The classic pairing of ham and beans makes this soup a must-have during the colder seasons. It’s made with wholesome ingredients like tender carrots, chopped celery, and a medley of savory herbs, all simmered together for hours to coax out rich, comforting flavors.
Perfect for using up leftover holiday ham, this dish not only minimizes waste but also maximizes taste. Whether cooked in a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or instant pot, it delivers satisfying warmth and nourishment in every bite. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a cozy family meal worth savoring.
Full Recipes:
Ingredients:
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4 cups leftover ham, cubed
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1 ham bone
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2 cups dry Great Northern or Navy beans
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2 cups chopped celery
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2 cups chopped carrots
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, finely minced
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4 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
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1/4 cup fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
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1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
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8–9 cups chicken stock or broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
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Salt to taste
Directions:
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Soak the beans overnight in cold water for 8–10 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
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In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté celery, carrots, onion, and garlic until soft and aromatic.
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Stir in the chicken stock, ham bone, and cubed ham.
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Add the pre-soaked beans, thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 2–3 hours, or until the beans are soft and tender.
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Once nearly done, remove 1 cup of soup and purée it with an immersion blender for a creamier texture. Stir it back into the pot.
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Remove ham bone, chop any large pieces of ham, and return to the soup. Adjust salt to taste. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 454 kcal | Servings: 8
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A Classic Recipe for Comfort and Nourishment
As the chill of winter sets in or the cozy comfort of home cooking calls, there’s one recipe that continues to stand the test of time: Ham and Bean Soup. Known for its hearty, rustic appeal and ability to transform humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal, this soup is a true kitchen staple. Whether you’re looking to make the most of leftover holiday ham or simply want a nourishing pot of goodness simmering on the stove, this dish delivers comfort by the ladle.
In this article, we’ll explore everything that makes Ham and Bean Soup a must-have in your recipe rotation from its history and nutritional value to helpful cooking tips, popular variations, and serving suggestions.
A Soup With History: Why This Recipe Endures
Ham and Bean Soup is a recipe steeped in culinary tradition. For centuries, families have used this simple combination of beans and pork to stretch ingredients and feed hungry crowds. In early American homes and across Europe, this dish became a beloved standby because it used affordable, readily available staples like dried beans and leftover ham or ham bones from larger meals.
More than just economical, this soup represented no-waste cooking a philosophy we’re returning to today in an era of conscious consumption. By repurposing leftover ham and simmering it with dried beans, vegetables, and herbs, cooks could create a meal that was not only filling but also full of deep, slow-cooked flavor. The ham bone, in particular, contributes a rich, savory depth to the broth that no bouillon cube could ever replicate.
Why This Soup is a Perfect Use for Leftover Ham
One of the most appealing aspects of Ham and Bean Soup is its ability to transform leftovers into something extraordinary. If you’ve recently roasted a ham for the holidays, this is the ideal recipe to make sure every last bit is used.
That leftover ham bone still contains collagen and meat that infuse the soup with flavor and body as it simmers. Even small pieces of ham that may seem too dry to enjoy on their own become deliciously tender when slow-cooked alongside beans and aromatic vegetables. What you get in the end is a rich, silky broth filled with satisfying chunks of meat and beans something far greater than the sum of its parts.
The Health Benefits of Beans: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Ham and Bean Soup isn’t just comfort food it’s also incredibly nutritious. Beans are a key player here, and they bring a wealth of health benefits to the table. High in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates, beans are a great way to stay full and energized without relying on heavy or processed ingredients.
They’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate. These nutrients support heart health, digestion, and energy levels making this soup not only hearty but also wholesome.
While ham can be higher in sodium, using low-sodium broth and rinsed beans can help balance this out. And since beans are naturally low in fat, the overall dish strikes a nice equilibrium between indulgent and nourishing.
Customization Tips: Making the Soup Your Own
One of the joys of Ham and Bean Soup is that it’s endlessly customizable. Depending on what you have in your pantry or what your taste buds crave, you can modify the base recipe in countless ways:
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Beans: Great Northern or Navy beans are classic, but Cannellini or even pinto beans work beautifully.
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Herbs: Thyme, parsley, and bay leaf add fragrant complexity, but rosemary or even a dash of smoked paprika can offer a twist.
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Veggies: The holy trinity of onions, celery, and carrots provides a solid base, but feel free to toss in kale, spinach, or even tomatoes for variety.
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Texture: Pureeing a cup of the soup and stirring it back in thickens the base and gives it a velvety richness without cream or flour.
And if you’re short on time, canned beans can be a worthy substitute. Just remember to drain and rinse them well before use.
Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Variations
Life gets busy, and sometimes you just need dinner to make itself. Luckily, Ham and Bean Soup adapts beautifully to both slow cookers and Instant Pots.
In the Slow Cooker:
You can toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, set it on low for 8–10 hours, and return home to a kitchen that smells like warmth itself. It’s a fantastic set-it-and-forget-it meal that still tastes like you spent hours laboring over the stove.
In the Instant Pot:
For those craving fast results, the Instant Pot offers a wonderful shortcut. After sautéing the aromatics, add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for about 50 minutes. The result is still deeply flavorful, with beans that are perfectly tender.
Whether you choose the traditional stovetop route, the hands-off slow cooker, or the fast-and-efficient pressure cooker, this recipe delivers every time.
Serving Suggestions: Rounding Out the Meal
Ham and Bean Soup is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides for a fuller dining experience. Try serving it with:
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Crusty Artisan Bread: Ideal for soaking up every drop of that savory broth.
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Cornbread: A slightly sweet contrast that complements the saltiness of the ham.
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Simple Green Salad: Adds freshness and balances the heartiness of the soup.
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Pickled Vegetables: A tangy side that cuts through the richness.
If you’re serving guests or just want to elevate a weekday dinner, ladle the soup into warm bowls, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and offer lemon wedges for a bright, acidic finish.
Storage and Freezing: Soup That Keeps On Giving
One of the best things about this soup? It gets better with time.
Let it sit overnight in the fridge, and you’ll find the flavors deepen beautifully. Leftovers will keep for 3–4 days refrigerated, making it an ideal make ahead meal. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in individual containers for easy lunches or family-size portions for a quick weeknight dinner solution.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Conclusion:
Ham and Bean Soup isn’t just a recipe it’s a tradition, a practical solution for leftovers, and a nourishing bowl of love that warms the soul. Whether you’re cooking it on a quiet Sunday or tossing it into the slow cooker before a busy workday, it’s the kind of dish that welcomes you home with open arms.
Its humble ingredients, flexible nature, and robust flavors make it a year-round favorite, especially during the colder months. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that’s economical, nutritious, and satisfying on every level, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your meal planning rotation.
So the next time you find yourself with leftover ham or just a craving for something comforting, reach for the beans, grab that soup pot, and let the magic happen. Because some recipes never go out of style and this one only gets better with time.