Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup: A Comforting Classic for Every Season

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the soul-soothing warmth of a good bowl of soup — and this Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup is a standout classic. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover holiday ham or just need something cozy to warm your bones, this soup delivers with simple ingredients, robust flavor, and that “tastes like home” feeling.

Slow-simmered with tender white beans, savory ham, and aromatic herbs and vegetables, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and hearty. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations — and once you try it, it just might become part of your family tradition too.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and leftover ham.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Freezer-Friendly: Great for batch cooking and meal prep.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups cooked ham, diced

1 pound dried white beans (like Great Northern or navy beans), soaked overnight*

8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness

*You can also use canned beans — see notes below.

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Ham and Beans:
Stir in the diced ham and drained beans. Pour in the broth or water, and add the bay leaf and thyme.

Simmer Low and Slow:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.

Season and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Shortcut Tip

Using canned beans? No problem! Substitute with 3–4 cans (drained and rinsed). Simmer for 30–40 minutes instead of hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Make It Your Own