One Bowl Ham and Bean Soup

Name: One Bowl Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked ham, diced; 1 cup dried white beans, soaked overnight; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Winter Warmers

I absolutely love a hearty bowl of ham and bean soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. There’s something incredibly comforting about enjoying a rich, flavorful soup that embodies warmth and satisfaction. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham, and it’s a great excuse to gather around the table with loved ones. With just one pot, this meal is easy to prepare and a breeze to clean up, making it a weeknight favorite in our household. I can't wait for you to try it!

Created by

The Chefquinncooks Team

Last updated on 2026-03-11T19:46:06.507Z

Making this soup is a delightful experience! I began by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery until they softened, allowing the natural sweetness to come through. The aromatic scent fills the kitchen and creates a warm welcome for anyone nearby. Then, simmering the beans with ham and a splash of broth transforms simple ingredients into a gloriously rich and nourishing dish.

As I ladled the soup into bowls, I couldn't resist adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. This little step brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color, making it look as good as it tastes. Trust me, this hearty soup is sure to become a favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly nights
Quick and easy cleanup with just one pot
Packed with rich flavors and nutritious ingredients

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this ham and bean soup plays a crucial role in developing the soup's flavor profile and texture. The diced ham adds a smoky richness that enhances the overall taste, particularly when using a well-cooked leftover ham. The dried white beans, once soaked and cooked, become tender and creamy, providing a satisfying bite that contrasts with the other ingredients. Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup and lets the natural flavors shine through.

Sautéing vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery (also known as mirepoix) at the beginning of the cooking process helps create a flavor base that’s aromatic and robust. When these vegetables are cooked until they soften and slightly caramelize, they release sugars and deepen the soup's flavor. Aim for a golden-brown hue, which takes about 5 minutes of sautéing over medium heat, to achieve the utmost flavor.

Cooking Technique Tips

Simmering is a crucial step in this recipe that allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After bringing the soup to a boil, reducing the heat to low is key. A gentle simmer will help the beans cook thoroughly while preventing the soup from becoming too thick or overly concentrated. Sometimes, the beans can take longer than expected to become tender, so keep an eye on them and be prepared to simmer beyond 40 minutes if necessary, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

I recommend tasting the soup after simmering and before serving to adjust the seasoning. The amount of salt needed can vary based on the saltiness of your ham and broth. A common mistake is adding salt too early, which can prevent the beans from softening. Instead, hold off on seasoning until the very end for optimal flavor control.

Ingredients

Gather these items to whip up this delicious soup:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked ham, diced
1 cup dried white beans, soaked overnight
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped before you start!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your ham and bean soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until they soften, about 5 minutes.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the ham, soaked beans, broth, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally.

Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your warm and comforting soup!

Pro Tips

For an even heartier soup, add more vegetables like potatoes or spinach. You can also use canned beans for quicker prep, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This recipe is a fantastic make-ahead option, as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much when refrigerating, adding a splash of broth or water during reheating can help restore its desired consistency.

For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop. Be sure to check the seasoning again since flavors can diminish during freezing.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Feel free to customize this soup to your taste preferences! You could swap out the ham for cooked sausage or turkey for a different flavor profile, or use black beans for added texture and a twist on the classic. Additionally, incorporating leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking adds a nutritious element, and they wilt beautifully without losing texture.

When serving, consider pairing the soup with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of cooked rice for a heartier meal. A fresh side salad can help balance the richness of the soup, and drizzling a little olive oil over the top can add a finishing touch of flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans. Just rinse them and add them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

→ How long does the soup last in the fridge?

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for ham?

If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can use smoked tempeh or mushrooms to give a similar flavor.