Introduction

This easy ham and bean soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with smoky ham, tender beans, and hearty vegetables, it’s a nourishing meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound dried navy beans or great northern beans, soaked overnight
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups diced cooked ham or 1 ham bone plus 1 cup diced ham
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
A squeeze of lemon or a splash of apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: If using dried beans, soak them overnight or do a quick soak by covering with water, bringing to a boil for 2 minutes, then turning off the heat and letting sit for 1 hour before draining. Skip this step if using canned beans.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the carrots start to soften.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the soaked or canned beans, broth, bay leaf, and ham bone or diced ham. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer gently for 40–50 minutes if using dried beans, or 20–30 minutes if canned, until the beans are tender and flavors have melded. If using a ham bone, shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
Step 6: Remove the bay leaf, taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in chopped kale or spinach if using, and cook until wilted.
Step 7: Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the soup. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth; add smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
Use canned beans for a quicker version, but rinse and drain them well before adding.
Add a diced potato or parsnip for extra heartiness.
Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The soup may thicken upon standing—add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned ham instead of cooked ham or ham bone?

Yes, canned ham can be used as a substitute. Just dice it and add it with the other ingredients. Keep in mind canned ham may be saltier, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Do I have to soak the dried beans overnight?

Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility, but you can do a quick soak instead by boiling and resting the beans as described in the instructions. Using canned beans is the fastest option.

Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

This Easy Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender navy beans, smoky ham, and a savory vegetable base, it offers a rich and balanced flavor with a touch of earthy herbs and subtle smokiness. Simple to prepare and packed with nutrients, this soup makes for an ideal family meal or a satisfying lunch.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking if using dried beans)
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound dried navy beans or great northern beans, soaked overnight
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups diced cooked ham or 1 ham bone plus 1 cup diced ham
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
A squeeze of lemon or a splash of apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

Preparation: If using dried beans, soak them overnight or do a quick soak by covering with water, bringing to a boil for 2 minutes, turning off heat, and letting sit for 1 hour before draining. If using canned beans, skip this step.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté until onion becomes translucent and carrots soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the spices release their flavors.
Add Beans and Broth: Add the soaked (or canned) beans, six cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and ham bone or diced ham to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup gently. For dried beans, cook 40-50 minutes until beans are tender and flavors meld; for canned beans, simmer 20-30 minutes. If using a ham bone, shred any meat from the bone during cooking and return it to the soup.
Season and Add Greens: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the soup. Serve hot, ladled into bowls with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

Soaking dried beans overnight softens them and reduces cooking time.
Using a ham bone adds extra depth and smokiness to the broth.
Kale or spinach is optional but provides added nutrition and color.
The lemon or apple cider vinegar helps balance the richness and enhances flavor.
Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the ham and broth used.
This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Keywords: ham and bean soup, easy soup recipe, navy beans, ham bone soup, hearty soup, stovetop soup, healthy soup