Easy Ham and Green Bean Soup

If you're looking for a comforting and hearty meal that's easy to make, Ham and Green Bean Soup is the perfect recipe to try. This classic dish combines tender chunks of ham with fresh green beans, potatoes, and savory herbs for a flavorful and filling soup that's great for any occasion. This recipe will definitely impress your family with its delicious taste and satisfying texture.

Easy Ham and Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep. One pot makes eight servings, so you’ll have satisfying lunches, or easy dinners, throughout the week. It’s easy to reheat, and you can eat it on its own, or try pairing it with a slice of rustic bread.

While a comforting bowl of ham and green bean soup is perfect for chilly weather, if you’re like me, you’ll be making this soup on repeat throughout the year. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs:

How long can I store leftover soup?Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simmer over low heat on the stove, or place soup in a microwave safe bowl and heat for one minute intervals until heated through.

Can I freeze Ham and Green Bean soup?Absolutely. Simply allow the soup to cool, then freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then heat over low heat on the stovetop, or microwave in a microwave safe bowl for a few minutes.

Should I use fresh or frozen green beans?I’ve used both, and either works well in this recipe. I don’t recommend using canned green beans.

What if I don’t have leftover ham?Not a problem. You can still make Ham and Bean Soup. Just ask your butcher for a ham hock or ham shank. Ham neck bones also work well for flavoring the broth. You will need to purchase additional ham to chop up for the soup, as none of the ham bones will yield much meat.

Ingredients for Ham, Green Bean, and Potato Soup:

• Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables.
• Onion, carrots, garlic: Aromatics that add flavor to the soup.
• Vegetable broth: Adds more flavor than using water.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried sage, smoked paprika, bay leaves.
• Potatoes: I like to use Yukon gold as there is no need to peel.
• Green beans: You can use fresh or frozen for this recipe.
• Ham bones: Add a lot of flavor to the broth.
• Cannellini beans: I like their texture and flavor, but you can use any beans you like.
• Chopped ham: Use leftover ham, or buy a small amount to chop up and add to the soup.

How to Make Ham and Green Bean Soup:

• Begin by chopping your onion and carrots, and mince the garlic.
• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven (or similar large pot) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, and sauté for about 8 minutes until onion is tender. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook about 2 more minutes.
• While the carrots and onion are cooking, chop the potatoes and trim the green beans to one-inch pieces.
• When the garlic is fragrant, add about ½ cup of stock along with the remaining spices to the Dutch oven, and scrape up any bits that have stuck to the bottom.
• Pour in the remaining stock, and add the potatoes, green beans, ham bones, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then cover, and turn to low. Continue to simmer for about 30 minutes until the potatoes have softened.
• Add in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and chopped ham. Cook about 20 more minutes until heated through.
• Remove the bay leaves and ham bones before serving.

Recipe Tip:

• Make sure to add the diced ham toward the end of cooking, or you you end up with dry, tasteless ham.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, or croutons.
• Serve with rustic, crusty bread on the side. You’ll love this Irish Soda Bread for dipping in soups.
• A simple side salad makes this a complete meal.

Inspired Fresh Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for supporting Inspired Fresh Life.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Ham: Crumbled sausage or a smoked sausage cut into slices could also work in this recipe.
• Vegetable broth: Use whatever type of broth your family prefers.
• Cannellini beans: Any variety of beans you like can be used fo this soup.
• Green beans: You could also think about using broccoli, cauliflower, green peas, asparagus, or zucchini. Any variety of vegetables you like can be used.
• Yukon gold potatoes: Any variety of waxy potato will work. I like to use them since there is no need to peel, and you retain the nutrients from the peel.

Recipe Notes:

• Ham and Green Bean Soup was originally published December 31, 2018. It has been updated with new photos and recipe tips to make it more user friendly.
• A Lodge Dutch oven is my favorite pot for making soups. It’s heavy duty, maintains a simmer beautifully, and is so easy to clean.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card and/or a review in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Are you following along on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook?