Why You’ll Love this Ham & Bean Soup
Comfort in a bowl, that’s what this Ham & Bean Soup delivers every single time. I’m talking about that perfect balance of hearty beans, savory ham, and tender vegetables that warms you from the inside out.
Can you think of anything better on a chilly evening?
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. Just toss everything in your slow cooker, walk away, and return to an incredible meal.
The dried navy beans create a thick, creamy base while the liquid smoke adds that hint of smokiness you’ll crave. Trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine.
What Ingredients are in Ham & Bean Soup?
Gathering ingredients for this Ham & Bean Soup couldn’t be easier, and you likely have several in your pantry already. The foundation of this hearty soup is dried navy beans, which create that perfect creamy texture as they slow cook.
Combined with chunks of savory ham and a mix of fresh vegetables, these simple ingredients transform into something truly special during their hours in the slow cooker. Ready to see what makes this soup so delicious?
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 4 cups cold water (for soaking)
- 2 pounds cooked ham, diced
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups sliced celery
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters with a few key ingredients. Look for a good ham with nice marbling for the best flavor—leftover holiday ham works wonderfully if you have it.
The liquid smoke might seem unusual if you’ve never used it, but don’t skip it! Just that tiny amount adds incredible depth that mimics hours of smoking.
And while dried beans require a bit more planning than canned, they’re worth the extra effort for their superior texture and the way they create that perfect, slightly thickened broth.
How to Make this Ham & Bean Soup
Making this cozy Ham & Bean Soup couldn’t be simpler—it’s truly a “set it and forget it” kind of recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Start by gathering all your ingredients, then place 2 cups of dried navy beans and 4 cups of cold water in your slow cooker. Add 2 pounds of diced cooked ham (such a satisfying way to use up leftover holiday ham, don’t you think?), then pour in 5 cups of water. The veggie prep is straightforward—just add 2 cups of sliced celery, 2 cups of sliced carrots, and 1/2 cup of chopped onion to the pot.
For those perfect savory background notes, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke. That liquid smoke is tiny but mighty, creating that wonderful “cooked all day” flavor even though you’re using a slow cooker.
Now comes the easiest part—just cover the pot, set it to low, and walk away for 8-10 hours. The beans will soften and release their starch, the vegetables will become tender, and all those flavors will meld into a rich, comforting broth. Sometimes I’ll peek halfway through and give it a gentle stir, but honestly? The slow cooker does all the work while I’m off living my life.
When you’re ready to serve, simply stir in 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. That last-minute addition of herbs brightens the whole soup and brings a pop of color and freshness to contrast with the long-cooked ingredients.
The beans should be perfectly tender, almost creamy, creating that thick, satisfying texture this soup is known for. And can we talk about how amazing your house will smell all day? It’s like wearing comfort as a perfume.
Ham & Bean Soup Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe creates a cozy bowl of goodness, this Ham & Bean Soup welcomes plenty of personalization to suit your taste preferences or pantry situation. Don’t have navy beans? Great northern, cannellini, or even pinto beans work beautifully in their place. Vegetarians can skip the ham and add a smoked salt for depth, or toss in smoked turkey as a leaner alternative.
You might try adding a bay leaf, some minced garlic, or a dash of cumin for extra flavor dimensions. And those fresh herbs? Rosemary or oregano can stand in for parsley, bringing their own aromatic charm to the bowl.
What to Serve with Ham & Bean Soup
A warm bowl of ham and bean soup practically begs for perfect accompaniments to round out your meal.
I love pairing this hearty soup with a crusty loaf of sourdough bread, still warm from the oven if possible. Nothing beats dunking that crispy exterior into the brothy goodness.
For a complete dinner, add a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing—the acidity cuts through the richness of the soup.
Cornbread muffins work beautifully too, their slightly sweet crumb creating a delightful contrast.
Sometimes, the simplest pairings make the most memorable meals, don’t they?
Final Thoughts
This ham and bean soup recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let time work its magic. The combination of smoky ham, tender navy beans, and fresh vegetables creates a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
What makes it special? Perhaps it’s the hint of liquid smoke that adds depth without overpowering. Or maybe it’s how the beans break down slightly, creating that perfect creamy-yet-chunky texture. Ready for winter nights, weekday lunches, or when you’re craving something wholesome. For a no-fuss, healthy dessert option after your soup, consider making chia pudding that requires minimal preparation but delivers impressive nutritional benefits.
For dessert, consider trying a simple meringue that follows the same methodical approach of gradually incorporating ingredients to achieve ideal consistency.
