If you’re looking for a comforting, nutritious, and budget-friendly meal, this Best Bean Soup with Ham is the perfect recipe! Packed with protein, fiber, and deep smoky flavors, this soup is a great way to use up leftover ham while creating a hearty dish that feeds a crowd. This hearty soup is a hands-off, simple meal that will warm you up on chilly days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like dried beans, leftover ham, and pantry staples.
- Nutritious: High in protein and fiber to keep you full longer.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep and simple cooking methods make this a fuss-free meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better!
Ingredients to make this Bean Soup with Ham:
Dried Navy Beans – I like to use navy beans or any type of small white bean you might prefer such as cannellini beans or white kidney beans.
Leftover Ham bone – I like to make ham broth using a leftover ham bone. I save the ham bone from my leftover holiday ham in the freezer until I’m ready to make soup. If you don’t have a leftover bone (ham shank) then you can swap it out for smoked ham hocks or 2 cups diced ham.
Onion – if you are making ham broth first then you’ll need a small onion for the broth. Then a medium onion for the soup.
Carrots – I had some shredded carrots on hand so I used them for the broth. You’ll also need several large carrots for the finished soup.
Celery stalks – use the end pieces from your celery for the broth and then diced the remaining celery for the soup.
Seasonings: Bay leaves, powdered garlic (or you can use fresh cloves of garlic), thyme, parsley (dried or fresh parsley), salt and black pepper.
How to make Bean Soup with Ham:
Step 1 – Make the ham broth:
Start by making the ham broth using a leftover ham bone or smoked ham hocks. If you already have broth or plan on using store bought broth skip down to step 2.
Place the ham bone, a small onion cut into quarters, 1-2 stalks of celery cut in large pieces, 1 carrot cut into large pieces or about a cup of shredded carrots and bay leaves into the crockpot. Add about a quart or 8 to 10 cups of water. Cook on high for 6-8 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours.
Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat on the bone, and return it to the soup. Discard the bay leaf and strain out the vegetables. You don’t want to use them in the soup as much of the flavor has already been cooked out of them.
Step 2 – Make the soup:
Leave the broth in the crock pot. Add in the diced celery, carrots, onion, seasonings, diced ham and navy beans.
Step 3: Cover and cook on high for about 6 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours or until the beans are tender.
Remove the bay leaves. To make the soup thicker and give it a creamy texture, remove about 2 cups of the soup mixture. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup. Add back to the crock pot, stir until combined.
Serve: Enjoy hot with crusty bread, corn bread or biscuits!
Ingredient Swaps & Additions:
Switch out your dry beans: bean soup is delicious with just about any type of bean such as any type of white beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, or even split peas (makes a delicious pea soup). Why not swap out the dried navy beans for what you have on hand.
No Ham? Use smoked turkey or a few slices of cooked bacon for a similar smoky flavor and use chicken stock or chicken broth in place of the broth made with the ham bone.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth, extra veggies and extra teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.
More Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Thicker Soup: Mash some of the beans or blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to thin it out.
This Best Bean Soup with Ham is a simple, satisfying, and nourishing meal that will quickly become a staple in your home. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or prepping meals for the week, it’s sure to be a hit! Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments below!
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Best Bean Soup With Ham (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe)
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
For Ham Broth:
- 1 Ham Bone
- 1 small Onion quartered
- 1 carrot shredded or diced
- 2 stalks celery cut in 4 pieces
- 8 to 10 cups water
For Bean With Ham Soup:
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons parsley dried
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 16 ounces Navy Beans dried
- 8 ounces Ham meat removed from ham bone
- 8 to 10 cups Ham broth
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
To Make Ham Broth:
- Add the ham bone, onion, celery, carrots and seasonings into the slow cooker. Add water and cook on high for 8 to 10 hours.1 Ham Bone, 1 small Onion, 1 carrot, 2 stalks celery, 8 to 10 cups water
- Strain out solids and following directions below to make the bean soup.
To Make The Bean With Ham Soup:
- Into the ham broth add the diced onions, carrots and celery to the crockpot. Mix in the ham meat as well as the beans and seasonings.1 medium Onion, 2 carrots, 2 stalks celery, 3 bay leaves, 2 teaspoons parsley, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Salt, 16 ounces Navy Beans, 8 ounces Ham, 8 to 10 cups Ham broth, 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Set the slow cooker to LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours or until the beans are soft and tender.
- Remove the bay leaves. To make the soup thicker, remove about 2 cups of the soup mixture. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup. Add back to the crock pot, stir until combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.Salt and Pepper to taste
Nutrition
Does your whole family love slow cooker meals? Why not try some of these recipes:
Easy Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole
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