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 comforting dinner. This easy and healthy meal is perfect for a chilly winter day and is sure to please the whole family. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this soup brings warmth and flavor to any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe makes cooking enjoyable.
Heartwarming Flavor: The combination of ham, beans, and spices creates a rich and savory soup that warms you from the inside out.
Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever leftover ham you have on hand, along with pantry staples like beans and vegetables.
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is not only delicious but nutritious.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later use.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Dutch oven pot
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large Dutch oven pot: This heavy pot is perfect for simmering soups evenly without burning them.
Knife: A sharp knife helps in chopping vegetables quickly and safely, making prep work easier.

Ingredients

Beans

1 Lb Dried Navy Beans

Vegetables

1 White Onion, (chopped)
4 Carrots, (chopped)
2 Celery Stalks, (sliced)
5 Garlic Cloves, (finely chopped)
2 Cups Shredded Green Cabbage

Liquids & Spices

3 Tablespoons Oil
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

Meat

2-3 Cups Chopped Ham

Seasoning

Salt – to taste (if needed)

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse dried beans thoroughly under cold water.
Cover beans with several inches of water in a bowl.
Soak beans overnight, then rinse again before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Cook the Soup Base

Add soaked beans to the pot along with chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and cracked pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to let it simmer.
Cover the pot slightly ajar and cook for 90 minutes. Check beans for tenderness; if they are still firm, cook for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Ham and Cabbage

Remove the lid from the pot and add chopped ham and shredded cabbage.
Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Taste before adding salt—this may vary based on ham’s saltiness. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Ham and Bean Soup Recipe! This dish not only utilizes leftovers but also delivers comfort in every bowl.

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Serving your delicious Ham and Bean Soup Recipe can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that pair perfectly with this hearty dish.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Garlic Bread – Enhance the flavor with some buttery garlic bread on the side.

Garnished with Herbs

Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Chopped Green Onions – Add a bit of crunch and mild onion flavor with green onions.

Accompanied by Salad

Caesar Salad – The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the warm soup.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds texture and complements the flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

To ensure your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

Soak Beans Overnight – This step helps soften the beans, making them cook faster and ensuring a smoother texture.
Use Quality Stock – Opt for homemade or low-sodium chicken stock for better flavor control.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Start with less salt since ham can be salty; adjust as needed after cooking.
Add Ham Towards End – Adding ham later in cooking allows it to retain its texture without becoming too soft.
Incorporate Vegetables Variously – Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Let It Sit Before Serving – Allowing the soup to rest enhances flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Complement your Ham and Bean Soup Recipe with these fantastic side dishes. They will enhance your meal while providing variety.

Cornbread – A sweet, moist cornbread pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the soup.
Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli adds a nutritious, vibrant side that balances the richness of the soup.
Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad offers a cold, refreshing contrast to the hot soup.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These crispy sprouts add an earthy flavor that harmonizes well with ham.
Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette provides freshness alongside hearty soup.
Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf makes a great base for soaking up any leftover broth from the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Ham and Bean Soup Recipe can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the beans overnight can result in longer cooking times and uneven texture. Always soak your dried beans ahead of time.
Using too much salt: Adding too much salt at the beginning can make the soup overly salty, especially if your ham is already salty. Taste before adding more salt.
Neglecting to check consistency: Cooking beans too long can lead to mushy soup. Check the beans’ consistency regularly during cooking to ensure they are just right.
Not using enough aromatics: Failing to add enough onions, garlic, or herbs can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with these ingredients for a richer taste.
Rushing the cooking process: Skipping simmering time can affect flavor development. Allow the soup ample time to simmer and meld flavors together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.

Freezing Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Duration: Ham and Bean Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When making this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, you might have some questions. Here are answers to common queries.

Can I use different types of beans in this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute navy beans with great northern or pinto beans based on your preference.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this Ham and Bean Soup Recipe, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

What should I serve with Ham and Bean Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead of time, as the flavors develop beautifully overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is not only perfect for using leftover ham but also offers great versatility. You can customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day!

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Ham and Bean Soup

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Transform your holiday leftovers into a warm and hearty Ham and Bean Soup that’s perfect for chilly days. This easy-to-make recipe not only utilizes leftover ham but also combines delicious ingredients like navy beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices to create a comforting meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night at home or hosting friends, this nutritious soup offers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb dried navy beans
2–3 cups chopped ham
1 white onion (chopped)
4 carrots (chopped)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
5 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
2 cups shredded green cabbage
64 oz chicken stock
14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Spices: bay leaf
garlic powder
dried Italian herbs
black pepper
3 tablespoons oil

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Instructions

Rinse and soak the dried beans overnight.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven; sauté onion, carrots, celery for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in soaked beans, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 90 minutes or until beans are tender.
Add chopped ham and shredded cabbage; cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American