Print

Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 162 reviews

A hearty and comforting Ham and Bean Soup featuring tender ham, creamy Great Northern beans, fresh vegetables, and leafy greens simmered together for a flavorful meal perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (~ 2 cups)
  • 3 stalks celery, diced (~ 1 cup)
  • 3 medium-large carrots, diced (~1 ½ cups)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 quarts (8 cups) water (or 1 quart water + 1 quart chicken broth)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 ham hock/ham bone (optional)
  • 20–24 ounces (about 4 cups) chopped or pulled cooked ham pieces
  • 3 15-ounce cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves (may use chopped kale)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning; sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Liquids and Ham Hock: Add the water or broth, bay leaves, and the ham hock if using. Cover and bring to a rolling simmer for 10-20 minutes; simmer longer if using the ham hock to develop deeper flavor.
  3. Add Ham and Beans: Remove the lid, then add the chopped ham and rinsed Great Northern beans. Simmer uncovered for at least 10 minutes, up to 30+ minutes if a thicker, more flavorful soup is desired.
  4. Finish Soup: Remove the Dutch oven from heat. Take out the ham hock and bay leaves. Stir in the fresh spinach and apple cider vinegar until the spinach wilts slightly.
  5. Store Leftovers: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • The ham hock adds rich, smoky flavor but is optional. Without it, the soup is still delicious.
  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding the ham and spinach, or simmer uncovered longer to reduce liquid.
  • Using a mix of water and chicken broth enhances flavor depth.
  • Substitute baby spinach with chopped kale for a heartier green.
  • This soup stores well and flavors deepen after a day.

Keywords: ham and bean soup, hearty soup, Great Northern beans, ham hock, spinach soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, stovetop soup

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/ham-and-bean-soup-recipe/