Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

How do you use that leftover ham from your holiday feast? Make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe to transform your ham leftovers into a delicious and hearty meal. This easy, healthy dish warms you up on cold winter days and is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a standout choice for any occasion.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Main Ingredients
• How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Beans
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Pot
• Step 4: Finish Cooking
• How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• With Crusty Bread
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by a Side Salad
• With Cheese
• In a Bread Bowl
• With Hot Sauce
• How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
• How do I store leftover Ham and Bean Soup?
• Can I make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe vegetarian?
• What kind of ham works best?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a satisfying blend of tastes.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy this soup as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s also great for meal prep!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the ham and fiber from the beans, this recipe supports a nutritious diet.
• Perfect for Leftovers: A fantastic way to use leftover ham without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: This heavy pot retains heat well, allowing even cooking of the soup.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes slicing through vegetables quick and safe.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 Lb Dried Navy Beans
• 3 Tablespoons Oil
• 1 White Onion, (chopped)
• 4 Carrots, (chopped)
• 2 Celery Stalks, (sliced)
• 5 Garlic Cloves, (finely chopped)
• 64 ounces Chicken Stock
• 14.5 ounce Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
• Fresh Cracked Pepper
• 2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage
• 2-3 Cups Chopped Ham
• Salt – to taste (if needed)

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Beans

1. Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water.
2. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with several inches of water.
3. Allow the beans to soak overnight. After soaking, rinse them again before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes while stirring.
3. Incorporate the finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Pot

1. Add the rinsed beans into the pot along with chicken stock, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and fresh cracked pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to let it simmer.
3. Cover the pot slightly ajar and cook for 90 minutes. Check the consistency of beans; if they are still firm, cook for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

1. Remove the lid from the pot and stir in shredded cabbage and chopped ham.
2. Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until everything is heated through.
3. Taste your soup; add salt if necessary based on your preference or saltiness of the ham.
4. Discard bay leaf before serving hot.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade Ham and Bean Soup Recipe! This dish not only satisfies hunger but also warms hearts during chilly days.

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Serving your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is all about enhancing its heartiness and flavor. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with fresh, crusty bread for dipping. A good sourdough or baguette complements the flavors perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color to each bowl.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• Serve a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. It balances the richness of the soup.

With Cheese

• Add shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack on top of the soup for a creamy texture and extra flavor.

In a Bread Bowl

• Consider serving the soup in a bread bowl for an edible presentation that’s both fun and delicious.

With Hot Sauce

• For those who enjoy a bit of heat, provide hot sauce on the side. A few dashes can elevate the soup’s flavor profile.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

To make your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips.

• Soak Beans Properly: Soaking beans overnight helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
• Use Quality Stock: Opt for homemade or high-quality chicken stock for richer flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before adding salt since ham can be salty. It’s easy to add more, but hard to fix if it’s too salty.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes for added nutrition.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a while enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Freeze Leftovers: This soup freezes well! Store it in airtight containers for a quick meal later.

Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Complement your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe with some delightful side dishes that enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this hearty soup.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and brightness that balances the richness of the soup.
5. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers satisfying contrasts in texture alongside your warm bowl of soup.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites of savory soup.
7. Pickles or Relish Tray: Bits of pickled vegetables add zing that contrasts nicely with the warmth of the ham bean soup.
8. Simple Green Beans: Steamed green beans tossed with lemon can add an appealing touch of brightness to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not soaking the beans: Skipping the overnight soak can lead to hard beans that take longer to cook. Always soak your dried navy beans to ensure a tender result.
• Ignoring seasoning: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Remember, the saltiness of ham varies, so add salt gradually.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking veggies too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until they’re tender, then add them to the soup for the best texture.
• Neglecting the bay leaf: Omitting the bay leaf can reduce flavor depth. Don’t skip this important herb; it enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Using low-quality stock: A poor-quality chicken stock can affect the flavor of your soup. Choose a rich, flavorful stock for a more delicious result.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this comforting Ham and Bean Soup Recipe:

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can substitute canned beans for dried ones. Just rinse them well and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I store leftover Ham and Bean Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the ham and use vegetable stock instead. You can also add more vegetables for extra flavor.

What kind of ham works best?

Smoked ham or leftover holiday ham works best as it adds great flavor. Feel free to use any cut you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only a fantastic way to use leftover ham, but it’s also warm and satisfying on chilly days. With its versatility, you can customize it by adding extra veggies or spices to suit your taste. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!