Ultimate Ham Bean Soup Stove Top Slow Cooker Instant Pot

There’s just something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of Ham and Bean Soup, don’t you think? Growing up, my grandma would whip up a big batch every time the weather turned chilly. I can still remember the warm, earthy aroma filling the house, inviting us all to gather around the kitchen table after a long day. That rich smell and the promise of tasty goodness are what drew us in, and we would sip away as we swapped stories and laughed together. Now, anytime I make this soup, it brings back those fond memories while also creating new ones with family and friends. It’s a true hug-in-a-bowl.

This Ham and Bean Soup can be made on the stove top, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, so you can enjoy it no matter what your day looks like. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, packed with protein, and super filling—perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep win for the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that stretch for multiple meals.
• Super comforting flavors that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
• Versatile cooking methods—use whatever is best for you!
• Great for using up leftover ham or beans!

Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather everything we need to make this delightful soup! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or bacon fat for extra flavor!)
• 1 medium onion, diced (fresh onion adds sweetness)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (adds a nice crunch)
• 2 medium carrots, diced (for that hint of sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 pound ham, diced (use leftover holiday ham or store-bought)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (homemade is best, but store-bought works too!)
• 1 bay leaf (for lovely background notes)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you’re lucky to have it)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky depth)
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) of white beans (rinsed and drained; cannellini or great northern are fantastic)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) (adds a fresh touch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and soon you’ll be rewarded with a delicious pot of ham and bean soup.

1. Heat the oil or fat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the olive oil (or bacon fat) over medium heat.
2. Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until everything is softened and the onion is translucent. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
3. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn it; we just want it fragrant!
4. Stir in the ham: Add the diced ham to the pot and let it cook for about 2–3 minutes to heat through.
5. Add broth and spices: Pour in your broth, add the bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and bring it to a simmer.
6. Add the beans: Add the rinsed beans and stir everything together. If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a fork.
7. Simmer, simmer, simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 20–30 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally. If you like, add a bit of water if it gets too thick.
8. Season to taste: Before serving, taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your preference. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf!
9. Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls, and top with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pro Tips & Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun twists and tips:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Beans galore: Mix different types of beans—you could even use canned black beans or kidney beans for a colorful twist!
• Herby goodness: Try adding a sprig of rosemary or sage while simmering for even more depth of flavor!
• Vegetarian version: Substitute the ham with smoked tempeh or mushrooms to keep that smoky flavor without the meat.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is perfect on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad for crunch. I love to enjoy it with a warm piece of sourdough or a slice of cornbread with a pat of butter. And for those cozy evenings, a rich cup of herbal tea or a glass of red wine makes for a lovely accompaniment.

Picture this: a cozy blanket, your favorite mug, and a hearty bowl of this soup…. It’s pure bliss! Your whole house will smell like a warm hug.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), this ham and bean soup stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3–4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup! Just make sure to let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat: Reheat over low heat on the stove or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much while stored.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Absolutely! If you prefer using dried beans, just soak them overnight and cook them in the broth until they’re tender. It’ll take a bit longer but that homemade flavor is worth it!

Can I add more vegetables?

You bet! Feel free to throw in some chopped kale, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients. Just add them towards the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for meal prep or for serving to guests. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing!

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free; just double-check the labels on your broth and beans to be sure.

What can I substitute for ham?

If you want to go meatless, smoked tempeh, mushrooms, or even a dash of liquid smoke can give you that smoky undertone without the ham!

Conclusion

I hope you give this Ham and Bean Soup a try—it’s such a lovely dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for an easy meal prep option for the week, this recipe delivers every time. I’d love to hear how you make it your own or any sweet memories it brings up for you. Please drop a comment below and happy cooking! Enjoy your delicious soup!

Ultimate Ham Bean Soup Stove Top Slow Cooker Instant Pot

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Delicious Ham Bean Soup made easy with stove top slow cooker or Instant Pot Perfect comfort food for any occasion ready in no time 155 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ham, diced

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 cans (15 ounces each) of white beans, rinsed and drained

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat the oil or fat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the olive oil (or bacon fat) over medium heat.

Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until everything is softened and the onion is translucent.

Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Stir in the ham: Add the diced ham to the pot and let it cook for about 2–3 minutes to heat through.

Add broth and spices: Pour in your broth, add the bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika.

Add the beans: Add the rinsed beans and stir everything together.

Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 20–30 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally.

Season to taste: Before serving, taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your preference.

Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls, and top with fresh parsley.

Notes

A comforting and hearty Ham and Bean Soup that’s easy to make on the stove top, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Protein: 20 grams

Keywords: Ham and Bean Soup, Soup Recipes, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner