Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup is one of my absolute favorite ways to use up leftover holiday ham. There’s something wonderfully practical about transforming that extra ham into a bowl of pure comfort that the whole family devours.

I started making this soup years ago after Easter dinner, when I had way too much ham leftover and needed a quick solution. What I love most is how simple it is. You don’t need a ham bone or fancy techniques. Just chop up that leftover ham, toss it in a pot with vegetables and creamy Great Northern beans, and you’ve got a hearty, protein-packed meal in 30 minutes. It’s become my go-to recipe whenever I want something warm, filling, and nostalgic. This easy ham and bean soup delivers classic flavors without any fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners.

What You’ll Need for This Easy Ham and Bean Soup

I always recommend using thick-cut ham for the best flavor and texture in this soup. You can grab leftover holiday ham, pick up ham steaks from the meat counter, or ask your deli to slice some thick pieces. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer taste)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (I use a garlic press for convenience)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (a pantry staple that works perfectly here)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 cups chicken broth or stock (vegetable broth works too)
• 2 cups chopped cooked ham
• 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained (cannellini, navy, or white beans are great substitutes)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Pro tip: I prefer rinsing canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve the soup’s overall flavor. If you happen to have a ham bone, toss it in while the soup simmers for even deeper flavor.

How to Make the Best Ham and Bean Soup

I recommend having all your vegetables chopped before you start cooking. It makes the process so much smoother and faster.

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot (4-quart or larger) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender, the onion turns translucent, and you can hear them sizzling gently in the pot.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 3: Stir in the bay leaves, dried thyme, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds. This step releases their essential oils and deepens the flavor of your ham and bean soup.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth (cold broth is fine) and bring everything to a low boil over medium-high heat. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped ham (straight from the refrigerator is fine) and rinsed beans. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with just 1/4 teaspoon of salt since ham can be quite salty, then adjust after simmering.

Step 6: Let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the soup will thicken slightly as it cooks.

Step 7: Remove the bay leaves before serving. This is important as bay leaves aren’t meant to be eaten. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

What to Serve with Ham and Bean Soup

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with fresh, light sides that balance its richness.

Simple Kale Salad: The slight bitterness of kale cuts through the savory ham perfectly, adding a nutritious crunch that complements the creamy beans.

Butter Lettuce Salad: A delicate, mild salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to this warming ham and bean soup.

Easy Green Salad: Keep it simple with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes for a crisp, fresh accompaniment.

Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits: These tender, buttery biscuits add Southern comfort to an already cozy meal.

Garlic Bread: Crispy, garlicky bread brings an Italian twist and provides the perfect vehicle for scooping up ham and beans.

Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly cornbread offers a classic pairing that adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory soup.

More Ham and Bean Soup Variations

This ham and bean soup is perfect for using leftover holiday ham, and pairs wonderfully with other protein-packed options. For slow cooker convenience with multiple bean varieties, the 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker delivers similar hearty flavors with minimal effort. When you want smoky bacon instead of ham, the Bean with Bacon Soup creates incredible depth with Great Northern beans.

For Italian-inspired variations, try the Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup with kale, or the Tuscan-style White Bean Soup with Bacon featuring parmesan rind. These comforting soups make excellent weeknight dinners and freeze beautifully for quick lunches.

How to Store Your Ham and Bean Soup

This soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or batch cooking. Let the ham and bean soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two.

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. I recommend leaving about an inch of space at the top of the container for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above. Pro tip: Freeze portions in individual servings for quick grab-and-go lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Bean Soup

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