My frugal aunt shared this genius trick for post holiday leftovers. Just 4 ingredients to make the most comforting and cheap dinner that will fill everyone up this spring.

This slow cooker 4-ingredient ham and bean soup is exactly what I make the week after a big holiday dinner, when the fridge is full of leftovers and everyone is still hungry but I’m tired of fussing in the kitchen. My frugal aunt taught me this trick years ago: instead of tossing that ham bone and scraps, tuck them into the slow cooker with pantry beans and a couple of basics, and let time do the work. The result is a thick, cozy pot of soup with creamy white beans and tender pink chunks of ham in a rich, comforting broth. It’s budget-friendly, stretches to feed a crowd, and feels just right on those chilly early spring evenings when you still want something warm and filling but don’t want a heavy, complicated meal.

Serve this ham and bean soup ladled straight from the slow cooker into big bowls, with warm crusty bread, cornbread, or buttered toast for dipping. A simple green salad or sliced fresh veggies on the side helps balance the richness and adds a little crunch. If your family likes toppings, set out black pepper, hot sauce, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of dried parsley so everyone can dress up their own bowl. Leftovers thicken as they sit and are wonderful for next-day lunches with a piece of fruit or a handful of crackers.

Servings: 6

1 meaty leftover ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham (about 10–12 ounces)

Rinse the dried beans in a colander under cool running water and pick out any broken pieces or small stones. No need to soak them for this recipe unless you prefer a softer texture or a shorter cook time.

Place the ham bone (or diced cooked ham) into the bottom of a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker. If using a bone, make sure there is still some meat clinging to it; that’s where a lot of the flavor and those tender pink chunks will come from.

Add the rinsed beans and the chopped onion around and over the ham in the slow cooker, spreading them out as evenly as you can.

Pour the chicken broth (or water) over everything. The liquid should cover the beans by at least 1 inch; if it doesn’t, add a bit more water. Do not overfill the slow cooker past the manufacturer’s recommended line.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beans are very tender and the broth has turned thick and opaque. The soup will continue to thicken slightly as it stands.

Once the beans are soft, remove the ham bone to a cutting board. Let it cool just enough to handle safely, then pull off any remaining ham, discarding fat, gristle, and the bone. Chop or shred the meat into bite-size pieces.

Return the chopped ham to the slow cooker and stir well. Taste and add a little salt and black pepper only if needed; the ham and broth are often salty enough on their own. If the soup is thicker than you like, stir in a splash of hot water or broth to loosen it.

Turn the slow cooker to WARM and let the soup sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors can settle and the texture can become nice and creamy. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

For picky eaters, you can fish out larger onion pieces before serving or grate the onion instead of chopping so it melts into the broth and is less noticeable. If your family likes extra flavor but you still want to keep it simple, toss in a bay leaf or a small pinch of dried thyme at the beginning (remember to remove the bay leaf before serving). To stretch the soup even further for a big crowd, stir in an extra cup or two of water or broth during the last hour of cooking and lightly mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker to keep it thick and creamy. For a slightly lighter version, trim visible fat from the ham before adding it and skim any fat from the surface with a spoon before serving. You can also use a smoked turkey leg in place of the ham bone if you prefer poultry. Food safety tips: Always refrigerate leftover ham promptly after your holiday meal; use the bone and meat within 3–4 days or freeze them for later. When reheating soup, bring it to a simmer and heat until steaming hot throughout (165°F/74°C). Cool leftovers quickly in shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours; use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.