ham and green bean soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ham and green bean soup recipe

I’ve been making this ham and green bean soup recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s one of those comfort foods that never fails to warm the heart and fill the belly. I love that it’s easy to make and uses up leftover ham, which is a staple in our household.

My kids have grown up on this soup, and they still request it when they come home from college. I think what I love most about this recipe is the way the tender green beans and chunks of ham come together in a rich, savory broth. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a special occasion like holidays or family gatherings.

I first tried this recipe when I was a young wife, looking for ways to stretch our grocery budget. My mother-in-law, who was an excellent cook, shared this recipe with me, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it slightly to suit my family’s tastes, but the basic formula remains the same.

One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients – ham, green beans, onions, garlic, and chicken broth – you can create a hearty soup that’s both satisfying and comforting. And because it’s made with common pantry staples, you likely already have most of the ingredients on hand.

As for the technique itself, I find that cooking the soup low and slow allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can also customize it to your taste by adding in other vegetables or spices as desired. My family loves this soup so much that we often serve it at special occasions like holiday meals or family gatherings.

Ham and Green Bean Soup

4.8 from 1113 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender green beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables in a flavorful broth. This simple one-pot meal is perfect for using leftover ham and is ready in under an hour.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups diced cooked ham (about 12 ounces)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4Pour in the chicken broth, add the green beans, diced ham, dried thyme, and bay leaf, and bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
5Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still bright green.
6Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
8Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

🔧Equipment

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

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked green beans against the side of the pot before serving. You can also add diced potatoes or a handful of small pasta shapes during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra heartiness.

Watch Video Of How Ham and Green Bean Soup Works

This ham and green bean soup is a staple in my kitchen because it is so versatile and always satisfies. For storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to four days.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot all the way through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for about two minutes.

When it comes to serving, I love to pair this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It works wonderfully for family gatherings because you can make a big pot ahead of time and it stays warm in a slow cooker.

Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekend lunches.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Green Bean Soup

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

For this recipe, you can use any type of ham you like – boneless or bone-in, smoked or cured. If you’re using leftover ham from a previous meal, feel free to use that too!

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully, so go ahead and make it up to 2 days in advance if you prefer. Simply thaw it out overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer-term storage.

Q: Can I substitute other types of vegetables for the green beans?

While green beans are traditional in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes if you prefer.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to make this soup?

Nope! Just your average kitchen pot and spoon will do just fine.

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