Easy Ham and Bean Soup

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A bowl of Easy Ham and Bean Soup is the definition of cozy comfort food. It brings together tender chunks of ham, creamy white beans, and flavorful broth in a way that fills the kitchen with warmth and the belly with happiness. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or starting from scratch, this soup is an easy win for any day of the week.

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet simple and humble in the best way. Everything comes together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. You can let it simmer slowly on the stovetop or make it even easier in a slow cooker. Either way, it’s a bowl of goodness that welcomes you home.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ham and Bean Soup

This soup isn’t just satisfying, it’s incredibly convenient. You can make it with canned beans or soak dried ones overnight for extra texture. The flavors are versatile enough to let you use whatever veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can store portions for future chilly nights when you want something nourishing with no extra effort.

What Kind of Beans Should I Use?

White beans like cannellini or Great Northern are the classic choice here. They have a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with savory ham. You can also use navy beans or even a mix for a more rustic feel. Canned beans are the go-to for quick prep, but if you want that homemade depth, try using dried beans and cooking them until tender before adding the ham.

Ingredients for the Easy Ham and Bean Soup

To make this soup deeply flavorful and comforting, each ingredient serves a purpose. Here’s what you need:

• Cooked ham
• White beans
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaves
• Dried thyme
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

The cooked ham adds saltiness and a meaty bite. White beans bring a creamy contrast and protein. Aromatics like onion, carrots, and celery give the base flavor depth, while garlic rounds everything out with its warmth. Chicken broth is the liquid gold here that ties everything together, enhanced by bay leaves and thyme for herbal undertones. A drizzle of olive oil starts the sauté off right, and of course, salt and pepper finish the job.

How To Make the Easy Ham and Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Add Ham and Beans

Add the diced ham and drained white beans to the pot. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a low simmer.

Step 4: Simmer

Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, a longer simmer makes it even better.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy hot with some crusty bread or cornbread.

How to Serve and Store This Soup

This soup serves about 6 people generously and pairs well with just a slice of rustic bread or a light side salad. It’s perfect for meal prep too. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What to Serve With Ham and Bean Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Nothing beats dipping a piece of buttery garlic bread into a bowl of warm soup.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup.

Cornbread Muffins

A slightly sweet muffin next to a savory spoonful is a winning combo.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These add a lovely texture and flavor that pairs great with the smoky ham.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and savory flavors together make a comforting contrast.

Apple Slaw

Fresh and crunchy with a hint of tartness, it’s a great contrast to the creamy beans.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Classic comfort food that’s always a hit with soups.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love cozy bowls of soup, you might enjoy these too:

• Cajun Potato Soup if you like a spicy Southern twist.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a creamy, filling comfort meal.
• Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef if you’re craving a budget-friendly, hearty meal.
• Mexican Sopa de Conchas for something nostalgic and family-friendly.
• Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup if you want to mix up your soup routine with bold flavors.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it when the weather calls for something warm and filling.

Let me know in the comments if you tried it with navy beans or threw in some spinach for an extra boost. I love seeing how you all make these recipes your own. Questions or variations? Drop them below.

Explore beautifully curated, feel-good recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for wholesome, satisfying meals.

Conclusion

Easy Ham and Bean Soup is the kind of recipe that turns leftovers into something special. It’s rich with flavor, packed with nutrition, and simple enough for any home cook to master. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend warm-up, this soup brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies.

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