Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

The Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is a timeless comfort food dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With a rich broth base, tender beans, and smoky ham, it’s a simple yet deeply satisfying recipe that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home.

Whether you’re repurposing holiday ham or just craving a hearty, protein-packed meal, this soup delivers big on taste without much effort. The combination of earthy thyme, aromatic garlic, and slow-simmered vegetables makes every spoonful delicious and nourishing. Serve it with crusty bread and enjoy a heartwarming bowl that tastes like home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups cooked ham, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and add beans, chopped ham, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Cozy Classic: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Few meals can compete with the soul-warming satisfaction of a bowl of ham and bean soup. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover ham from a holiday dinner or searching for a nutritious, budget-friendly meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With just a few wholesome ingredients and a single pot, you can create a deeply flavorful dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours even if you’re short on time.

This ham and bean soup is inspired by old-fashioned cooking the kind where simplicity meets comfort. Great Northern beans offer a creamy texture, while the smoky ham adds a savory richness to every bite. The mirepoix (onion, carrots, and celery) base gives it depth and body, turning a humble soup into a hearty meal. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to throughout the cooler months not just for its flavor, but for the nostalgia it stirs up.

The Story Behind Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup has roots in many cultures and cuisines, with variations appearing in American, French, German, and even Mediterranean households. Traditionally, it was a way to use every part of the ham, including the bone, often stretched with dried or canned beans and simmered slowly to build flavor. For generations, this recipe has symbolized resourcefulness, comfort, and warmth, particularly during fall and winter when a hot bowl of soup feels like a hug in food form.

Many families prepare this dish after a holiday feast using leftover ham. The balance of flavors from the savory ham, the soft beans, and the aromatic vegetables creates a dish that’s simple yet irresistibly delicious.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this soup shine:

Great Northern Beans: Mild in flavor with a smooth texture, these beans are perfect for soaking up the savory broth. They’re also rich in protein, fiber, and minerals.
Cooked Ham: This is where the richness of the dish comes in. Use leftover spiral ham, baked ham, or even ham steak. The slight saltiness and smokiness bring complexity to the soup. If you’re using a bone-in ham, don’t hesitate to simmer the bone in the soup for added flavor.
Vegetables: The classic trio of onion, carrot, and celery (mirepoix) provides a subtle sweetness and base aroma. Garlic adds a punch of savory goodness.
Broth: Chicken broth is used to create a flavorful base, but you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Herbs and Spices: Thyme and smoked paprika are key to building depth. Thyme adds an earthy note, while paprika enhances the smokiness of the ham.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup easy.
Budget-Friendly: Beans and leftover ham keep costs low while providing a high-nutrient meal.
Meal Prep Hero: It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for batch cooking and meal prep.
Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect for chilly nights, sick days, or when you need a warm, filling meal without fuss.
Customizable: Add kale, potatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even a splash of cream to tweak it to your taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Ham and bean soup isn’t just comforting, it’s also nourishing. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestion and long-lasting energy. Ham provides additional protein and important minerals like zinc and iron. The vegetables offer antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin A from the carrots and vitamin C from the celery. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium broth and rinse the canned beans to keep things balanced.

A single bowl typically offers:

Around 280–300 kcal per serving
20g+ of protein
7–10g of fiber
Low to moderate fat content
A hearty, filling base with a low glycemic index

Variations and Add-Ins

There are so many ways to make this soup your own. Here are a few fun ideas to try:

Add Greens: Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
Make it Creamy: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk for richness.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a little heat.
Include Grains: Add cooked rice, barley, or small pasta shapes to make the soup even heartier.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use smoked paprika and a splash of soy sauce or liquid smoke for umami depth.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Use a Ham Bone if You Have One: If your ham has a bone, throw it into the pot while the soup simmers. The marrow and connective tissues add deep flavor and body to the broth.
Let It Simmer: Even though the soup comes together quickly, giving it a little extra time on the stove helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Ham can vary in saltiness, so taste your soup before adding extra salt.
Mash a Few Beans: For a thicker, creamier texture, mash a few beans against the side of the pot or use a stick blender briefly.

Storage and Freezing

This soup is perfect for making ahead and freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Ham and bean soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

Crusty bread or garlic toast
A side salad with vinaigrette
Cornbread or savory muffins
Pickled vegetables for contrast
A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top

You can even serve it over a scoop of mashed potatoes or rice for an ultra-hearty version.

Conclusion

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s comforting, economical, and full of nostalgic charm. Whether you make it from scratch or with leftovers, it’s a dish that feels both timeless and practical. The flavors deepen with each simmering minute, and it only gets better as it sits making it perfect for busy families, solo meals, or sharing with guests.

More than just a way to clean out the fridge, this soup is a reflection of thoughtful cooking, transforming everyday ingredients into something deeply nourishing. Keep it in your winter rotation, bookmark it for after the holidays, or batch cook it to stock your freezer. However you enjoy it, this Ham and Bean Soup will warm your heart, fill your belly, and keep you coming back for more.

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