Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

The rich aroma of this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup will transport you straight to a cozy farmhouse kitchen. With tender bites of savory ham, buttery beans, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a herbed broth, this dish is both nostalgic and nourishing.

Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup makes the most of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or cooking from scratch, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. It’s a satisfying, soul-warming meal that’s ideal for weeknights or lazy weekends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked ham, diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 2 (15-ounce) cans of great northern beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-6 minutes.

2. Stir in garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add diced ham, bay leaf, chicken broth, water, beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.

4. Bring soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Taste and season with salt if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.

6. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a steaming bowl of soup, especially one like this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. For generations, ham and bean soup has been a go-to comfort food, the kind of dish that warms not just your body, but your soul. Whether you’re looking to repurpose leftover holiday ham or simply want a cozy, budget-friendly dinner that feeds the whole family, this soup delivers on every front. It’s full of hearty ingredients, rich in flavor, and as satisfying as any comfort food can get.

The Heart and History Behind the Dish

Ham and bean soup has its roots in many cultures. It’s a dish born from frugality, using leftover ham bones and pantry staples like beans to make a flavorful and filling meal. From the American South to the kitchens of Europe, variations of this dish have been embraced in cold seasons, making it a timeless classic.

The traditional American version usually includes white beans (such as Great Northern or Navy), simmered with chunks of ham and aromatic vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery. Herbs like thyme and bay leaf bring depth to the broth, while smoked paprika can add a little modern flair. While it’s often slow-cooked to let the flavors develop deeply, our version balances both tradition and convenience, making it doable for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend.

Why This Soup is a Must-Make

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can use leftover ham from the holidays, a ham steak from the store, or even a ham bone with meat attached for an even more intense broth flavor. If you’re into meal prepping or freezing ahead, this soup is perfect, it stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

This soup also happens to be incredibly nutritious. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re also low in fat and help keep you feeling full for hours. Combined with lean ham and plenty of vegetables, this soup becomes a balanced, satisfying one-pot meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients Spotlight

• Ham: The star of the dish, ham provides richness, saltiness, and texture. Smoked ham adds an extra layer of depth. You can use chopped ham, ham hocks, or even a leftover ham bone with some meat still on it.

• Beans: Great Northern beans are soft and creamy, perfect for absorbing the flavors of the broth. You can also use cannellini or navy beans, depending on what you have available.

• Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery create a classic mirepoix base that builds savory flavor into the soup. Garlic adds aromatic warmth, while tomatoes introduce brightness and acidity.

• Broth: A mix of chicken broth and water gives the soup body while allowing the ham and beans to shine. Simmering for at least 30 minutes allows everything to meld beautifully.

• Herbs & Seasoning: Bay leaf and thyme are traditional, and smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Salt should be added cautiously at the end, depending on the saltiness of your ham and broth.

Tips for the Best Ham and Bean Soup

1. Use Low-Sodium Broth – Since ham is naturally salty, using low-sodium broth ensures your soup doesn’t end up overly salty.

2. Let It Rest – Like many soups and stews, this one tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight.

3. Customize the Beans – You can mix different beans for variety or use dried beans (soaked overnight and simmered longer).

4. Thicken Naturally – Mash a portion of the beans into the soup or let the soup reduce slightly to thicken naturally without cream or flour.

Perfect Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve it with slices of rustic sourdough or a warm baguette to soak up the flavorful broth.

• Cornbread: For a southern touch, cornbread complements the smoky ham beautifully.

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.

• Pickles or Pickled Onions: A small serving on the side adds acidity and brightness.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

This soup is ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes exceptionally well. Simply let it cool, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove.

Variations to Try

• Smoky Sausage and Bean Soup: Replace or mix ham with smoked sausage for a bolder flavor.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham, increase the vegetables, and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

• Leafy Greens: Stir in kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and texture.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish brings together everything people love about comfort food: warmth, depth, heartiness, and nostalgia. It’s not flashy or fancy, but it delivers on flavor and feels like a big warm hug in a bowl. It’s also a great way to reduce food waste, using leftovers and pantry staples creatively and deliciously.

This soup is beloved not just for its flavor, but also for how it makes you feel. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of family gatherings, cold evenings by the fire, and the simple joy of sharing good food with people you love.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for the week, or just need something soul-satisfying and simple, this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is the answer. It’s economical, nourishing, and packed with traditional flavors that never go out of style. It celebrates the beauty of humble ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. One pot, endless comfort.

So grab your favorite soup pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a timeless dish that truly delivers on flavor and warmth.