Place the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the diced ham and drained white beans on top of the vegetables.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.