good ham and beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
good ham and beans recipe
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The Best good ham and beans recipe

I’ve been making this good ham and beans recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to satisfy.

I love how the smoky flavor of the ham pairs with the sweetness of the beans, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites because they can get involved in measuring out the ingredients and stirring the pot.

It’s also a great recipe for when we’re having friends over because it’s so easy to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham if you have some on hand.

I like to serve it with some crusty bread on the side, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like holidays or family gatherings. The best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as a main dish or as a side, and it’s always delicious.

I’ve also found that it freezes well, so I can make a big batch and store it in the freezer for later. My husband loves how hearty this dish is, and I appreciate how easy it is to make ahead of time.

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

4.9 from 1037 votes

A comforting and flavorful soup made with tender ham, creamy white beans, and aromatic vegetables. This one-pot meal is perfect for using leftover ham and is both satisfying and nutritious.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound dried great northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 meaty ham bone or 1.5 pounds ham hocks
2 cups diced cooked ham
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
3Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add the chicken broth, soaked and drained great northern beans, and the ham bone or ham hocks to the pot.
5Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
6Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.
7Remove the ham bone or hocks from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
8Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone, discarding any fat and gristle, and return the shredded meat to the pot along with the diced cooked ham.
9Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10Discard the bay leaf, then ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot or Dutch oven
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility. For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the ham.

Watch Video Of How Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Works

This ham and beans recipe is one I come back to again and again because it is reliable, affordable, and always hits the spot. It works for a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a holiday meal when you want something comforting. My family loves it, and I love that I can make a big batch and have meals ready for days.

For storage, let the pot cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For serving, I like to offer cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce brightens up the flavor.

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings because it is easy to scale up and everyone can customize their bowl.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Q: What type of ham should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use either boneless or bone-in ham for this recipe. If you prefer a more intense ham flavor, use bone-in ham. If you want a milder flavor, boneless ham works just fine.

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