Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked ham (diced)

• 1 ham bone (optional but amazing for flavor)

• 1 lb dried navy beans or great northern beans

• 1 onion (chopped)

• 2 carrots (sliced)

• 2 celery stalks (chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Optional:

• Potatoes

• Spinach or kale

• Smoked paprika for deeper flavor

Step-by-Step: How to Make Ham and Bean Soup

Step 1: Soak the Beans

If using dried beans, soak overnight or use the quick soak method (boil 5 minutes, then rest 1 hour).

Short on time? Canned beans work too — just reduce cooking time.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add:

• Onion

• Carrots

• Celery

Cook about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Your kitchen will already smell amazing.

Step 3: Add the Ham and Beans

Stir in:

• Beans

• Diced ham

• Ham bone (if using)

• Broth

• Bay leaf

• Thyme

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

Cook covered for 1.5–2 hours until beans are tender.

If using canned beans, simmer only 30–40 minutes.

Remove the ham bone before serving.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Optional finishing touches:

• Fresh parsley

• Lemon squeeze

• Extra cracked pepper

Serve hot with crusty bread… perfection.

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Option

Honestly, this might be even easier.

Add everything to your crockpot and cook:

• Low: 7–8 hours

• High: 4–5 hours

Minimal effort. Maximum comfort.

Instant Pot Version (Fastest Method)

Pressure cook on High for 35 minutes with natural release.

Great for busy weeknights when you still want homemade soup.

Tips for the Best Flavor

A few small tricks make a big difference:

• Use a ham bone if possible (huge flavor boost)

• Don’t skip sautéing vegetables

• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon at the end to brighten flavor

• Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving

And again… leftovers taste better. Magic.

Variations to Try

Creamy Ham and Bean Soup

Blend 1–2 cups of soup and return to the pot for a thicker texture.

Ham and Bean Soup with Potatoes

Add diced potatoes during the last 45 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Healthy Ham and Bean Soup

Use low-sodium broth and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

What to Serve with Ham and Bean Soup

Perfect pairings:

• Cornbread

• Garlic bread

• Side salad

• Roasted vegetables

If you love cozy meals, you might also enjoy:

• Your Crockpot Chicken Dinners post

• Your Soup Recipes Collection

• Your Healthy Lunch Ideas guide

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Storage and Meal Prep

This soup stores beautifully.

Fridge: 4–5 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months

Tip: Freeze in portion containers for easy lunches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not soaking dried beans (unless using pressure cooker)

• Adding too much salt early (ham is salty already)

• Cooking at high heat instead of gentle simmer

• Skipping seasoning adjustments at the end

Small details = better soup.

Why Ham and Bean Soup Is Budget Friendly

Beans are inexpensive. Ham stretches far. One pot can feed a family for days.

It’s one of the most affordable comfort meals you can make — and still feels satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This ham and bean soup recipe is cozy, hearty, and dependable. The kind of meal you come back to again and again because it works. It fills you up. It warms the house. And it somehow tastes like someone cared enough to cook for you.

Even if that someone is just… you.

And that counts.