Hearty Ham Bean Soup: 7 Steps to Comforting Perfection

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Ham Bean Soup delivers a cozy, hearty soup filled with tender beans and a rich smoky broth in record time. This easy ham bean soup recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, ensuring a satisfying meal that warms the soul. The combination of savory ham, creamy beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a comforting dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or a smoked ham hock, this recipe is an excellent way to make the most of your ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Bean Soup

This hearty ham bean soup is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly nutritious and versatile. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this dish:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal.
Utilizes leftover ham, reducing food waste and saving money.
Rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling option.
Perfect for meal prep; store it for a busy week ahead.
Customizable with your choice of vegetables for added nutrition.
Ideal for anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Can be made in a slow cooker for convenience.

Ingredients for Ham Bean Soup

Gather these items:

½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion (minced)
2 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
2 large peeled carrots (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock (or additional water)
4 cups water
2 cups dried white northern beans (rinsed and sorted)
2 dried bay leaves
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves)
8 ounces tomato sauce (optional)
1 ham bone (or smoked ham hock)
1-2 teaspoons seasoned salt

How to Make Ham Bean Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté, add ½ tablespoon oil, and let briefly heat. Once heated, add onions, celery, and carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until onions have become soft and translucent. Once the onion has softened, add in garlic and sauté for another 30-60 seconds until just aromatic. Hit Cancel to turn the Instant Pot OFF.
Step 2: Add 2 cups of chicken stock (or additional water) into the inner pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the inner pot.
Step 3: Add 4 cups of water, rinsed beans, 2 bay leaves, 2 sprigs of thyme, and 1 teaspoon pepper to Instant Pot. Nestle the ham bone inside the inner pot and top with 8 ounces of tomato sauce (if using).
Step 4: Place the lid on the pressure cooker and turn the vent knob to sealed. Set cook time to 45 minutes on HIGH pressure. (Hit manual/pressure cook button and then use +/- keys to adjust time to 45 minutes).
Step 5: After the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally. This can take 15-20 minutes. Open the lid and remove ham bone, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs.
Step 6: If desired, pick off any remaining bits of meat from ham bone and stir back into the soup, along with 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt. Give the soup a taste and add up to an additional 1 teaspoon seasoned salt if needed.

Pro Tips for the Best Ham Bean Soup

Keep these in mind:

Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt content.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing the soup in portions can make for easy future meals.
For a heartier meal, add in some chopped greens like kale or spinach.
Make it a ham and bean chowder by adding more liquid and cream.

Best Ways to Serve Ham Bean Soup

Here are some serving ideas:

Pair with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of cheese.
Serve alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Ham Bean Soup

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For meal prep, consider freezing portions. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Bean Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Ham Bean Soup?

The secret lies in using a good ham bone or hock, which imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the broth. Additionally, allowing the soup to simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I make Ham Bean Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ham Bean Soup?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the beans are rinsed and sorted before adding them to the pot. Also, be cautious with salt, especially if using broth—taste before adding more!

Variations of Ham Bean Soup You Can Try

There are many delicious ways to customize your ham bean soup: you can add vegetables like carrots and celery for a ham and bean stew or try a ham bean casserole by baking it with a topping. For a lighter version, consider making a healthy ham bean soup with turkey instead of ham. The possibilities are endless!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Grilled Cheese Patty Melts or Baked Pears with Feta and Honey. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, our Crockpot Chicken Piccata is a great option!

For more information on the nutritional benefits of beans, you can visit Healthline.