The rich aroma of simmering ham and tender beans fills the kitchen, making this soup an irresistible comfort dish. Classic ingredients like carrots, celery, and onion blend into the savory broth, enhanced by a meaty ham bone that adds depth and heartiness to every spoonful.
This Ham and Bean Soup is not only a great way to use leftover ham but also an economical and satisfying option for any day of the week. It’s a one-pot meal that brings together rustic flavor and nourishing comfort, perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or serving up to a hungry crowd. Make a big pot—you’ll want leftovers.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb dry navy beans
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8 cups water
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1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
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1 cup chopped carrots
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1 cup chopped celery
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1 cup chopped onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bay leaf
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1/2 tsp ground black pepper
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Salt to taste
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Directions:
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Rinse and sort beans. Soak them overnight in a large bowl of water or use the quick-soak method (boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let stand for 1 hour).
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Drain and rinse the beans, then place in a large pot or Dutch oven.
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Add 8 cups of fresh water and the ham bone or diced ham. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beans are tender.
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In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
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Add the sautéed vegetables to the soup pot along with bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
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Simmer uncovered for an additional 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf and ham bone (if used). If desired, shred ham from bone and return to the pot.
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Adjust seasoning and serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2.5 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A Comforting Classic with Timeless Appeal
When it comes to comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite, few dishes do it better than a bowl of Ham and Bean Soup. With roots in home kitchens across the world and especially popular in American and European cooking traditions, this hearty dish has stood the test of time as a go-to meal for cold evenings, post-holiday leftovers, and nourishing weeknight dinners.
What makes ham and bean soup so beloved? It’s the perfect blend of rustic ingredients, affordability, nutrition, and rich flavor, all simmered together into a wholesome one-pot meal. This soup is a humble masterpiece that manages to be both simple and sophisticated in its depth of taste. It’s a celebration of everyday ingredients coming together to make something greater than the sum of its parts.
A Dish with History and Heritage
Historically, ham and bean soup was a way for resourceful cooks to stretch leftovers and pantry staples into a filling and sustaining meal. After a holiday dinner or Sunday roast, the ham bone, often still rich with meat, would be simmered slowly with dried beans and vegetables, creating a flavorful broth that seasoned the entire dish. This tradition thrived in kitchens from Southern American households to European farmhouses, where nothing was wasted and every part of the meal was valued.
Even today, that same sense of resourcefulness and practicality makes this dish an enduring favorite. Whether you’re using leftover ham from Easter or Thanksgiving, or you’re cooking up a batch with a smoked ham hock or diced ham, the flexibility of this recipe is part of its charm.
Simple Ingredients, Deep Flavor
One of the best things about ham and bean soup is that it doesn’t require fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of what you need is already in your pantry or fridge, dried beans, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, and of course, ham. The key to this soup’s amazing flavor lies in how these ingredients come together slowly over time.
The beans, typically navy beans or great northern beans, are mild in flavor and creamy in texture when cooked. They absorb the smoky, salty richness of the ham as the soup simmers, becoming incredibly flavorful by the time it’s done. The aromatic base, onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, adds depth and sweetness, balancing out the savoriness of the ham. Add some bay leaf, black pepper, and thyme, and you’ve created a beautifully seasoned broth without much effort.
The process is simple but does require patience. The soup develops its best flavor when it’s allowed to cook low and slow, giving the beans time to soften and soak up all the delicious flavors from the meat and aromatics. If you’re short on time, using an Instant Pot or slow cooker is also an excellent option, but nothing beats the slow-simmered stovetop version.
A Versatile and Adaptable Meal
Ham and bean soup is one of those dishes that invites customization. You can make it heartier by adding potatoes or leafy greens like kale or spinach. If you prefer a thicker texture, mash some of the beans or blend a portion of the soup before serving. You can even spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a more robust kick.
Got dietary restrictions? This soup can also be adapted to suit your needs. If you need to keep it lower in sodium, use low-salt broth and rinse your ham or choose a low-sodium variety. You can also make it gluten-free by ensuring that your ingredients (like the broth or ham) are free from additives. It’s even possible to turn this into a vegetarian or vegan version by swapping out the ham for smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or plant-based sausage; though, of course, the flavor profile will shift.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Not only is ham and bean soup delicious fresh off the stove, but it also stores beautifully. In fact, many people say it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 4–5 days or freeze them for up to three months in airtight containers. This makes it a wonderful option for meal prepping, a big batch will give you multiple meals ready to go.
When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture, as it naturally thickens over time. Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or even a simple side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its comforting taste and versatility, ham and bean soup also packs a nutritional punch. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and complex carbohydrates. They’re great for digestion, help regulate blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Ham adds additional protein and savory depth, though it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sodium content. Carrots, celery, and onions contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants, making this soup a well-balanced and nourishing option. With every spoonful, you get a comforting mix of protein, fiber, and flavor, all in one dish.
Ideal for Every Occasion
This soup isn’t just a great weeknight meal, it’s also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends, serving up a cozy family meal, or just looking for something hearty to enjoy during a quiet evening at home, ham and bean soup fits the bill.
It’s especially ideal during colder months when you’re craving something warm and hearty. That said, don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it in the spring or summer too, especially when there’s leftover ham to use.
Conclusion
Ham and bean soup is more than just a meal, it’s a warm hug in a bowl, steeped in tradition, love, and practicality. It’s a shining example of how everyday ingredients can be transformed into something deeply satisfying with just a bit of time and care. Whether you’re reliving a family favorite or discovering it for the first time, this soup delivers comfort, nourishment, and flavor in every bite.
Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and incredibly delicious, this classic recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire. Make it once, and you’ll come back to it again and again, especially when you need something filling, frugal, and full of heart.