Easy Ham and Bean Soup

Easy Ham and Bean Soup

6 servings
This ham and white bean soup recipe is hearty, uses pantry staples, and is as simple and quick as it gets to make on the stovetop! It's the best way to use up leftover ham.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion

    chopped finely

  • 1 large carrot

    peeled & chopped small

  • 3 sticks celery

    chopped small

  • 4 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups cooked ham)
    chopped (or more to taste
  • 2 cans white beans

    14 fluid ounce

  • Salt & pepper
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Sauté the onions, carrot, and celery for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally (a little browning is good).

  2. 2

    Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chicken broth, water, ham, and white beans to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium (or medium low if it's bubbling too much), cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes (the flavor will intensify the longer you cook it so feel free to cook it for a bit longer). 

  4. 4

    Season with salt & pepper to taste. Ham can be quite salty, so be sure to add salt after it's cooked if you think it needs it. Optional: Take a potato masher and mash some of the beans right in the pot to create a slightly thicker texture or pulse an immersion blender a few times.

Easy Ham and Bean Soup

Easy Ham and Bean Soup

5.0(102)40 min6 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 102 ratings

saltandlavender.com
5.0(102 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Have leftover ham from a holiday feast or Sunday dinner? This Easy Ham and Bean Soup is the perfect solution, turning those savory remnants into a hearty, comforting meal that's ready in a flash on your stovetop.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this ham and white bean soup truly special is its incredible simplicity and reliance on everyday pantry staples. It’s designed to be as straightforward as possible, bringing deep, satisfying flavors without any fuss. You’ll love how quickly this soup comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you still crave a homemade, nourishing meal.

What to Expect

Get ready for a bowl of pure comfort. This soup delivers a wonderfully savory broth, rich with the flavor of smoked ham and aromatic vegetables like sweet carrots, crisp celery, and pungent garlic. The white beans soften to a creamy tenderness, creating a hearty texture that perfectly balances the chewy bits of ham. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of earthy beans, sweet vegetables, and a gentle spice from the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika, making it profoundly satisfying without being heavy.

Customization & Variations

While delicious as is, this soup is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to increase the amount of chopped ham if you have extra or prefer a meatier soup. You could also experiment with different types of white beans, like cannellini or great northern beans, for slightly varied textures. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the broth while it simmers, removing it before serving.

Serving & Context

This Easy Ham and Bean Soup is an ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. Serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread for dipping, or with a simple side salad to complete the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions