Ham and Bean Soup
A best ever recipe for Ham and Bean Soup! This is my all-time favorite recipe for using up leftover ham. Your family will love this hearty and delicious soup.
Whenever I cook a ham I always buy a large one just to have extra ham to make this savory bean soup recipe. Although boneless ham meat will work for this recipe, you will not get the same rich flavorful broth that a ham bone, ham hock or ham shank will add.
Can you make this recipe in a slow cooker or instant pot?
Absolutely, the cooking time if using your instant pot will be about 50 minutes. Cooking time for the slow cooker will be 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Ingredients for ham and bean soup
Beans – I prefer to use dried Great Northern beans or Navy beans, but you can also use dried white beans or Cannellini beans.
Ham and ham bone – leftover ham has the best flavor, but any kind of ham will work.
Chicken stock or chicken broth – Try my Homemade Chicken Stock recipe or use your favorite brand and adjust the salt to taste.
Vegetables – celery, carrots, onion, and garlic.
Can you add potatoes? Potatoes do not work well in this recipe as they become too mushy. Try my Ham and Potato soup recipe instead.
Seasonings – fresh or dried thyme, parsley and ground black pepper. Add salt as needed.
Method for preparing the soup
How to thicken ham and bean soup
When the bean soup has almost finished cooking, remove about 1 cup of the soup. Puree using an immersion blender and stir back into the soup.
I prefer the texture and have always soaked my beans for at least 8 hours or overnight. Alberta Pulse Growers has some great information about preparing dry beans. Whatever method you use be sure to discard any broken or shriveled beans. Store your beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and use within one year. Old beans can stay hard and chewy even after cooking.
How to store leftover soup.
Leftover ham and bean soup stores in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
The Best Homemade Soup Recipes
As the weather turns cold and you start to crave comfort food, warm up with some of these delicious homemade soup recipes.
This post was originally published April 26,2024. Occasionally I update with fresh tips, content, and photos.
Ham and Bean Soup
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover ham cubed
- 1 ham bone
- 2 cups dry Great Northern beans or Navy beans
- 2 cups celery chopped
- 2 cups carrots chopped
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dry
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dry
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 8-9 cups chicken stock or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing vegetables
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dried beans by soaking them in cold water for 8-10 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse, discarding any broken or discoloured beans.
- In large Dutch oven, heat oil and sauté celery, carrots, onions and garlic until tender.
- Stir in the chicken stock, ham bone and ham.
- Add the beans, parsley, thyme and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours until beans are tender.
- Chop up large pieces of ham before serving
- Once the soup has almost finished cooking, remove about 1 cup of the soup. Puree using an immersion blender and stir back into the soup.
Notes
Nutrition
Making my second pot now! My dad, my husband and even my 9 year old love this soup! Making the second pot for my husband who wanted to take it to the guys at work.
That is wonderful Michelle, so glad you and you family enjoy the recipe. Thanks for dropping me a note.
Awesome Lin!
I’m making this soup now and wonder what the bread is in your picture as it looks delicious. Thanks!
Hi Sharon, hope you enjoy the soup, the bread is a simple garlic bread. Fresh minced garlic that is mashed into butter and mixed well. Spread on fresh cut french bread, then sprinkle with fresh cut chives (finely chopped green onion will work as well) then toasted under broiler until golden brown. Don’t burn!! Enjoy!
Hi Brenda, I would use 3 cans (15oz) and yes I would rinse them. If you like more beans add another can.
I adapted this to go in the crock pot and it’s currently filling my little apartment with an amazing aroma! Only things I changed were that I used peruano beans and veggie grill seasoning by weber. I’m sure it will turn out fantastic! I’ll leave an update later if you’d like 🙂
Awesome Nicci.
OMG, best ham and beans I’ve ever had! Will definitely be doing this again! Thanks for this!
How much oil do you use for cooking veggies?
Thanks Ina, I missed that in ingredients, I use about a tbsp.
I’m kinda a new cook..can I use canned navy beans..can I omit the thyme without taking away from the flavor and also is chicken broth ok to use or just chicken stock..is one a better flavor than the other..thanks so much for any advise
Hi Cathy, you can omit the thyme, but it does add great flavour. Chicken broth or stock will both work
This is almost the same recipe as mine..but I use vegetable stock and a few drops of hot sauce
Can’t beat at great ham and bean soup, hot sauce sounds interesting.
Hi. I would like to try this recipe but in the crockpot. About how long do you think I should cook it if I make it in the crock pot?
I would cook it in the crockpot 6-8 hours.
On high or low?
Simmer on low, you want it to just simmer not boil.
Are the beans presoaked before crockpot jacuzzi?
Hi Michelle, yes you presoak the beans for either method crockpot or stovetop.
If done in crockpot is the sauteing necessary? Are all the ingredients added at one time and cooked for 6-8 hours?
Janice, I still saute as it brings out the flavour better.
Making this for the 2nd time since I discovered the recipe on Pinterest. Followed recipe exactly. So good! Taking it camping next week. Easy make ahead camping meal for cool nights.
That is awesome to hear Mariann, thank you for letting me know.
This soup is so good! I made a few alterations! I used some Bay leaves, 3 to be exact, I used extra Carrots (because they’re my favorite), I added some potatoes, & I added some pinto beans too. Very good. My boyfriend doesn’t like ham & even he loved it. Great with cornbread on the side. Thanks for this one!
One of my favourite soups, love your adaptations!