Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ham and bean soup recipes are a warm, hearty comfort for cold evenings or busy weeknights. This classic soup combines tender beans with savory ham, creating a filling, flavorful dish that’s easy to make. I usually start by soaking the beans while chopping vegetables, which keeps the cooking smooth and organized. People love this recipe because it’s simple, forgiving, and naturally satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a quiet night at home. With gentle simmering, the kitchen fills with a rich, smoky aroma that signals a meal that’s both nourishing and ready to enjoy with minimal fuss.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This ham and bean soup is cozy, simple, and flexible. Beans provide texture and fiber, while the ham adds a savory, smoky depth without complicated steps. It’s budget-friendly, stretches easily to feed multiple servings, and makes excellent leftovers. Perfect for Pinterest users, it’s freezer-friendly and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick, satisfying dinner. You can adjust vegetables, beans, or seasoning to taste, keeping it fresh and versatile. The result is a hearty, crowd-pleasing soup that feels homemade, soothing, and ready to enjoy anytime, whether as a main course or paired with bread or grains.

Ingredients

Tip: Use smoked ham or a ham hock for the most flavorful broth.

Dried navy or cannellini beans, 1½ cups
Ham, diced or a ham hock, 2 cups
Onion, chopped, 1 medium
Carrots, chopped, 2 medium
Celery stalks, chopped, 2
Garlic cloves, minced, 3
Vegetable or chicken broth, 6 cups
Canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup
Bay leaf, 1
Salt, 1 teaspoon
Black pepper, ½ teaspoon
Thyme, dried, 1 teaspoon
Fresh parsley, chopped, 2 tablespoons

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Rinse and soak the beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chop vegetables and dice ham if not using pre-cut pieces. Gather all ingredients so cooking is smooth and organized.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little oil until fragrant and softened. Add the ham or ham hock and cook briefly to release flavor into the vegetables.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add soaked beans, broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover partially and cook until beans are tender and flavors are well blended, about 1–1½ hours.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Remove the bay leaf and, if using a ham hock, shred meat into the soup. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning. Let the soup rest a few minutes for flavors to meld before serving warm.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup is easy to prepare in advance, especially with soaked beans or pre-cooked ham. Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick dinners. You can freeze portions for later, saving time and effort during busy weeks.

Tips & Tricks

Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure even tenderness. Quick-soak methods work too, but watch texture closely.
Sauté aromatics first to develop a richer, more savory flavor base. Skipping this step can result in a flatter-tasting soup.
Taste and season gradually. Beans and ham release salt as they cook, so add extra seasoning at the end if needed.
Use a bay leaf and thyme for depth, but remove before serving. Forgetting to remove can create a bitter bite in the final soup.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add smoked sausage, bacon, or extra ham for a richer, heartier soup. Brown meat first to develop flavor, then add beans and broth. This makes the soup extra filling and perfect for large family meals or cold evenings.

Vegetarian Option
Skip the ham and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and vegetable broth. This creates a hearty, warming soup that’s fully vegetarian but still satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredient Swap
Replace navy beans with kidney beans, lentils, or split peas for different textures and flavors. You can also swap carrots for sweet potatoes or parsnips to introduce a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ham.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage during simmering for earthy depth. A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors. These small touches enhance the savory-sweet balance and keep the soup lively without overpowering its classic comfort.

Serving Suggestions

With Bread
Serve with warm crusty bread, cornbread, or rolls. The bread soaks up the savory broth and makes the meal feel cozy and complete.
Over Grains
Pour the soup over cooked rice or barley for a filling main meal. This adds texture and makes the dish heartier for lunch or dinner.
Simple Salad Side
Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance richness and add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Topped for Extra Flavor
Add shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped fresh herbs on top to elevate presentation and taste, perfect for serving guests or family meals.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Keeps in the fridge up to four days. Proper sealing maintains flavor and prevents contamination.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Freezing
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain bean texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare soup fully and store in the fridge or freezer. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Nutrition Information

Calories: 250–300 per serving
Protein: 15–20 grams
Contains fiber, potassium, and vitamin A
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ham and beans used.

FAQs

Yes, it reheats beautifully and flavors improve over a day.

Not soaking beans or overcooking them, resulting in uneven texture.

Yes, adjust cooking time and liquid as canned beans are already tender.

Add extra broth or water to loosen consistency.

Up to four days in the fridge, or three months frozen.

Conclusion

Ham and bean soup recipes are comforting, simple, and perfect for cozy evenings or busy weeknights. This classic soup is flexible, allowing variations with beans, vegetables, or meats while staying hearty and filling. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers, and small adjustments like herbs or vinegar brighten the flavors naturally. With minimal fuss, you can enjoy a warm, nourishing meal that feels homemade and satisfying. Keep this recipe on hand for cold nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, and it will quickly become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen.