Ham And Bean Soup

Hey y'all! There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Ham And Bean Soup on a brisk day—it's hearty, filling, and packed with savory flavors. With chunks of smoky ham, creamy beans, and tender veggies, this Soup is a soul-warming classic that's easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for gatherings. Grab your favorite pot and a big spoon—let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This Ham And Bean Soup

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, nourishing, and perfect for chilly evenings or rainy days.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time make this a weeknight win.
• Great for Leftovers: Flavors improve overnight—this soup is even better the next day.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by picky eaters and adults alike, it’s a staple for all ages.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and leftover ham for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced (about 1 pound)
• 1 pound dried great northern beans (or navy beans), rinsed and sorted
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Prep the Beans (Soak Overnight or Use Quick-Soak Method)

1. Overnight Soak: Place beans in a large pot, cover with water by 2 inches, and soak overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. Quick Soak Option: Put beans in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.

Start the Soup Base

3. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.

Simmer the Soup

5. Add soaked beans, diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and flavors meld. Skim any foam as needed.

Season and Serve

7. Remove and discard bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your homemade Ham And Bean Soup!

Notes

• For a creamier texture, use a potato masher to gently mash some beans in the pot before serving.
• Leftover holiday ham bone can be simmered with the soup for extra rich flavor—just remove before serving.
• Adjust the thickness by adding extra broth or water if you prefer a thinner soup.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and substitute with smoked paprika and vegetable broth for a hearty veggie soup.
• Spicy Ham And Bean Soup: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Slow Cooker Method: Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beans are tender.

Required Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle

Storage Instructions

• Let soup cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread, homemade cornbread, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Top with extra parsley, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or croutons for added flavor and crunch.
• Pair with a glass of dry white wine or iced tea for the perfect comfort dinner.

Pro Tips for the Best Ham And Bean Soup

1. Always soak dried beans to ensure even cooking and prevent them from staying tough.
2. Don’t add salt until beans are tender—salt can toughen beans if added too early.
3. If using a ham bone, simmer it with the soup then remove, shred meat, and return it to the pot for extra richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes! Substitute with four 15-ounce cans of drained, rinsed beans and simmer for just 30 minutes.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, the flavors develop even more as it rests—just reheat gently before serving.

How do I thicken or thin the soup?

For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked beans. To thin, simply stir in a bit more broth or water until desired consistency is reached.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 2 hours | Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

★★★★★ 4.60 from 11 ratings

Ham And Bean Soup

yield: 6 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 20 mins

total: 50 mins

A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender ham, creamy white beans, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or using up leftover ham.

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🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. 1
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
2. 2
   Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3
   Stir in the diced ham, white beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. 4
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. 5
   Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 290 caloriescal

Protein: 20gg

Fat: 9gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 31gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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