Ham and bean soup recipe

This ham and bean soup recipe is the kind of meal that quietly warms everything around it. It’s built on simple pantry ingredients and slow, cozy cooking that fills the kitchen with a familiar, comforting smell. People love it because it feels hearty without being complicated, making it a natural choice for busy evenings, relaxed family dinners, or cold nights when you want something steady and filling. A ham and bean soup recipe like this fits real life well, and I usually let it simmer while I tidy up, knowing it will be ready when everyone is hungry.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup brings together rich flavor and everyday ease in one pot. The beans turn soft and creamy, the ham adds depth, and the broth ties everything together without much effort. It’s weeknight-friendly because most of the cooking time is hands-off, and it’s budget-friendly since a small amount of ham stretches far. Leftovers hold up beautifully, making it freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep. This recipe is cozy, crowd-pleasing, and flexible enough to adjust based on what you have. It’s the kind of meal people save because it feels reliable and comforting when schedules get busy.

Ingredients

Tip: Use smoked or cooked ham for the best flavor and tenderness.

Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Onion – 1 medium, chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Carrots – 2 medium, sliced
Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
Cooked ham – 1½ cups, diced
White beans – 2 cups, cooked or canned
Chicken or vegetable broth – 5 cups
Bay leaf – 1
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Dried thyme – ½ teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Rinse the beans and dice the ham into small pieces. Chop the vegetables so they are even in size, giving the soup a balanced look and texture from the start.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat oil in a large pot and add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir until the vegetables soften and the smell turns warm and slightly sweet.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add diced ham, beans, broth, and bay leaf. Stir gently until everything is covered, and the liquid begins to look rich and lightly cloudy.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let the soup simmer until the beans are tender and the broth thickens slightly, then remove the bay leaf before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup is mostly hands-off once it starts simmering. You can prepare it ahead of time, let it cook slowly, and come back to a full meal. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for Pinterest users who save recipes for later, calmer cooking moments.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t over-salt at the beginning. Ham can be salty on its own, so it’s better to taste near the end and adjust slowly.
If the soup feels thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. This helps the broth thicken naturally.
Mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot to add body without changing the texture too much.
Cut the ham into small pieces so the flavor spreads evenly through every spoonful.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add extra ham or smoked sausage for a heartier bowl. This works well if you want the soup to stand alone as a full dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Comfort Bowl
Serve hot with crusty bread or rolls. The bread pairs perfectly with the thick broth and soft beans.
Simple Family Meal
Add a small side salad for balance. It keeps the meal light but still filling.
Cozy Night In
Enjoy a bowl on its own with a spoon and a warm blanket for an easy, calming dinner.
Casual Hosting
Serve in a large pot and let everyone help themselves. It feels relaxed and welcoming.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Freezing
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the soup a day ahead for better flavor and less stress on busy days.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Rest Time: Optional
Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains about 280–330 calories with roughly 18–22 grams of protein. It also provides fiber from beans and iron from ham. Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes better the next day.

Use less salt and low-sodium broth.

Yes, rinse them well first.

Add more broth to loosen it.

Up to four days refrigerated.

Conclusion

This ham and bean soup recipe is meant to fit into everyday life with ease. It’s flexible, comforting, and simple enough to return to again and again. You can adjust the beans, seasoning, or thickness to match your taste and what you have on hand. A pot of soup like this brings warmth to the table without effort, especially on long days. Saving a ham and bean soup recipe like this means having something dependable ready whenever you need a cozy, filling meal.