There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Ham and Bean Soup Recipe on a chilly evening. This classic ham and bean soup recipe is filled with tender beans, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables simmered together for deep, rich flavour.
It’s a wholesome, budget-friendly dish that makes enough to feed a family or meal-prep for the week. The flavours only get better as it rests, making it a true make-ahead champion. I first learned this recipe from my grandmother, and it’s been a family favourite ever since.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Whether you’re cooking it in a stockpot, slow cooker, or with a leftover ham bone, it’s the kind of comforting soup that satisfies with every spoonful. Updated & retested: October 2025.
Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is a hearty, protein-rich soup made with beans, ham, and vegetables simmered in broth for a smoky, comforting flavour.
Discover a comforting buffalo-chicken-dip recipe that turns simple ingredients into a hearty family favourite.
What is the Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?
Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is a classic American comfort dish made by simmering dried beans, ham, and vegetables in water or broth until tender. According to Healthline, beans are an excellent source of protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, making this soup both hearty and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast weeknight-friendly — Simple prep, then let it simmer.
- Crowd-pleaser flavour — Smoky, savoury, and deeply comforting.
- Pantry ingredients — Beans, carrots, celery, and onion.
- Easy substitutions (GF/DF) — Works with turkey, vegetarian swaps, or gluten-free sides.
- Perfect for prepping ahead — This dish is even more delicious after resting overnight.
- Kid-approved / party-ready — Mild yet flavorful, great for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients (+ Substitutions)
| 8 cups of water | Substitution / Diet Note |
|---|---|
| 8 cups water | Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for more flavour |
| 1 lb dry great northern beans, sorted & rinsed | Swap with navy beans, cannellini, or mixed beans |
| ½ tsp salt | Adjust based on ham’s saltiness or use a low-sodium option |
| 1 cup chopped carrots | Sweet potatoes or parsnips for variation |
| 1 cup chopped onion | Shallots or leeks for a milder flavour |
| ½ cup chopped celery | Fennel or bell pepper for a twist |
| 1 tsp minced garlic | Garlic powder, if fresh is unavailable |
| 1 tsp mustard powder | Dijon mustard or omit for a milder taste |
| 2 bay leaves | Thyme or rosemary sprigs for herbal flavour |
| 1 ham hock | Smoked turkey leg or omit for a vegetarian version |
| 2 cups chopped ham | Turkey, chicken, or plant-based ham substitute |
| ½ tsp white pepper | Black pepper or red pepper flakes for spice |
Gluten-Free: Naturally GF when served without bread sides.
Dairy-Free: Recipe is naturally DF.
Lighter option: Swap ham with turkey or chicken breast.
Try this rich and flavorful crab-cake-recipe-crispy, a soul-warming dish perfect for cozy dinners.
Equipment
You don’t need much to make this ham and bean soup recipe, just a few essentials. A large stockpot or Dutch oven is key for even cooking and enough space for beans to expand. A sharp chef’s knife and cutting board will make prep quicker and safer. A wooden spoon or ladle helps stir and serve without scratching your pot. Finally, keep measuring cups and spoons handy to get seasoning ratios just right.
This is the RecipesLace account on Pinterest: RecipesLace Pinterest – it features recipe boards such as Soups, Dinner, Dessert, Cakes, Cookies, and more.
Minimal tools, big flavour — no fancy gadgets required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
Tip: Pre-chop vegetables to save time later.
2. Soak the beans. Place water and beans in a large pot; bring to a boil. Stir in salt, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
Note: This quick soak softens beans faster than overnight.
3. Add vegetables and seasoning. Stir in carrots, onion, celery, garlic, mustard powder, and bay leaves.
4. Simmer with ham hock. Add the ham hock, bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 1 hour.
Tip: Skim foam from the top for a clearer broth.
5. Remove the ham hock. Discard bones and fat.
6. Add chopped ham. Stir in ham pieces and simmer for 30 minutes until flavours blend.
7. Season and serve. Taste and adjust with white pepper.
⚡ Common mistakes + quick fixes:
- Soup too salty? Add a splash of vinegar or a diced potato.
- Beans too firm? Simmer longer with extra liquid.
👉 Try it alongside our [hearty lentil soup] or [classic split pea soup] for more cozy options.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Slow Cooker: Cook soaked beans, ham hock, and veggies on LOW for 6–8 hours. Stir in chopped ham at the end.
- Oven-Baked: Transfer to a Dutch oven and bake at 325°F for 2–3 hours.
- Air Fryer Add-On: Crisp ham cubes in the air fryer before adding for smoky crunch.
- Extra-Cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar before serving.
- Mild: Skip mustard and use less pepper.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Serving ideas: Pair with [homemade cornbread] or a side of [buttery dinner rolls] for a complete meal.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead
Fridge: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Divide into freezer-safe portions and freeze for 2 to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm slowly on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little broth or water if the soup is too thick.
“According to the USDA FoodData Central, beans are an excellent source of protein and fibre, while the MyPlate.gov guidelines highlight beans as a key part of a balanced diet.”
Mini Q&A
Can the Ham and Bean Soup Recipe be frozen?
Yes! Place it in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
How should I reheat the Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?
Yes! Place it in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Make a Classic Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven or large soup pot
- (Optional) Slow cooker
- (Optional) Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry great northern beans rinsed
- 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup onion chopped
- ½ cup celery chopped
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ham hock
- 2 cups chopped ham
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak beans: Place beans in a pot with water and salt, bring to a boil, cover, and let sit 1 hour.
- Add vegetables & seasoning: Stir in carrots, onion, celery, garlic, mustard powder, and bay leaves.
- Simmer with ham hock: Add ham hock, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. Skim foam if needed.
- Add chopped ham: Remove ham hock, stir in chopped ham, and simmer 30 minutes more.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with bread.
Notes
FAQs
What are the seasonings in ham and bean soup?
Typically, garlic, onion, mustard powder, bay leaves, and pepper. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added.
What can I add to the Ham and Bean Soup Recipe to make it taste better?
A splash of vinegar, fresh herbs, or a Parmesan rind enhances flavour.
What kind of beans are best for ham and beans?
Great Northern beans are traditional, but navy or cannellini beans work well.
What kind of beans are best for soup?
Small, creamy beans like navy or Great Northern hold up best during long cooking.
How do I make ham and bean soup creamy?
Mash some beans in the pot or stir in a splash of cream before serving.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — skip ham, add extra vegetables, and use vegetable broth.
Can I cook the Ham and Bean Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, adding ham at the end.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Vitamin A | 45% DV |
| Iron | 18% DV |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.
Recipe Cost
This ham and bean soup recipe is budget-friendly and hearty. On average, it costs $10–12 total or about $1.25–$1.50 per serving. Using a leftover ham bone lowers the cost, while choosing premium smoked ham or organic vegetables may increase it slightly.
Reviews & Reader Tips
Tried this ham and bean soup recipe? We’d love to hear from you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Share your tweaks — whether you added extra veggies, used a slow cooker, or made it spicy — and let other readers know how it turned out. Your reviews help this recipe become even better for everyone.
Conclusion
This hearty ham and bean soup recipe is the perfect mix of comfort and flavour — budget-friendly, nourishing, and easy to make ahead. Whether you serve it with cornbread, dinner rolls, or just on its own, it’s a cozy bowl everyone will love.
📌 Save this recipe to Pinterest so you can make it again anytime. And if you’re craving more warming meals, try our classic split pea soup for another family favourite.
