There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, nourishing bowl of soup, especially when it’s loaded with hearty ingredients and savory flavors. Our Ham & Bean Soup perfectly embodies this cozy, satisfying feeling—without requiring a lot of work in the kitchen. In fact, this particular soup happens to be one of my favorites for busy weeknights or to serve as a quick, filling lunch. When life gets hectic, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare a big pot of this soup over the weekend, portion it out, and freeze all but a couple of servings. Then, all you have to do is take a container out of the freezer the night before you plan to enjoy it, and you’ll have a fuss-free meal ready to heat and eat the following day.
One of the best things about making soups like Ham & Bean is how easy it is to transform leftover meats and vegetables into a completely new and delicious dish. Rather than letting perfectly good ingredients go to waste, simply incorporate them into this comforting soup. This practical approach not only saves you money and reduces food waste, but it also adds layers of flavor to each spoonful. Plus, you don’t need a lot of fancy or expensive ingredients to create something special—this recipe calls for simple, classic components that come together beautifully.
Despite its humble list of ingredients, Ham & Bean Soup manages to deliver incredible taste in every bite. Each bowl feels like a soothing hug on a chilly day. And while it’s perfectly satisfying on its own, I highly recommend pairing it with my homemade Dinner Rolls. Their buttery, soft texture complements the robust flavors of the soup, making the meal even more comforting and complete.
Whether you’re looking for a quick, hearty lunch to bring to work or a soul-warming dish to enjoy after a long, tiring day, Ham & Bean Soup is the perfect option. With minimal prep time, basic pantry staples, and the simple genius of using up leftovers, this classic soup proves that great-tasting comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Grab your favorite pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a timeless, belly-warming meal.
Deliciously Simple Ham & Bean Soup
Ingredients
Soak the beans
- 2 cups great northern beans dry, uncooked; see notes
- 6 cups cold water
Making the Soup
- 1 tbsp bacon fat or other oil
- 1 onion medium, diced
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 2 celery stalks large, diced
- 2 carrots large, diced
- soaked navy beans
- 2-3 cups leftover ham chopped
- 2 tbsp Better than Bouillon Chicken
- 4-8 cups water
- 1 tsp salt*
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
To do the night before: soak the beans
- Measure out 2 cups navy beans into strainer or colander and rinse with cold water.
- Toss out out any non-bean bits and pour remaining beans into a medium bowl. Add enough cold water to cover beans plus about an inch.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
- Before using, drain and gently rinse softened beans.
Soup instructions
- Add bacon fat (for optimal flavour) or oil to soup pot, turn heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Stir and cook until onions soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add beans, ham, 4 cups water, Better than Bouillon, salt, and black pepper, stir. Add more water if needed. Cover and let come to a simmer.
- Lower temp so just above a simmer and cook for 2 hours or more, adding more water as needed.
Notes
Nutrition
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