy bake. It is perfect for autumn family dinners or portioning into weekday meal-prep containers.

Slow Cooker Caramelized Leek Ham and Bean Casserole, an easy crockpot dinner recipe

Prep: 15 minCook: 5 hrTotal: 5 hr 15 minServes: 6

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 large leeks, white and light green parts sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups diced cooked ham
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini white beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 1/2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese, divided
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add sliced leeks and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Transfer the sautéed leeks and garlic into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add diced ham, drained white beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours) until hot and bubbling.
Stir in cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded smoked cheddar until completely melted and velvety.
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup smoked cheddar over the top. Cover for 10 to 15 minutes on LOW until the cheese is melted and bubbly, reaching a safe internal temperature of 145 F.
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve warm or cool slightly before packing into meal-prep containers.

Tips

Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Swap smoked cheddar with sharp white cheddar or Gruyere for a classic flavor twist.
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.