ham and beans soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
ham and beans soup recipe
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The Best ham and beans soup recipe

I’ve been making this ham and beans soup recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day or any time you need a warm, satisfying meal. I love that it’s so easy to make, too – just throw all the ingredients in a pot and let it simmer away.

The combination of flavors and textures is just right – the smoky ham, the tender beans, and the rich broth all come together to create a delicious, filling meal. My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies too. As an added bonus, this recipe is also super healthy – the beans are packed with fiber and protein, and the ham is a good source of iron.

I like to serve this recipe at family gatherings or when we have friends over for dinner. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I love that it’s so easy to make in large quantities. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this ham and beans soup recipe is sure to please.

I’ve even started making it for my kids’ lunchboxes – it’s a great way to pack in some nutrients and keep them full until snack time. My husband loves that it’s so easy to customize with different types of beans or spices, too. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so glad we still make it today.

It’s just one of those comforting dishes that never goes out of style.

Classic Ham and Beans Soup

Classic Ham and Beans Soup

4.5 from 1148 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender beans, savory ham, and a rich broth. Perfect for a cold day or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans
4 cups water
1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the beans and place them in a large pot with water.
2Bring to a boil over high heat.
3Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4Remove from heat and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
5Drain and set aside.
6In the same pot, add the ham hock or diced ham, onion, carrots, and celery.
7Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
8This should take about 5-7 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
10Add the soaked beans, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and enough water to cover all the ingredients by about 2 inches.
11Stir well to combine.
12Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
13Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
14Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
15Season with salt and pepper to taste.
16If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot and shred the meat.
17Return the meat to the soup.
18If using diced ham, skip this step.
19Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
20Ladle the soup into bowls.
21Top with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
22Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of the beans before adding them back to the pot. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon.

Watch Video Of How Classic Ham and Beans Soup Works

This ham and beans soup recipe is one that never goes out of style – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it on-the-go.

My family loves when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice – we like to think of it as our own personal comfort food.

This hearty soup is also super easy to customize with different types of beans or spices, making it perfect for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Beans Soup

Q: What type of ham should I use?

The type of ham you use will depend on your personal preference. You can use either smoked ham hocks or diced ham steak.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by cooking the beans and ham mixture ahead of time.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Q: Can I freeze leftover soup?

Yes, you can freeze leftover soup for up to six months.

Q: What if I don’t have any canned beans?

You can use dried beans instead – just be sure to soak them overnight before cooking.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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