If you’re looking for a ham and bean soup recipe that’s simple, filling, and deeply comforting, you’re in the right place. This is the kind of soup that uses humble ingredients, tastes better the next day, and somehow feels like a warm blanket in a bowl.

I’ve made ham and bean soup more times than I can count, usually after a holiday when there’s a lonely ham bone staring at me from the fridge. Sometimes it’s perfect. Sometimes I tweak it. Either way, it always disappears fast.

What Is Ham and Bean Soup?

Ham and bean soup is a classic, slow-simmered soup made with beans, ham, and simple vegetables. It’s known for its rich flavor, thick texture, and budget-friendly ingredients.

The ham and bean soup goes back generations. This dish was born from thrift, using leftover ham bones to flavor dried beans. Variations like grandma’s old-fashioned ham and bean soup and even Senate bean soup (served daily in the U.S. Senate) all follow the same idea: low cost, high comfort.

Ingredients for the Best Ham and Bean Soup

The best ham and bean soup recipe ever doesn’t need fancy ingredients. It needs the right ones.

You’ll need:

Dried beans (navy or great northern work best)
Ham bone or ham hock (this is where the magic happens)
Chopped onion, carrot, and celery
Garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper
Water or low-sodium broth

Sometimes I add potatoes. Sometimes I don’t. Ham and bean soup with potatoes turns it into something closer to ham and potato soup, which is heartier and great on cold nights.

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup (Step by Step)

This is how to make ham and bean soup the traditional way: slow, simple, and forgiving.

Prepare the Beans

Rinse the beans well. You can soak them overnight, but honestly? I often don’t. In my experience, unsoaked beans still work fine if you simmer long enough.

Build the Flavor

Add beans, ham bone, vegetables, garlic, bay leaf, and water to a large pot. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Simmer Until Cozy

Cook uncovered for 2–3 hours, stirring now and then. The beans should be tender. The ham should fall apart. Remove the bone, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.

That’s it. That’s the soul of old-fashioned ham and bean soup.

Cooking Method Variations (Fast or Hands-Off)

This soup adapts beautifully to different cooking methods. I switch depending on my mood and my schedule.

Crockpot or Slow Cooker

Ham and bean soup crock pot and slow cooker ham and bean soup are ideal if you want hands-off cooking. Add everything, cook on low for 7–8 hours, and forget about it.

Instant Pot

Instant Pot ham and bean soup is perfect when time’s tight. Cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes, then natural release.

Quick Version

Yes, quick ham and bean soup is possible. Use canned beans and diced ham. Is it as deep? No. Is it still good? Absolutely.

Ingredient Variations You’ll Love

Ham and bean soup with ham bone: richest flavor
Ham hock and bean soup: smoky and bold
Ham potato and bean soup: extra filling
Soup beans and ham recipe: bean-forward and thick

There’s no single “right” version. That’s part of the charm.

Nutrition and Calories

Ham and bean soup calories vary based on portions and add-ins. On average, a bowl is high in protein and fiber, which keeps you full longer. If sodium worries you, use low-sodium broth and season at the end. I’ve learned that the hard way.

Old-Fashioned & Heritage Versions

Recipes like old-fashioned ham and bean soup recipe, recipe for old-fashioned ham and bean soup, and old-fashioned ham and bean soup with ham bone all rely on patience. Slow cooking extracts flavor you just can’t rush.

This is why versions like Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup and Ina Garten ham and bean soup focus on technique over shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak beans for ham and bean soup?
Not always. Soaking shortens cooking time, but unsoaked beans work if you simmer longer.

Can I make ham and bean soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Crockpot ham and bean soup is one of the easiest ways to make it.

What beans are best?
Navy beans are classic, but great northern beans hold their shape well.

What’s Senate bean soup?
Senate bean soup is a famous white bean and ham soup served daily in the U.S. Senate. It’s simple and surprisingly good.

How long does it last?
Stored properly, it keeps 4–5 days in the fridge and freezes beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Ham and bean soup is simple food done right. It’s flexible, forgiving, and deeply satisfying. Whether you make it quick, slow, old-fashioned, or loaded with potatoes, it’s hard to mess up.

I still tweak my version every time. Sometimes it’s thicker. Sometimes soupier. That’s part of the fun. Grab a spoon, trust the process, and let it simmer.