The savory essence of slow-simmered ham bone and tender navy beans creates an old-fashioned comfort soup with layers of flavor in every spoonful. Flecked with sweet carrots, fresh thyme, and a gentle touch of garlic, it’s the kind of bowl that warms your body and soul. Perfect for making use of leftover ham, this versatile soup is budget-friendly, freezer-ready, and loaded with protein and fiber. Whether you’re preparing it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, it delivers depth, nostalgia, and nourishment in one unforgettable pot.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 cups diced ham (approx. two 8 oz. ham steaks)
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2 cups carrots, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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4 cups water
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1 ham bone (or smoked ham hock/shank)
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1 lb. dried navy beans, rinsed
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2 teaspoons onion powder
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1 bay leaf
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2 sprigs fresh thyme
Directions:
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Rinse navy beans thoroughly under cold water.
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In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
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Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
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Stir in carrots, diced ham, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
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Pour in chicken broth and water. Add the ham bone, rinsed beans, onion powder, bay leaf, and thyme.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially with a lid.
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Let the soup simmer gently for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent beans from settling.
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Once thickened to your liking and beans are tender, remove the ham bone, bay leaf, and thyme stems.
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Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 212 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Why Ham and Bean Soup Is a Beloved Classic
Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a cozy winter dish—it’s a nostalgic, flavorful experience rooted in tradition, thrift, and deep culinary satisfaction. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re returning to a family favorite, this hearty soup remains one of the most comforting and rewarding meals you can make from scratch. With its balance of savory smoked ham, earthy beans, fresh herbs, and vegetables, this soup delivers warmth in every bite.
The History Behind the Ham and Bean Pairing
The combination of pork and legumes goes back centuries, found in many cultures across the globe. In the United States, Ham and Bean Soup has strong ties to Southern cooking and Depression-era resourcefulness, where using every part of the animal was both necessary and revered. A single ham bone was all it took to flavor an entire pot of beans and feed a family. Over time, this humble meal transformed into a comfort food staple, known for its simplicity, economy, and incredible depth of flavor.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this Ham and Bean Soup truly exceptional is its slow-simmered, from-scratch preparation. The recipe uses a leftover ham bone or smoked ham hock, which infuses the broth with rich, smoky umami. Combined with navy beans that break down into a naturally creamy texture and carrots that add a touch of sweetness, it results in a perfectly balanced bowl of soup. The use of simple, wholesome ingredients means you don’t need additives or shortcuts to make this meal shine.
And unlike many modern quick-cook recipes, this one rewards patience. A few hours of gentle simmering develops layers of flavor that can’t be rushed, making it the perfect weekend or cold-weather project.
The Nutritional Power of Navy Beans
Navy beans are a standout star in this recipe—not only do they thicken the soup naturally without any cream, but they’re also nutritional powerhouses. High in dietary fiber, they aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness, which helps support a healthy diet. Navy beans are also packed with plant-based protein, iron, and essential B vitamins.
Pair that with the protein in ham and the vitamin-rich carrots, and you’ve got a balanced, hearty meal that’s satisfying without being heavy. It’s especially helpful for those trying to eat healthier during the colder months when comfort food cravings are high.
Flexible Cooking Options for Any Lifestyle
Another major benefit of this recipe is its versatility. While the traditional stovetop method creates the richest flavor, this soup can easily be adapted for the slow cooker or Instant Pot—whichever best suits your schedule.
- Stovetop Method: Ideal for a cozy weekend. Letting it simmer low and slow builds a rich, savory broth that’s full of nuance.
- Slow Cooker: Perfect for busy weekdays. Just add all the ingredients in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
- Instant Pot: Get the deep flavor of slow-cooked soup in under an hour. Great for last-minute meals with minimal compromise on taste.
No matter the method, the outcome is consistently delicious.
A Perfect Recipe for Using Leftovers
Post-holiday cooking can be overwhelming, but this recipe makes it easy to give new life to leftover ham. Instead of throwing out your ham bone, save it and let it become the flavor base of an entirely new meal. This minimizes waste and maximizes value, turning scraps into a nourishing dish that feels anything but recycled.
You can also dice up extra ham slices and toss them into the soup for added texture and protein. It’s one of the smartest and most satisfying ways to stretch your holiday leftovers.
Make It Your Own: Customization Tips
While the classic version of Ham and Bean Soup is hard to beat, it’s also incredibly adaptable based on your pantry and personal preferences.
Here are a few ideas to inspire your own twist:
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale near the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or even a diced jalapeño for heat.
- Use Different Beans: Great Northern beans, pinto beans, or even a 15-bean mix can substitute for navy beans if you want to change up the texture.
- Creamy Finish: For a thicker, creamier consistency, blend a portion of the soup or mash some of the beans with a fork before serving.
- Smoky Bacon Topper: Fry up bacon bits and sprinkle on top as a crispy, smoky garnish.
These tweaks make it easy to tailor the soup to your family’s taste or dietary needs while still preserving its heartwarming nature.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Ham and Bean Soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with a few side options:
- Cornbread or Biscuits: Adds a touch of Southern charm and soaks up the savory broth.
- Crusty Artisan Bread: Ideal for dunking and enhancing the rustic feel.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the soup with a light contrast.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a few shavings of Parmesan can also elevate the final presentation for dinner parties or cozy family dinners.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about Ham and Bean Soup is how well it stores. In fact, many people swear it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
Here’s how to store it properly:
- Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it’s thickened too much, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
This makes it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks or winter stockpiling.
Gluten-Free and Heart-Healthy Potential
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Simply ensure the broth you use is certified gluten-free, as some store-bought versions may contain hidden additives.
You can also adjust this soup to be more heart-healthy by using low-sodium broth and leaner ham cuts. It’s easy to scale the recipe based on dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Budget-Friendly Without Compromise
Ham and Bean Soup is a shining example of how delicious meals don’t have to be expensive. The ingredients—dried beans, leftover meat, common vegetables—are among the most affordable staples you can buy. Yet, when combined properly and given time to cook, they become something truly magical.
It’s the kind of recipe that stretches a dollar without ever feeling like you’re compromising on quality or taste. Plus, it yields large portions, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer with ready-to-eat meals.
Cultural Significance and Family Traditions
For many, this soup evokes memories of family kitchens, big gatherings, or quiet evenings by the fireplace. It’s a dish that carries tradition, handed down through generations, each family adding its own small twist along the way. Whether it’s the herbs used, the type of beans, or the sides served with it, no two bowls are quite the same.
Adding this recipe to your home cooking rotation is a way to connect with the past, honor food traditions, and create new memories for your family.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, adaptable to your lifestyle, and packed with nutrition—Ham and Bean Soup checks all the boxes. It’s humble yet rich, frugal yet luxurious, and simple yet complex in taste. It celebrates the beauty of slow food, of making something meaningful out of modest ingredients.
So, the next time you have a ham bone leftover from a family meal or just want something truly comforting, don’t toss it—turn it into this beautiful, soul-satisfying soup. Your future self (and your family) will thank you. Let the aroma fill your home, the warmth fill your belly, and the recipe fill your heart.