ham navy bean soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
ham navy bean soup recipe
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The Best ham navy bean soup recipe

I’ve been making ham navy bean soup for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. It’s a classic recipe that’s easy to make and packed with protein and fiber.

I love how the tender navy beans and smoky ham come together in a rich, savory broth. My kids have grown up on this soup, and they still ask for it whenever they come home from college.

I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a comforting meal when someone’s feeling under the weather. It’s one of those recipes that never gets old, and I’m happy to share it with you today.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients into a pot and let it simmer until the flavors meld together. You can customize it to your taste with added veggies or spices, but I like to keep it simple with just the basics: ham, beans, onion, garlic, and a pinch of thyme.

My family loves this soup so much that we even have a tradition of making it together on special occasions. We’ll sit around the table, ladling out big bowls of hot soup and enjoying each other’s company while the snow falls outside (if we’re lucky enough to live in a snowy climate).

It’s those kinds of moments that make memories last a lifetime – not just the taste of the soup itself, but the love and warmth that goes into making it.

Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup

Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup

4.8 from 932 votes

This comforting soup combines tender navy beans with smoky ham in a savory broth. It is a filling meal perfect for cold days, offering rich flavor from slow simmering.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup Base

1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
1 meaty ham bone or 2 ham hocks (about 1.5 pounds)
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced

For Finishing

2 cups diced cooked ham (about 8 ounces)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by 2 inches.
2Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight, then drain and rinse the beans thoroughly in a colander.
3In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
4Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
5Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
6Then add the soaked and drained navy beans, ham bone or ham hocks, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper.
7Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar.
8Simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.
9Remove the ham bone or hocks from the pot and place them on a cutting board.
10Let them cool for 5 minutes, then shred the meat from the bone, discarding any fat, skin, and bones.
11Return the shredded ham meat to the pot.
12Add the diced cooked ham, salt, and smoked paprika if using to the pot.
13Stir well and simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
14The soup should be thick and the beans creamy.
15Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
16Remove the bay leaves and discard.
17Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander
Large bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon before adding the diced ham. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup Works

I always feel good about serving this recipe because it’s not only delicious but also super healthy – high in fiber and protein and low in calories. The best part is that you can customize it to your taste by adding different veggies or spices.

I like to keep things simple with just the basics: ham, beans, onion, garlic, and thyme. My family loves this soup so much that we’ve made it countless times over the years – always with great results.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Ham and Navy Bean Soup

Q: What is navy bean soup?

Navy bean soup is a hearty, comforting dish made with navy beans, ham or bacon, onion, garlic, and sometimes vegetables like carrots or celery.

Q: Can I use canned navy beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned navy beans if you prefer – just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to your soup.

Q: How long does it take to cook navy bean soup?

Navy bean soup is actually quite quick to make – you can have it ready in about 30 minutes if you use canned beans or an hour or so if you’re using dried beans.

Q: Can I freeze navy bean soup for later?

Yes, navy bean soup freezes beautifully – just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q: Is navy bean soup good for me?

Navy bean soup is packed with protein and fiber from the beans themselves as well as vitamins A and C from the veggies – making it a nutritious option for lunch or dinner.

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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