Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this incredibly simple Ham and Bean Soup. Designed for quick preparation, this hearty soup is perfect for a warm, satisfying dinner and an excellent way to utilize any leftover ham you might have on hand!
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Craving more heartwarming bowls? Explore my top picks and find endless inspiration with these 40 Irresistible Soup Recipes.
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to chase away the chill. I confess, I’m one of those people who gravitates towards hearty, steamy dishes the moment the first hint of frost appears. And lately, it’s been downright frigid outside, with forecasts barely climbing above freezing!
My solution? To create as many delicious soup recipes as possible, warming myself from the inside out. This Easy Ham and Bean Soup is my latest obsession, a comforting antidote to the cold that delivers warmth, flavor, and incredible ease in every spoonful.
What makes this Ham and Bean Soup truly special isn’t just its heartwarming taste, but also its simplicity and versatility. It comes together in a flash, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, and it’s a brilliant way to give new life to leftover ham. Serve it alongside some fluffy Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits or classic Dinner Rolls, and you’ll have a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Bean Soup
There are countless reasons why this particular Ham and Bean Soup stands out as a family favorite, especially when you’re seeking a blend of comfort and convenience.
The Quintessential Comfort Food
Soup holds a unique place in culinary tradition as the ultimate comfort food. This Ham and Bean Soup, with its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, embodies that sentiment perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from your toes to your nose, making even the chilliest evenings feel cozy and inviting. The combination of savory ham, tender beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that is both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
Economical and Waste-Reducing
One of the brilliant aspects of this recipe is its economic sensibility. It’s an ingenious way to make the most of leftover ham, particularly after holiday feasts like Easter or Christmas. Instead of letting that delicious ham go to waste, you can transform it into another incredible meal. Even if you don’t have leftovers, a package of diced ham from the grocery store is affordable, making this a budget-friendly option for any time of the year. Paired with inexpensive pantry staples like beans and broth, it’s a meal that’s kind to your wallet.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Solution
Life can be hectic, and finding time to prepare a wholesome meal often feels like a challenge. This Ham and Bean Soup is designed with busy schedules in mind. With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, it comes together remarkably fast, allowing you to enjoy a nourishing, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It truly is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make, proving that convenience doesn’t have to compromise on flavor.
Nutritious and Satisfying
Beyond its delicious taste and ease, this soup is also packed with nutrients. Ham provides a good source of protein, while beans contribute fiber and plant-based protein, making it incredibly filling and good for you. The carrots, celery, and onions add essential vitamins and antioxidants, creating a well-rounded meal that supports a healthy lifestyle. It’s a hearty dish that will keep you full and energized.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ham and Bean Soup
You’ll be delighted by how few ingredients are needed to create such a profoundly flavorful and comforting soup. Each component plays a crucial role in building the delightful taste profile.
- Vegetable Oil: This serves as the initial cooking medium. While vegetable oil is specified, feel free to use extra virgin olive oil or any other neutral oil you prefer for sautéing vegetables. A good quality olive oil can add a subtle depth of flavor.
- Diced Carrots, Celery, and Onions: This classic trio, often referred to as a mirepoix, forms the aromatic foundation of our soup. Sautéing these vegetables slowly builds a rich base flavor that permeates the entire dish. They add natural sweetness and depth.
- Diced Ham: This is the star! It’s the perfect recipe for using up any leftover holiday ham, bringing a smoky, savory, and salty element. If you don’t have leftovers, you can easily purchase pre-cooked diced ham or a small ham steak from your local grocery store and dice it yourself. Choose a good quality, flavorful ham for the best results.
- Garlic: A universal flavor enhancer, garlic is a must for adding pungent, aromatic notes that complement the savory ham and sweet vegetables. Minced garlic adds a wonderful complexity.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our soup. Chicken broth provides a rich, savory backdrop for all the other ingredients. For a vegetarian option (if omitting ham), or simply if you prefer, vegetable broth works beautifully. Opt for a low-sodium version to control the overall saltiness, especially since ham can be quite salty.
- Great Northern Beans: These white beans are known for their mild flavor and creamy texture when cooked, making them ideal for this soup. The recipe is quite forgiving, so if you have another type of white bean on hand, such as cannellini beans or navy beans, they would also work well as a substitute, offering slightly different textural nuances.
- Diced Tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes, undrained, adds a touch of acidity and a hint of sweetness, brightening the soup and contributing a lovely layer of umami. The liquid from the can also adds to the broth.
Crafting Your Perfect Ham and Bean Soup: A Simple Guide
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding dishes you’ll prepare. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting bowl of Ham and Bean Soup.
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by finely chopping your carrots, celery, and onions. This step, often called “mise en place,” is the most time-consuming part of the recipe. If you’re short on time, you can even prepare these in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Uniformly diced vegetables ensure even cooking and a consistent texture in your soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat your chosen vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, usually about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavors of your soup.
- Add the Ham: Once your vegetables are tender, add the diced ham to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just to heat the ham through and allow its savory flavors to meld with the softened vegetables. If using fresh ham, you can allow it to lightly brown for extra depth.
- Infuse with Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the great northern beans (including their liquid from the cans for extra body and flavor), and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Season to Perfection: Once simmering, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that ham can be quite salty, so add salt incrementally, tasting as you go.
- Heat Through and Serve: Let the soup continue to simmer for at least 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensuring it’s heated through completely. Your comforting dinner is now ready to be enjoyed!
Delicious Serving Suggestions
While this Ham and Bean Soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to a new level of deliciousness.
Crusty Bread and Biscuits
There’s nothing quite like dipping a piece of crusty bread into a warm bowl of soup. A fresh baguette or a slice of artisanal sourdough would be perfect. For an extra special touch, consider serving it with those irresistible Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits or classic, homemade Dinner Rolls. Their soft texture and buttery flavor are the ideal complement to the hearty soup.
Fresh Toppings
A simple garnish can add a burst of freshness and color. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro can brighten the flavors. For a touch of creaminess, a small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can be stirred in just before serving. A dusting of shredded Parmesan cheese or a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little kick are also fantastic additions.
Light Side Salad
To balance the richness of the soup, a simple, light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing makes a wonderful side. It adds a refreshing contrast and ensures a well-rounded meal.
Creative Variations and Customizations
One of the beauties of a classic recipe like Ham and Bean Soup is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it truly your own.
Different Bean Varieties
While Great Northern beans are excellent, don’t hesitate to use other white beans like cannellini beans for a slightly firmer texture, or navy beans for a creamier consistency. You could even try a mix of different bean types for added complexity.
Add More Vegetables
Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating more vegetables. Diced potatoes, frozen corn, green beans, or even a handful of fresh spinach or kale added in the last few minutes of simmering would be delicious. A bay leaf added during the simmering stage can also impart a subtle, aromatic note.
Herb and Spice Enhancements
Consider adding dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a touch of smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant warmth for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Creamy Version
For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, milk, or even some evaporated milk during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add a luxurious texture without overpowering the savory flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Ham and Bean Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s also an excellent meal prep option!
Refrigeration
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
Ham and Bean Soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave a little headspace for expansion if using containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of extra broth or water if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.
More Easy Soup Recipes to Enjoy
If you loved this Ham and Bean Soup, you’re sure to enjoy these other comforting and easy soup recipes:
- Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Hearty White Bean Chicken Chili
- Savory Corn and Sausage Chowder
- Delicious Lasagna Soup
- Classic Hamburger Soup
- Wholesome Vegetable Soup with Orzo
- Homestyle Bean and Bacon Soup
Recommended Kitchen Tools
A good quality Dutch oven is an invaluable asset in any kitchen, especially for making soups and stews. Its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly makes it perfect for simmering dishes like this Ham and Bean Soup to perfection. I highly recommend having one; it will quickly become one of your most-used pots!
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Ham and Bean Soup
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This super simple Ham and Bean Soup comes together in minutes for a warm, comforting dinner. This soup is a great way to use up any leftover ham!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz each) cans great northern beans, not drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the carrots, celery, and onions. Cook until the vegetables are starting to soften.
- Add the ham and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the chicken broth, beans with their liquid, and the can of tomatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 397kcal (20%),
Carbohydrates: 44g (15%),
Protein: 29g (58%),
Fat: 9g (14%),
Saturated Fat: 2g (13%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 36mg (12%),
Sodium: 1648mg (72%),
Fiber: 15g (63%),
Sugar: 12g (13%)
There you have it – a truly comforting, effortlessly prepared Ham and Bean Soup that’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re combating a chilly evening, looking for a way to use up holiday ham, or simply craving a wholesome, satisfying meal, this soup delivers every time. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Dutch oven, and get ready to wrap yourself in the warmth of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!