ham bone and bean soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best ham bone and bean soup recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – ham bone and bean soup.

This hearty, comforting dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a warm, satisfying meal to serve at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to please.

The combination of tender beans, rich ham broth, and the smoky flavor of the ham bone is absolute perfection.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe, and it’s a great way to teach them about cooking and where food comes from.

Ham Bone and Bean Soup

Ham Bone and Bean Soup

4.7 from 891 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with a ham bone, beans, and vegetables. Perfect for a cold day or when you need a comforting meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Soup Ingredients

1 ham bone
1 lb dried beans (such as navy or great northern)
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
6 cups water

Optional Garnishes

Chopped parsley
Shredded cheese
Sliced green onions

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with water.
2Let them soak overnight.
3After soaking, drain and rinse the beans.
Set aside.
4In a large stockpot, place the ham bone and cover with 6 cups of water.
5Bring to a boil over high heat.
6Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 1 hour.
7Skim any foam that rises to the top.
8This helps to remove impurities and fat from the ham bone.
9Add the soaked and drained beans, diced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the stockpot.
10Stir well to combine.
11Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
12Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13The beans should be tender and the flavors well combined.
14Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool slightly.
15Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot.
16Discard the bone.
17The meat should be easily shredded with a fork and the soup should have a rich, savory flavor.
18Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
19The soup should have a balanced flavor of ham, beans, and vegetables.
20Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions if desired.
21Serve hot and enjoy.
22The soup should be thick and hearty, with a comforting aroma.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

You can use a pressure cooker to cook the beans faster. Add all ingredients except shredded meat and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Shred the meat and add it back to the soup before serving.

Watch Video Of How Ham Bone and Bean Soup Works

This ham bone and bean soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber from the beans and rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. My family loves serving this soup at potlucks and family gatherings because everyone raves about how delicious it is.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Bone and Bean Soup

Q: What type of beans are best for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I like to use a combination of kidney beans and pinto beans. The kidney beans add a nice texture and flavor, while the pinto beans provide a bit of sweetness. You can also use other types of beans, such as black beans or Great Northern beans, but keep in mind that they may change the flavor profile slightly.

Q: Can I use leftover ham instead of a ham bone?

A: Yes, you can definitely use leftover ham in place of a ham bone. In fact, using leftover ham can make the soup even more flavorful. Just be sure to chop the ham into small pieces so it cooks evenly.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

A: To store leftover soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months. When reheating, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: How do I thicken the soup if it becomes too thin?

A: If the soup becomes too thin, you can thicken it by adding a little bit of cornstarch or flour mixed with water. Stir well and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the soup has thickened slightly.

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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