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What is Ham and Bean Soup?
Ham and bean soup is a classic comfort food that is hearty and slow-cooked. It is made with tender beans, savory ham, vegetables, and spices from the pantry. It’s the kind of soup that warms you up, hugs you, and makes your kitchen smell like you know what you’re doing. This warm dish is cheap, filling, and full of flavor. It is usually made with leftover holiday ham bones.
This is the kind of recipe your grandma swore by, but now you don’t have to call her five times to make it.
Why You Will Love This Bean and Ham Soup
Let’s be honest: not all soups are good. But what about ham and bean soup? This one hits like a warm blanket in a bowl.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- It’s very cheap
- Adds a lot of flavor with little work
- Uses basic things you already have
- Great for any day, but especially cold, sick, or lazy days.
Like all great soups, it gets better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to turn simple ingredients into magic:
- Cooked ham (diced or shredded)
- Ham bone (optional but game-changing)
- White beans (Navy, Cannellini, or Great Northern)
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, diced
- Garlic
- Chicken broth or water
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: smoked paprika, parsley, hot sauce, corn, or potatoes
Simple ingredients → big comfort.
Also Read: 5-Star Rasta Pasta: The ULTIMATE Recipe for Flavor EXPLOSION!
How to Make Ham and Bean Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the vegetables in a pan.
Put oil or butter in a pot and heat it up. Put in the carrots, onions, and celery. Cook until soft and smells delicious.
Step 2: Put in the ham and garlic.
Add the diced ham and garlic. Sauté for a minute to wake up the flavors.
Step 3: Put in the beans and water.
Add the beans that have been rinsed, the broth, the spices, and the ham bone if you have one.
The bone is what gives it flavor.
Step 4: Cook on low heat for a long time.
Let everything cook on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours.
The beans get softer, the flavors get stronger, and life gets better.
Step 5: Change the consistency.
Want it to be creamier?
Use the back of a spoon to smash a few beans.
Want it to be thinner? Add more broth.
Step 6: Taste and serve.
Take out the bone and add salt, pepper, and parsley. Pour into bowls and enjoy the warm atmosphere.
Ideas for making the best ham and bean soup
- Use a ham bone to change the taste. The secret is to let it simmer. Season at the end (ham is salty!) Don’t rush; beans need time.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for a more savory flavor.
Changes and Add-Ins
Make your own ham and bean soup:
Soup with ham and beans that is creamy
Mix back in 1 cup of soup.
Soup with ham, beans, and potatoes
For more heartiness, add diced potatoes.
Soup with ham and beans that is spicy
Put in red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Version with a lot of veggies
Add spinach, kale, corn, or zucchini and mix.
Southern Style with a Smoky Flavor
Use smoked ham hocks, collard greens, and paprika.
What to Serve With Ham and Bean Soup
This soup is good on its own, but downright dangerous when paired with:
- Crusty bread
- Cornbread
- Biscuits
- Side salad
- Grilled cheese
- Garlic bread
Let’s be honest, though — the bread will steal the show.
Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep
Ham and bean soup LOVES leftovers.
Fridge
Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and reheat low and slow.
Meal Prep Tip
Pack soup in single-serve portions for easy grab-and-heat lunches.
Can I use a slow cooker to make ham and bean soup?
Of course! Put everything in and cook it on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
Do I have to use a ham bone?
Not required, but it really makes the flavor stronger. If you have it, use it.
Which beans are the best?
All of them are great: navy, cannellini, or great northern.
Is it okay to use canned beans?
Yes! Saves time. Cut the cooking time in half.
What makes my soup so thick?
Add more water or broth. Beans like to grow.
Why is it too thin?
Let it simmer without a lid until it thickens on its own.
Final Thoughts
This old-fashioned recipe for ham and bean soup always works. This dish is warm, hearty, and very satisfying. It tastes like warmth in a bowl.
This ham and bean soup is easy to make and tastes great, whether you use leftover holiday ham or make it from scratch. Make a lot and freeze some for later. You’ll always have comfort food on hand.
