The Heartiest Ham & Bean Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Cold winter nights call for a comforting ham & bean soup recipe that warms you from the inside out.

This hearty classic brings together tender ham chunks and creamy beans in a rich, flavorful broth.

Every spoonful carries the deep, smoky essence of slow-cooked ingredients.

Generations have cherished this soul-satisfying meal that stretches simple pantry staples into a filling dinner.

Fresh herbs and a dash of black pepper add brightness to the robust base.

The soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.

Grab a crusty bread and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this timeless comfort food.

FAQs

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans. Drain and rinse them before adding to the soup to reduce sodium content. Canned beans will also reduce cooking time.

• What type of ham works best for this soup?

Leftover holiday ham or deli ham are perfect. Bone-in ham adds extra flavor. Use smoked or honey-baked ham for more depth in taste.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! Ham and beans provide high protein. Carrots, celery, and onions offer essential vitamins and minerals. The soup is hearty, filling, and balanced with vegetables and protein.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace ham with smoked tofu or additional beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or ham broth. Add extra herbs like rosemary or sage for more flavor complexity.

Ham and Bean Soup Why It’s a Cozy Classic

• This hearty ham and bean soup delivers pure, warm comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hunger and warming souls.
• Swap ingredients like different beans or meats, making this recipe super flexible for personal taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Using simple, affordable ingredients like beans, carrots, and leftover ham transforms basic components into a delicious, economical dinner solution.
• Prepare this soup in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy families seeking a nutritious, filling meal without spending hours cooking.

Ingredients for Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

• Ham: Provides rich, smoky flavor and protein to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Create a classic flavor foundation for the soup.
• Garlic, Thyme: Add depth and aromatic notes to enhance the overall taste.

• Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base for the soup.
• Bay Leaves, Pepper: Contribute essential seasoning and subtle background complexity.

• Beans: Add texture, additional protein, and hearty substance to the soup.

Tools for Making Ham and Bean Soup Easily

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables precisely.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for dicing onions, carrots, and celery quickly.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups: Help measure broth and ensure correct liquid quantities.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Cooking Steps for Homemade Ham Bean Soup

Step 1: Chop and Sauté Vegetables

Grab a large pot and warm some oil over medium heat.

Dice up onions, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces.

Toss these colorful veggies into the pot and let them dance around, softening and releasing their delicious flavors.

Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables become tender and slightly golden, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Boost the Aromatic Profile

Introduce minced garlic and fresh thyme to the vegetable mixture.

Stir them into the pot and let them sizzle for about a minute.

The kitchen will start to smell amazing as the herbs and garlic release their wonderful fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in your favorite broth, adding bay leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let everything simmer gently.

This allows the flavors to mingle and develop depth for about 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Protein and Finish

Toss in your cooked ham pieces and beans.

Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes.

You want to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors have blended beautifully.

Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional black pepper.

Serve with crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Tips for Flavorful and Tender Beans

• Crush dried thyme between fingers before adding to release more intense aromatics and enhance the soup's depth.
• Rinse canned beans thoroughly and add them near the end of cooking to maintain their perfect texture and prevent breaking down.
• Use leftover bone-in ham or ham hock for richer, more complex flavor profile that infuses the entire soup with smoky goodness.
• Choose low-sodium broth and taste before adding salt, as ham naturally provides significant saltiness to the dish.
• Freeze extra portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and ensuring delicious comfort food is always ready.

Soup Mix Ins and Add Ons for Ham Fans

• Low-Sodium Swap: Replace ham with smoked turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-sodium option that maintains rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth and adding extra herbs for depth.
• Spicy Kick Version: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing to create a zesty, warming soup with added heat.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial sautéing, cooking on low for 6-8 hours to develop deeper, mellow flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Hearty Bean Soup

• Hearty Bread Companion: Serve this rich soup with thick slices of crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Winter Warmth Pairing: Complement the soup with a simple green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty and savory profile, creating a satisfying meal.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack leftovers in mason jars for a convenient and warming lunch that reheats perfectly at work or home, maintaining its robust flavor and comforting texture.

Storage Tips for Ham and Bean Soup Leftovers

• Store leftover ham and bean soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add splash of broth if too thick.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Ham & Bean Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ham and bean soup delivers hearty comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Simple ingredients merge into a rich, satisfying meal that warms souls and delights hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups pulled ham
• 4 cans white beans, drained
• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sauté diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and fresh thyme to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for about 1 minute.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, add bay leaves and ground black pepper, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate pre-cooked diced ham and rinsed beans into the simmering broth, allowing the ingredients to meld together and heat thoroughly for an additional 10-12 minutes.
5. Remove bay leaves before serving, ensuring the soup is piping hot and the flavors have developed a rich, comforting profile.

Notes

• Swap ham with smoked turkey or bacon for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt content, especially for those watching sodium intake.
• Enhance protein by adding extra beans like cannellini or navy beans for more texture and nutrition.
• Maximize flavor by using leftover holiday ham bone instead of diced ham for deeper, richer taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg