Hearty Navy Bean Soup with Ham: A Delicious Budget Friend Meal
This hearty navy bean soup with ham is made from scratch using simple ingredients and leftover ham. A comforting, budget-friendly meal for any night of the week.
Customizing Your Bean Soup: Substitutions and Flavor Enhancements
Beans have always been a comforting part of my childhood meals, and to this day, my brother and I love keeping a pot of beans simmering on the stove, especially when the weather turns cooler. The versatility of beans, each with its unique flavor, makes them a delightful choice for a variety of meals. While navy beans are my go-to for this hearty soup, you can easily switch them out for northern beans or cannellini beans for a different twist. Feeling daring? Try a multiple bean soup for an exciting blend of flavors—just skip the store-bought seasoning packet and use the recipe below for a homemade touch.
This creamy and flavorful navy bean soup with ham is the perfect dish for cozy days spent wrapped in a blanket with a good book. It's easy to make; just prep the ingredients and let them meld together in the pot. Whether you choose biscuits or cornbread on the side, this soup is a delicious and warming meal that's sure to become a favorite in your home.
Missing Something? These Substitutions Have You Covered
Like most recipes, sometimes you may find yourself missing an ingredient or two and not wanting to make a trip to the store. Here are some handy substitutions to help you out. If you don't have ham or smoked meat, try using chicken instead. Make a homemade broth by simmering the chicken, then debone it and set the meat aside to add once the beans are cooked. If you're out of celery, a few celery seeds or caraway seeds can provide a similar flavor. Parsley can also work as a substitute, or you can use a small amount of fennel for a unique twist. And if you're out of ham, country sausage or a nice Polish sausage can be delicious alternatives. Yummy!
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Navy Bean Soup
This recipe can be cooked in multiple ways, and while I'm partial to the stovetop method for its texture, it's also perfect for a slow cooker. Remember, you still need to prep the beans either way. I typically use the overnight soak method, but if you're in a pinch, the quick soak method on the stove works too. Just be sure to follow the package directions for preparing the beans, such as sorting, washing, and soaking them properly.
I hope you give this recipe a try—it's truly delicious! If you're craving more bean recipes, check out my simple and perfect southern-style pinto bean recipe. And if you're looking to stretch the meal or change it up for leftovers, try serving the soup over rice for a hearty meal that will warm you up on those extra chilly days. After a bowl of this, you'll be so cozy there's no need for any sleep aids!
Recommended Tools for Making Navy Bean Soup
Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is essential for simmering hearty soups like this one. It evenly distributes heat and makes it easy to cook your beans to perfection.
Shop on AmazonUtensils
High-quality utensils are key for easy stirring, serving, and all your other kitchen tasks. A good set can handle all your cooking needs.
Shop on AmazonCutting Board
A durable cutting board is a must-have for chopping all your vegetables and prepping your ingredients. It's perfect for any recipe!
Shop on AmazonKnives
Sharp, reliable knives make food prep quick and easy. A good set of knives is worth investing in.
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Quick Fix for Navy Bean Soup
If you're in a pinch and need a quicker method, you can use canned beans instead of starting from dry. About four cans of navy beans (gently rinsed and drained) will give you roughly the same amount as one pound of dry beans after cooking. I don’t usually go this route, but it works when time’s tight. Add the beans toward the end of cooking—once the veggies are nice and tender—so they don’t break apart too much. Let the soup sit or simmer on low heat for a bit to soak up all the flavor.
If you're in the mood for another easy, cozy bowl of comfort, check out my copycat Shoneys cabbage soup recipe—just as simple and just as filling.