Ham & Bean Soup

Introduction

Few dishes offer the comforting, hearty goodness of Ham & Bean Soup. This classic recipe comes together with pantry staples and leftover ham, producing a soul-warming meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring as leftovers throughout the week. The rich flavors develop beautifully as the beans cook with smoky ham and tender vegetables, creating a memorable and satisfying bowl of soup.

Why Ham & Bean Soup is a Staple for Cozy Meals

Ham & Bean Soup is a favorite for its robust flavor and versatility. The smoky ham infuses the broth, while cannellini or navy beans soak up every drop of savory goodness. Hearty vegetables round out the dish, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s budget-friendly, feeds many, and gets even better as the flavors meld overnight—a true staple for effortless weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Effortless Prep: Chopping & Kitchen Gear

Chopping vegetables for a big batch of soup can be time-consuming, but the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes the process lightning-fast and uniform, which helps everything cook evenly. Dice onion, carrots, and celery in a fraction of the time.

If you’re looking to build deep flavor in your soup base, start your aromatic vegetables in the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet before adding them to the pot. The high-quality nonstick surface means minimal sticking and easy cleanup.

Simmering to Perfection

For the best results, use a sturdy soup pot or a Dutch oven. Add meaty ham bones or diced ham for depth, and let the beans simmer until they’re tender. Regular stirring with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher helps break down some beans, naturally thickening your soup for an ultra-creamy texture.

Once done, portion out leftovers in airtight storage with the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep your soup fresh for days.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Soup

Serve Ham & Bean Soup with warm, crusty bread or a crisp salad on the side. Pack lunch portions in a Bentgo Salad Container for an easy, spill-proof work meal. For gatherings, set your table with a cozy vibe using a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable, making cleanup a breeze after serving a hungry crowd.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 8 and offers balanced macronutrients from lean ham, beans, and an array of vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 24 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber, depending on ingredients and portion size.

Classic Ham & Bean Soup Recipe (Recap)

Ham & Bean Soup delivers robust comfort in every spoonful, blending smoky ham, creamy beans, and garden-fresh vegetables into a wholesome one-pot meal. Easy to make and deeply satisfying and, best of all, it tastes even better the next day.

Instructions

1. Dice your onions, carrots, and celery using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for even, quick prep.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery (start in the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet if you want extra caramelization and then add to the pot). Cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add the soaked beans, diced ham, ham bone (if using), chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Cover partially and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and slightly thickened. Mash some beans with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher for added creaminess if desired. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water as needed.
5. Season with salt to taste. If adding greens, stir them in for the last 5 minutes until wilted.
6. Remove bay leaf and ham bone. Portion cooked soup into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for storage or leftovers. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Enjoy this classic, comforting Ham & Bean Soup—full of flavor, nutrition, and crowd-pleasing appeal!