Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Ham and Bean Soup is a warm, filling meal made with tender beans, smoky ham, and simple vegetables. It’s perfect for cold days, busy evenings, or whenever you want something comforting without complicated cooking.
This modern version keeps things easy while using smart kitchen tricks like natural thickening, gentle simmering, and flexible ingredients.
You can make it with leftover ham or fresh ham—both work great.
Why People Love Ham and Bean Soup
- Simple ingredients
- Budget-friendly
- High in protein and fiber
- One-pot meal
- Great for leftovers
- Tastes even better the next day
Beans give the soup creaminess, while ham adds rich flavor—together they make a satisfying bowl every time.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups cooked ham, chopped (or ham bone if available)
- 2 cans white beans (navy, great northern, or cannellini), drained and rinsed
(or 1½ cups dried beans, soaked overnight) - 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt (add at end if needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Optional extras:
- Potatoes
- Spinach or kale
- Smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Ham and Bean Soup
Step 1 — Cook the vegetables
Heat oil or butter in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Step 2 — Add ham and beans
Stir in chopped ham and beans.
If using a ham bone, add it now for deeper flavor.
Step 3 — Pour in broth
- Add broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a light boil.
Step 4 — Simmer
Lower heat and let soup simmer gently:
- With canned beans: 30–40 minutes
- With soaked dried beans: 1–1½ hours
Stir occasionally.
Step 5 — Finish
- Remove bay leaf and ham bone (if used). Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
- Taste and add salt if needed.
- For thicker soup, mash a small portion of beans and stir back in.
- Serve hot.
Helpful Modern Cooking Tips
- Mash some beans to thicken naturally (no flour needed)
- Add greens at the end for extra nutrition
- Use leftover ham for best flavor
- Simmer slowly—fast boiling makes beans break
- Add salt last (ham already contains salt)
Serving Ideas
Ham and Bean Soup tastes great with:
- Toast or crusty bread
- Cornbread
- Simple salad
- Crackers
It’s filling enough to be a full meal.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
Soup often tastes better the next day as flavors develop. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Why This Soup Is Good for You
- Beans provide fiber and plant protein, helping keep you full longer.
- Ham adds iron and flavor.
- Vegetables bring vitamins and texture.
- It’s a balanced comfort food when eaten in moderate portions.
Quick Recipe Summary
- Cook onion, carrot, celery, garlic
- Add ham, beans, broth, herbs
- Simmer until beans are soft
- Mash some beans if needed
- Taste, adjust seasoning, serve
Final Words
Ham and Bean Soup proves that simple ingredients can create big flavor. It’s warm, satisfying, and easy enough for beginners. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting fresh, this soup always delivers comfort in every spoonful.
