Ham & Bean Soup
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of hearty ham and bean soup on a chilly day. In my house, this recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. I first whipped up this soup on a hectic weeknight when I was desperate for something filling and wholesome but didn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients—many of which were already in my pantry—I created what has since become a family favorite.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It’s rich in flavor, brimming with tender chunks of ham, and balanced perfectly by the creamy white beans and earthy vegetables. My kids, who usually turn their noses up at beans, always ask for seconds when I make this. And my husband? Let’s just say he’s been known to sneak an extra serving before dinner is even officially over.
Whether it’s the aroma wafting through the house while it simmers or the cozy, satisfying first bite, this soup has a way of bringing everyone to the table with a smile. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to serve when company is over. I’m thrilled to share it with you, and I promise it’ll soon become a staple in your home, too.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a fantastic time-saver. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup.
What type of ham should I use?
A leftover ham bone is ideal for flavor, but diced ham or a smoked ham hock also works beautifully.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just cool it completely, store it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just ensure your broth and any additional ingredients, like seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
What You Need to Make Ham and Bean Soup:
Ingredients:
1 lb dried white beans (or 3 cups canned beans)
2 cups diced cooked ham
1 ham bone (optional, for flavor)
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools:
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Ladle
Cutting board and knife
How to Make It:
Prep the Beans:
If using dried beans, soak them overnight or use the quick-soak method (boil for 1-2 minutes, then let them sit for an hour). Drain and rinse.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the beans, ham, ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook the Soup:
Simmer uncovered for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat from it, and return it to the soup.
Season to Taste:
Add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread.
Tips:
Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking the beans helps reduce cooking time and improves their texture.
Boost the Flavor: A ham bone or smoked ham hock adds depth to the broth.
Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
Customizable Veggies: Add potatoes, spinach, or kale for a heartier soup.
Latest Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This soup was a hit! My kids cleaned their bowls, which is rare. It’s going into our weekly rotation!” – Emily T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavors, but next time I’ll add more garlic and a pinch of chili flakes for extra kick.” – Jonathan P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a cold evening. I made it with leftover holiday ham, and it was divine!” – Sarah L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good, but I wish it was a little thicker. I might blend some of the beans next time.” – Lisa M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is comfort food at its finest. So easy and delicious. Thank you for sharing!” – Anna R.
Printable Recipe:
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Ham & Bean Soup
Warm, hearty, and full of flavor, this ham and bean soup is the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights. A simple recipe your whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried white beans (or 3 cups canned beans)
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 ham bone (optional, for flavor)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Tools:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Ladle
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions
- Prep the Beans:If using dried beans, soak them overnight or use the quick-soak method (boil for 1-2 minutes, then let them sit for an hour). Drain and rinse.
- Sauté the Vegetables:Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Ingredients:Add the beans, ham, ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook the Soup:Simmer uncovered for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat from it, and return it to the soup.
- Season to Taste:Add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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