Quick Ham and Bean Soup Recipe – Easy and Delicious
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a cold night. When you’re looking for something quick, hearty, and delicious, this Quick Ham and Bean Soup recipe is your go-to. Made in less than an hour with simple pantry staples, this soup is both satisfying and comforting.
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The Best Quick Ham and Bean Soup
This recipe for Quick Ham and Bean Soup stands out for its simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, including pre-cooked ham and canned beans, you can have a nourishing meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something warm and comforting fast.
Notes on Ingredients
- Great Northern Beans: Use a combination of drained and undrained beans for the perfect texture.
- Ham: Pre-cooked ham steak works best, diced into small pieces for even distribution.
- Vegetables: Carrots, onions, and celery add a classic mirepoix base, while minced garlic and a bay leaf enhance the flavor.
- Seasoning: Chicken bouillon granules, black pepper, and a touch of salt bring the soup together.
How to Make Quick Ham and Bean Soup
- Prepare the Base: Bring 2 cups of hot water to a boil in a pot. Add 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules and stir until dissolved.
- Add the Beans: Drain and rinse one can of Great Northern beans. Reduce the heat to low and stir the drained beans and the remaining undrained beans into the pot.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add ⅓ cup each of diced carrots and onions, one small stalk of diced celery, ½ teaspoon of minced garlic, one bay leaf, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Bring the soup back to a boil.
- Simmer with Ham: Stir in 4 ounces of diced pre-cooked ham steak. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste before serving.
How to Serve Quick Ham and Bean Soup
Serve this hearty soup hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll on the side. A simple green salad can also complement the meal, balancing the rich flavors of the soup.
How to Store Quick Ham and Bean Soup
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320.91 kcal | 16% |
| Total Fat | 3.06 g | 4% |
| Carbs | 48.57 g | 19% |
| Sugars | 4.71 g | 5% |
| Protein | 25.9 g | 52% |
| Sodium | 1744.57 mg | 87% |
| Fiber | 11.18 g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.05 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.62 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 22.39 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 129.51 mg | 16% |
| Magnesium | 120.81 mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 972.07 mg | 28% |
| Iron | 4.03 mg | 29% |
| Zinc | 2.43 mg | 24% |
| Phosphorus | 425.29 mg | 61% |
| Vitamin A | 528.7 mcg | 66% |
| Vitamin C | 20.94 mg | 26% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.7 mg | 64% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.24 mg | 17% |
| Niacin B3 | 3.65 mg | 23% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.44 mg | 32% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 180.07 mcg | 90% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.39 mcg | 16% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 1.78 mg | 15% |
| Vitamin K | 10.89 mcg | 15% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Quick Ham and Bean Soup
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can substitute Great Northern beans with cannellini or navy beans if desired.
What if I don’t have chicken bouillon granules?
You can use chicken broth instead of water and bouillon. Adjust the salt accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra nutrition.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken bouillon granules are gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
The Best Quick Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- 2 15 ounce cans Great Northern beans
- ⅓ cup diced carrots
- ⅓ cup diced onion
- 1 small stalk celery diced
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ 8 ounce pre-cooked ham steak, diced
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a pot; add chicken bouillon and stir until dissolved.
- Drain and rinse 1 can Great Northern beans. Reduce heat to low; stir drained beans and remaining can of undrained beans into bouillon mixture. Add carrots, onion, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and black pepper; bring soup to a boil.
- Stir ham into soup, reduce heat to low, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Season with salt.
By following this straightforward recipe, you’ll have a delicious bowl of Quick Ham and Bean Soup ready in no time, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
