The savory essence of a ham bone, paired with hearty navy beans and fragrant herbs, creates a rich and deeply satisfying broth in this timeless Ham and Bean Soup. It’s the kind of dish that simmers low and slow, filling your kitchen with cozy aromas and your bowl with warmth.
Whether you’re using a leftover ham bone from a holiday feast or a meaty smoked shank, this soup is perfect for making the most of every bite. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, cost-effective, and flexible for stove top, slow cooker, or Instant Pot cooking. This is your go-to comfort meal, any time of the year.
Full Recipe:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 cups diced ham (approx. two 8 oz. ham steaks)
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2 cups carrots, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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4 cups water
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1 ham bone (or smoked ham hock/shank)
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1 lb. dried navy beans, rinsed
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2 teaspoons onion powder
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1 bay leaf
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2 sprigs fresh thyme
Directions:
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Rinse navy beans thoroughly under cold water.
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In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
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Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
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Stir in carrots, diced ham, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
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Pour in chicken broth and water. Add the ham bone, rinsed beans, onion powder, bay leaf, and thyme.
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Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially with lid.
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Let the soup simmer gently for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent beans from settling.
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Once thickened to your liking and beans are tender, remove the ham bone, bay leaf, and thyme stems.
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Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 212 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Heartwarming Tradition of Ham and Bean Soup
Ham and Bean Soup has earned its place as a beloved comfort food across generations and cultures. With its deeply savory flavor, satisfying texture, and rustic charm, it is a timeless dish that speaks to the essence of home cooking. Whether you’re making use of leftover ham from a holiday feast or simply craving a hearty, nourishing meal, this soup delivers on all fronts. It combines economy with nutrition, tradition with flexibility, and flavor with comfort.
A Soup with History and Heritage
The pairing of pork and legumes is one steeped in culinary tradition. Throughout history, beans have been a staple food in many cultures, valued for their affordability, long shelf life, and nutritional value. When combined with ham—especially a smoked ham bone or hock—you get a dish that’s rich in protein, fiber, and taste.
In American kitchens, Ham and Bean Soup is often associated with Southern cooking and Depression-era resourcefulness, where nothing went to waste and a single ham bone could flavor an entire pot. Today, it’s embraced as both a nod to heritage and a smart way to turn leftovers into something unforgettable.
The Beauty of Simmered Flavor
One of the standout features of Ham and Bean Soup is the incredible depth of flavor developed from simmering the ingredients slowly over time. When using a ham bone, especially one that still has some meat on it, the marrow and connective tissue infuse the broth with umami-rich savoriness. This creates a silky, complex broth that no bouillon cube or shortcut could ever replicate.
Fresh thyme, bay leaf, onions, and garlic contribute earthy, aromatic layers, while carrots bring a subtle sweetness and bright color to balance the dish. It’s a perfect example of how simple, whole ingredients can yield extraordinary results when given the time to meld.
Flexible Cooking Methods for Any Schedule
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferred cooking method, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday afternoons. You can prepare it on the stove top, letting it simmer low and slow while your home fills with comforting aromas. Alternatively, it transitions perfectly into the slow cooker or Instant Pot for more hands-off preparation.
In the slow cooker, the flavors have even more time to develop, making it a great option for letting dinner cook while you’re at work. With the Instant Pot, you get all the depth of slow cooking in a fraction of the time, which is perfect for when you want comfort food fast.
A Smart Way to Use Leftovers
One of the reasons Ham and Bean Soup is so popular around the holidays is because it makes great use of leftovers, particularly ham. After a large gathering or festive dinner, you may find yourself with a ham bone and plenty of extra meat. Rather than letting it go to waste, this soup transforms those remnants into a nourishing new meal.
Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also offers a delicious meal prep option. The soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had even more time to marry. It also freezes well, making it a great candidate for batch cooking.
Nutrition That Satisfies
Ham and Bean Soup is more than just delicious—it’s also nutritious. Navy beans are a fantastic source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. They’re also rich in plant-based protein, iron, and B vitamins. Combined with the protein from ham, you’ve got a well-rounded, satisfying meal that provides energy and nourishment.
The soup is naturally gluten-free and can be modified to fit a variety of dietary needs. For example, using low-sodium broth and leaner cuts of ham can make it suitable for lower-sodium or heart-healthy diets.
Customizing to Your Taste
This is a wonderfully forgiving and flexible recipe, allowing for lots of customization depending on your preferences or pantry staples. You can swap navy beans for Great Northern beans, pinto beans, or even a 15-bean soup mix for more variety in texture and flavor. If you prefer a creamier consistency, mash some of the beans near the end of cooking or blend a portion of the soup for a velvety finish.
Spice lovers might enjoy adding a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. You could also stir in some kale or spinach at the end for a burst of green goodness. For extra smokiness, a few strips of bacon sautéed at the beginning—or even crumbled on top before serving—make a flavorful garnish.
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Think warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits, a crusty slice of artisan bread, or classic cornbread with a touch of honey butter. For a slightly lighter pairing, a fresh green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
It’s also an excellent soup to bring to potlucks or to serve when you’re entertaining a crowd, as it yields generous portions and can be easily doubled or tripled.
Tips for Storage and Reheating
Ham and Bean Soup stores exceptionally well, and many fans of this dish agree it tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen and the broth thickens to a luxurious consistency. Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for easy reheating. When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or warm it gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back to your desired texture.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Tradition, Comfort, and Flavor
Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience rooted in tradition, frugality, and family. It’s the type of meal that soothes on cold days, fills your home with incredible aromas, and brings people together around the table. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making it a staple worth keeping in your meal rotation all year long.
Whether you’re discovering this recipe for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, there’s something undeniably comforting about dipping your spoon into a bowl of this savory, smoky, and wholesome soup. It’s a taste of home, no matter where you are.