Description
Warm up with this hearty and easy ham and bean soup, a one-pot wonder packed with smoky ham, creamy white beans, and tender vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a quick dinner, cold-weather lunch, or meal prep, this comforting soup comes together with pantry staples and simple ingredients. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or cooking fresh, this is one of those food ideas that checks every box—an easy recipe that’s satisfying, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Ideal for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, quick lunch options, or healthy snacks to batch-cook and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cups cooked ham, diced
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the diced ham and cook for 2–3 minutes to release flavor.
5. Pour in the beans, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Discard the bay leaf and serve hot.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans while cooking.
This soup freezes well—perfect for batch cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ham and bean soup, easy soup recipe, leftover ham soup