The Best Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Crafting a hearty ham and bean soup becomes a delightful culinary adventure that warms you from the inside out.

Memories of cozy kitchen moments flood back with each spoonful of this comforting classic.

Rich, smoky ham mingles perfectly with tender beans, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will appreciate how quickly this soup comes together.

Fragrant herbs and savory broth create a soul-satisfying dish that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable.

You’ll want to grab a crusty piece of bread and dive right into this delicious comfort food.

How To Store Easy Ham And Bean Soup With Ease

• Refrigerate leftover ham and bean soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Ensure the soup has completely cooled before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
• Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore the soup's original consistency and prevent drying out.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months, leaving slight space at the top for expansion.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently rewarming on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Pro tip: Separate the soup into individual serving sizes for convenient, quick meal prep during busy weeks.

Hearty Pairings For Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Pair with Rustic Rye Bread: Grab a hearty slice of rye bread to soak up the rich, savory broth. Its tangy flavor complements the smoky ham and creamy beans perfectly.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: Choose a lightly oaked Chardonnay that balances the soup's hearty nature. Its subtle buttery notes will enhance the soup's depth and warmth.
• Complement with Herb-Infused Green Salad: Toss a light, fresh green salad with herbs like parsley and chives. The crisp, zesty greens will cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Spicy Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of spicy pickled carrots or pepperoncini to bring a tangy, zingy element that awakens the palate and balances the soup's creamy texture.

Twists To Try With Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace thyme and oregano with chili powder, cumin, and a diced jalapeño for a zesty kick. Top with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
• Smoky Bacon Boost: Swap ham with crispy bacon pieces and use bacon fat for sautéing vegetables. Add a splash of bourbon for deeper smokiness and complexity.
• Mediterranean Herbal Fusion: Incorporate rosemary, oregano, and a handful of chopped kalamata olives. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean touch.
• Green Health Upgrade: Mix in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir in a tablespoon of pesto before serving to enhance nutritional value and create a vibrant green color.

FAQ Guide For Easy Ham And Bean Soup Fans

• What type of beans work best in this ham and bean soup?

Cannellini, great northern, or navy beans are perfect for this recipe. They’re creamy, hold their shape well, and absorb flavors beautifully during cooking.

• Can I make this soup with leftover holiday ham?

Absolutely! Leftover ham is fantastic in this soup. It adds rich, smoky flavor and helps use up extra meat from your holiday meal.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes! This soup is packed with protein from ham and beans, plus vitamins from vegetables like carrots and onions. It’s a balanced, wholesome meal that provides good nutrition and warmth.

• How can I make this soup more hearty?

Add some diced potato or extra vegetables like diced zucchini during the simmering stage. These will bulk up the soup and make it even more filling for a complete meal.

Why Easy Ham And Bean Soup Is The Ultimate Cold-Weather Fix

• Whip Up Speedy Comfort: This ham and bean soup delivers hearty satisfaction in under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks craving a quick, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Transform Leftovers into Magic: Repurpose leftover holiday ham into a delicious soup that stretches your ingredients and reduces food waste while creating a warming, budget-friendly dinner that feels like a culinary win.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible ingredients and simple techniques, allowing home cooks to adjust seasonings, swap beans, or add extra vegetables based on personal preference or pantry availability.
• Nourish with One-Pot Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps make this soup an ideal weeknight dinner solution that provides maximum nutrition and flavor with minimal effort.

What Goes Into Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps to sauté aromatics and create a rich, flavorful foundation.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with a sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the soup.

• Thyme, Oregano: Herbal notes that complement the ham's saltiness.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky background flavor.

• Ham, Ham Bone: Provides rich, salty meat and enhances overall soup flavor.
• White Beans: Adds creamy texture and protein to the soup.

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and adds additional flavor.
• Bay Leaf: Introduces a subtle herbal undertone.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings tangy complexity to the soup.

• Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the soup with a subtle acidity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and seasoning the soup.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green color and light herbal note.

Steps To Prepare Easy Ham And Bean Soup Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Sizzling Aromatics

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Let these veggies dance and soften for 5-7 minutes, releasing their magical flavors. Sprinkle in some minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and a dash of smoked paprika. Give everything a quick stir and let the fragrance explode for about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Build Hearty Soup Base

• Chopped ham
• Tender beans
• Flavorful broth
• Bay leaf
• Dijon mustard

Stir the mixture with enthusiasm. Bring the liquid to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat. Let the soup simmer uncovered, allowing flavors to mingle and meld for 25-30 minutes. If you’re using a ham bone, extend the simmer to 45 minutes. Once done, shred any meat clinging to the bone and return it to the pot.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Finishing Touches

Wake up the soup’s flavor profile with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Take a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Fish out the bay leaf – it’s done its job. Ladle the steaming soup into welcoming bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside crusty bread or warm cornbread for a soul-warming meal that hugs you from the inside out!

Savvy Tips For Better Ham And Bean Soup

• Boost Vegetable Flavor: Roast carrots, onions, and celery before sautéing to enhance their natural sweetness and add depth to the soup's base.
• Customize Ham Options: Swap ham with smoked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or bacon for different protein variations that complement the bean's richness.
• Reduce Sodium Smartly: Choose low-sodium broth and rinse canned beans thoroughly to control salt levels without sacrificing taste.
• Make It Creamy: Blend a portion of the soup and return to the pot to create a thicker, more luxurious texture that coats each spoonful.
• Freeze for Later: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Easy Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and bean soup delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining smoky pork with creamy white beans. Warm spices and tender vegetables make this soul-satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
• 3 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) white beans (Great Northern, cannellini, or navy beans, drained and rinsed)
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Crusty bread or cornbread (for dipping, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor base by sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot with olive oil until the vegetables become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Introduce minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika to the vegetable mixture, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and allowing the herbs to bloom and intensify their fragrance.
3. Incorporate chopped ham, white beans, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and Dijon mustard into the pot, creating a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
4. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to allow the ingredients to meld together slowly, developing deep, complex flavors over 25-30 minutes.
5. If using a ham bone, extend the simmering time to approximately 45 minutes, then carefully remove the bone, extract any remaining meat, and return the shredded pieces to the soup.
6. Brighten the soup’s profile by adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, which will cut through the richness and provide a subtle tang.
7. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal taste preferences.
8. Discard the bay leaf before serving, and ladle the steaming soup into individual bowls.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with crusty bread or warm cornbread for a satisfying, hearty meal.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels and accommodate heart-healthy diets.
• Swap ham with smoked turkey or ham-flavored vegetarian alternatives for lighter protein options.
• Use dried beans soaked overnight for deeper flavor and more authentic texture, saving money compared to canned varieties.
• Freeze extra soup in portioned containers for quick, nutritious meals during busy weeks, ensuring maximum convenience and minimal waste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg