Hearty Navy Bean Soup with Ham: A Delicious Budget Friend Meal

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.

Ingredients for Navy Bean Soup with Ham

These are the basics I reach for when I make this soup. Nothing fancy—just a good mix of hearty ingredients that work well together.

• Navy beans:
  You can use dried or canned navy beans. If using canned, be sure to rinse and drain them first to avoid excess salt and starch. Dried beans give a more traditional texture and hold up better in a long simmer.

• Carrots and celery:
  This recipe gives a good balance of both, but keep in mind that changing the amounts can shift the flavor of the soup. Too many carrots can make it sweeter, and too much celery can add a sharper, more herbal taste.

• Onion:
  A yellow or white onion works great here. It adds a mellow sweetness as it cooks down and forms part of the base flavor.

• Garlic:
  Fresh minced garlic brings a little kick and richness. Jarred works if you’re short on time, but the flavor won’t be quite as bold.

• Bay leaf:
  A simple way to add depth while the soup simmers. Remove before serving—no one wants to bite into that.

• Thyme:
  A small pinch of dried thyme gives a nice herby background. It’s optional, but I like it.

• Chicken stock cube and broth:
  I like to add some broth even if I’m already using a ham bone or smoked hock—it gives the soup another layer of flavor. You can also swap in granulated bouillon or skip the cube if your broth is strong enough.

• Butter:
  Used to sauté the veggies at the start. It adds a little richness and flavor right from the beginning.

• Ham:
  Leftover ham, a ham steak, or even some smoked sausage will work. If you’ve got a ham bone or hock, toss it in while the soup simmers for a deeper, smokier flavor.

• Salt and black pepper:
  Start light and adjust as you go, especially if your broth or ham is already salty.

• Optional: Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper:
  If you like heat, add a pinch. I usually go with a little cayenne to warm things up.

Why I Keep Beans on Hand

Beans are a wonderful pantry item to have stocked, and stocked I do. From lentils to kidney beans to northerns, I keep them all. You can feed on a pot for days, and if you have a gathering at your home, you can entertain a troop and still have money in the bank. Not to mention, they taste good.

Beans are so versatile. You can make them into soup, fry them (yes, even fry them), or turn them into a side dish. There are endless possibilities. They’re also loaded with protein, fiber, and iron, so you get something filling and good for your body at the same time.

See How I Make It

If you're the kind of cook who likes a visual guide, I’ve got you covered. I walk through every step of my navy bean soup the way I make it in my own kitchen. Come hang out while we get this pot going.

Quick Tips for Navy Bean Soup

• Using dried beans? Soak overnight or use the quick soak method (boil them for a few minutes, then let them sit covered for about an hour).

• Using canned beans? Rinse and drain them really well to get rid of excess salt and starch. And remember, a 15-ounce can doesn’t equal the full amount of dried beans this recipe calls for — you’ll need about 3 to 4 cans total.

• Soup too thick? Add a splash of broth or water as it simmers or when reheating.

• Want it creamier? Use an immersion blender on a portion of the soup, or mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon.

• No ham on hand? Smoked turkey wings, smoked jowls, thick-cut bacon, or chicken thighs all work great. You can even use rotisserie chicken.

• Meaty flavor boost? A ham bone, ham hock, or smoked neck bones add deep flavor as the soup cooks.

• Bean swap: Don’t have navy beans? Try great northern, cannellini, or even pinto beans.

• Freezer-friendly: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing in portions.

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!

Recommended Tools for Making Navy Bean Soup

1. 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 Amazon

2. Utensils
   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 Amazon

3. Cutting 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 Amazon

4. Knives
   Sharp, reliable knives make food prep quick and easy. A good set of knives is worth investing in.
   Shop on Amazon

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or believe will be helpful to you. Thank you for supporting Everyday Dana!

Let Me Know How Yours Turns Out

Thanks for stopping by and spending a little kitchen time with me. If this navy bean soup made it to your table, I hope it brought some comfort with it. If you gave it a try, leave a comment and a star rating below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.

Feel free to browse around for more recipes if you're in the mood for something cozy, filling, or just plain good. See you next time.