Delicious Navy Bean Soup with Ham Made Simple
Why This Navy Bean Soup with Ham Is So Cozy and Delicious
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 serve it with
biscuits or cornbread on the side, this soup is a delicious and warming meal that's sure to become a favorite in your home.
Substituting Your Beans
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.
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: Use dried or canned navy beans. If using canned, rinse and drain to remove excess salt and starch. Dried beans give a more traditional texture and hold up better in a long simmer.
- • Carrots and Celery: This recipe balances both, but adjusting amounts will shift the flavor. More carrots = sweeter soup; more celery = sharper, more herbal taste.
- • Onion: Yellow or white onions work great, adding a mellow sweetness as they cook down and forming part of the base flavor.
- • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings richness and a little kick. Jarred works in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as bold.
- • Bay Leaf: Adds depth as the soup simmers. Remember to remove before serving.
- • Thyme: A small pinch of dried thyme adds a herby background. Optional, but recommended.
- • Chicken Stock Cube and Broth: Adds another layer of flavor, even if using a ham bone or smoked hock. You can swap in granulated bouillon or skip the cube if your broth is strong.
- • Butter: Used to sauté the veggies at the start. Adds richness and flavor right from the beginning.
- • Ham: Leftover ham, a ham steak, or smoked sausage works well. A ham bone or hock adds a deeper, smokier flavor during simmering.
- • 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: Add a pinch if you like a little heat. I usually go with cayenne for a gentle warming kick.
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
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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).
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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.
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Soup too thick? Add a splash of broth or water as it simmers or when reheating.
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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.
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No ham on hand? Smoked turkey wings, smoked jowls, thick-cut bacon, or chicken thighs all work great. You can even use rotisserie chicken.
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Meaty flavor boost? A ham bone, ham hock, or smoked neck bones add deep flavor as the soup cooks.
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Bean swap: Don’t have navy beans? Try great northern, cannellini, or even pinto beans.
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Freezer-friendly: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing in portions.
Recommended Tools for Making Navy Bean Soup
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Knives
Sharp, reliable knives make food prep quick and easy. A good set of knives is worth investing in.
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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!
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.
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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!