Healthy navy bean and ham soup recipe
Ever have one of those days when the only thing that sounds right is a warm, comforting bowl of something hearty? That’s exactly where navy bean and ham soup comes in. Whether you’re curled up on a snowy afternoon, using up some leftover ham from a big family dinner, or just want a no-fuss, feel-good meal—you’re in the right place.
This isn’t just any ham and bean soup—this is the kind that fills the kitchen with rich, savory smells, tastes even better the next day, and makes you feel like someone’s grandma just handed you a ladle of love.
Why this recipe is perfect for your table
Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or holiday leftovers
If you’ve got a busy life (and who doesn’t?), this soup is a dream. It makes a big pot, freezes beautifully, and uses ingredients that are probably already in your pantry or fridge. And if you just hosted a holiday dinner? That leftover ham bone was practically made for this dish.
Comfort food with real health benefits
This soup is more than just cozy—it’s good for you too. Navy beans are packed with protein and fiber. Pair that with lean ham, fresh vegetables, and herbs, and you’ve got a nourishing, gut-friendly bowl that doesn’t need any filler.
Quick overview of what makes this soup so good
- Made with white beans and smoked ham hocks for that classic flavor
- Naturally gluten-free
- High in protein, fiber, and comfort
- Can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot
- Great for feeding a crowd or freezing for later
Ingredients
Essential ingredients for navy bean and ham soup
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Navy beans (dried) | The star of the show—creamy and filling |
| Ham hock or ham bone | Adds deep, smoky flavor |
| Onion | Builds your base flavor |
| Carrots and celery | Adds texture, color, and sweetness |
| Garlic | Adds depth |
| Bay leaves, thyme | Brings in herbal notes |
| Chicken broth or stock | Provides savory, hearty liquid base |
| Salt, pepper | To taste |
| Parsley (optional) | For freshness at the end |
Ingredient swaps and substitutions
- No ham hock? Use diced ham or smoked turkey legs.
- No navy beans? Try cannellini or great northern beans.
- Going vegan? Omit meat and use smoked paprika for depth.
Equipment needed
Must-have tools for this recipe
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (to rinse beans)
Nice-to-have extras
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Immersion blender (for creamy texture)
- Freezer-safe containers
Choosing the right soup pot
If you’ve got a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, that’s the best choice. It holds heat well and allows slow simmering, which is key for getting that rich, well-developed flavor.
Step-by-step instructions
Soak the beans
Soak navy beans overnight in plenty of water. If you’re short on time, do a quick soak: boil for 2 minutes, then let sit for an hour and drain.
Sauté your base
In your soup pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant—about 7–8 minutes.
Add beans, ham, and broth
Stir in the soaked beans, ham hock, broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
Let it simmer
Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beans are creamy and tender. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, discard the bone, and stir the meat back in.
Final season and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot with a crusty piece of bread or a side salad.
Tips and tricks for success
Cooking times for different methods
- Stovetop: 1.5 to 2 hours on low simmer
- Slow cooker: 8 hours on low or 4–5 on high
- Instant Pot: 35 minutes high pressure with natural release
Boost the flavor
- Use bone-in ham for extra richness
- Stir in a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten it up
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick
Mistakes to avoid
- Don’t salt too early—ham is already salty
- Avoid overcooking the beans to mush (unless you like them super soft)
- Don’t skip soaking dried beans—they cook more evenly when soaked
Time-saving hacks
- Use canned beans (just rinse them well)
- Buy pre-chopped mirepoix mix from the store
- Make a double batch and freeze half
Variations and substitutes
Change it up to suit your taste
- Vegan/vegetarian: Replace ham with smoked paprika and use veggie broth
- Low-carb: Use more ham, fewer beans, and bulk up with celery and spinach
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or smoked chipotle powder
Beans not your thing?
You could try this exact same method with lentils, split peas, or even barley for something slightly different.
How to serve navy bean and ham soup
Best sides to round out the meal
- Rustic sourdough bread or cornbread
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables or baked sweet potatoes
Perfect occasions for this soup
- Post-holiday leftover meals
- Sunday night dinners with the family
- Weekday meal prep
- Potlucks and winter parties
Nutritional information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1.5 cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fiber | 14g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 760mg |
Make it even healthier
- Trim excess fat from your ham
- Use low-sodium broth
- Add leafy greens like kale or spinach toward the end
Why you’ll love this navy bean and ham soup
There’s something timeless and satisfying about a simple pot of ham and bean soup. It’s cozy, it’s nourishing, and it just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, this recipe is one of those forever favorites you’ll come back to time and again.
Try it for yourself
Made this recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out for you. Did you add your own twist? Maybe grandma has a secret ingredient? Drop it in the comments—I read every one.
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Frequently asked questions
What are navy beans?
Navy beans are small white beans that become tender and creamy when cooked. They’re ideal for soups, stews, and chili.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes! Just rinse them well to remove excess sodium and cut the cooking time in half.
Is navy bean soup freezer friendly?
Absolutely. Store cooled soup in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
What’s the difference between navy beans and great northern beans?
Both are white beans, but navy beans are smaller and slightly creamier. Great northern beans hold their shape a bit more.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You sure can. Use vegetable broth, skip the ham, and add smoked paprika for depth and flavor.