Hearty 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup is the kind of soul-warming dish that makes any day better. With a medley of tender beans and the savory depth of smoked ham, this soup is a rich and filling meal that’s perfect for chilly days or cozy family dinners. The combination of aromatic vegetables, fragrant spices, and hearty ingredients creates a flavor profile that’s both robust and comforting.
This soup is incredibly versatile and forgiving — it’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables or herbs you have on hand. It’s a budget-friendly recipe too, as it stretches simple ingredients into a satisfying and nourishing meal. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty homemade dish, this 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup is sure to hit the spot.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 package 15-bean soup mix
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1 smoked ham hock or 2 cups diced smoked ham
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1 large onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
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8 cups chicken broth
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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2 bay leaves
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Rinse and sort the 15-bean mix, removing any debris or broken beans.
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add the smoked ham hock, beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. Stir well.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.
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Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock. If desired, shred the meat and return it to the pot, discarding the bone and excess fat.
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Season the soup with salt to taste and remove the bay leaves.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Hearty 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup: A Comforting Classic
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a big pot of soup simmering away on the stove, filling your home with savory aromas and the promise of a cozy, nourishing meal. Hearty 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup is a timeless classic, a dish that has warmed countless tables with its rich, smoky depth and rustic charm. Featuring a vibrant mix of beans, tender smoked ham, fresh vegetables, and a touch of aromatic herbs, this soup is the epitome of comfort food that delivers on flavor, nutrition, and tradition.
One of the best things about this soup is its hearty nature. The variety of beans, each with its unique texture and flavor, creates a complex and satisfying base, while the smoked ham infuses the broth with a deep, savory essence that is simply irresistible. Perfect for chilly evenings, weekend gatherings, or anytime you need a nourishing meal, this soup is a go-to favorite for home cooks who value wholesome ingredients and timeless recipes.
Why This 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup is So Beloved
What sets this soup apart is the careful layering of textures and flavors. The beans — typically a combination of pintos, navy, black, kidney, and more — provide a delightful mix of creamy and firm textures in every spoonful. Each type of bean offers its own slightly different flavor profile, from nutty to earthy, ensuring that no two bites are exactly the same.
The smoked ham, whether you use a meaty ham hock or diced smoked ham, brings a savory richness that anchors the dish. Slow simmering allows the ham to infuse every part of the soup with its signature smoky flavor, making the broth robust and satisfying without being overly heavy. Complemented by a medley of aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, plus herbs like thyme and bay leaves, every element in the pot plays its part in creating a beautifully balanced, hearty meal.
This soup is not just about nourishment — it’s about bringing people together. It’s the kind of meal that invites everyone to gather around the table, share stories, and savor simple, honest cooking.
The Heartwarming Origins of Bean and Ham Soups
Bean and ham soups have long been a staple in traditional cuisines around the world, particularly in regions where resourceful cooking was essential. In the United States, such soups became especially popular in the South and Midwest, where home-cured hams and dried beans were pantry staples.
Smoked ham hocks, once considered an economical cut, were prized for their ability to transform simple ingredients into deeply flavorful meals. Beans, rich in fiber, protein, and nutrients, offered an affordable and filling base. Together, they made a powerhouse duo that sustained families through hard winters and lean times. Over the years, these humble ingredients evolved into beloved comfort foods, celebrated for their heartiness, nutritional value, and deep, smoky flavors.
Today, 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup carries forward that legacy, reminding us of the beauty of simple, slow-cooked meals crafted with care.
Health Benefits of 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup
Beyond its amazing taste, this soup is also packed with nutritional benefits. Beans are a powerhouse ingredient, rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, potassium, and essential vitamins. Regularly including beans in your diet can support heart health, aid digestion, and promote stable blood sugar levels.
The addition of smoked ham brings protein and essential minerals like zinc and iron to the dish. Although smoked ham does add some sodium, the overall nutrition profile of the soup remains balanced, especially when prepared with a mindful hand when it comes to added salt.
The generous use of vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery adds a boost of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and important phytonutrients. Together, these ingredients create a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also nourishes your body from the inside out.
Perfect Occasions for Serving This Soup
Hearty 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup is incredibly versatile and suitable for many occasions. It’s a natural choice for chilly winter nights when you crave something warm and filling. It’s also ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep Sundays, as it makes a generous batch and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld.
You can serve it as a main course with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even over a bed of rice for an even heartier meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and comfort to the soul.
Tips for the Best 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup
For the best results, be sure to soak your beans overnight if you’re not using a quick-soak method. This will ensure that they cook evenly and achieve a tender, creamy texture.
Using a smoked ham hock adds an especially deep and authentic flavor, but if you prefer, diced smoked ham or even leftover holiday ham will work beautifully.
As the soup simmers, feel free to adjust the consistency to your liking by adding extra broth or water if needed. Some people love it thick and stew-like, while others prefer it brothy and soupy — both versions are equally delicious.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning at the end, especially with salt, as the ham and broth can vary in saltiness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors and balance the richness wonderfully.
Variations to Try
While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways you can put your own spin on this soup. Here are a few ideas:
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Add Greens: Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or collard greens toward the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
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Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
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Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead. Add smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor.
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Add Grains: Stir in cooked barley, farro, or rice for an even more filling dish.
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Flavor Boost: A Parmesan rind simmered in the broth adds incredible umami and richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze well for up to three months.
When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage.
Freezing tip: freeze in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners down the road.
Conclusion
Hearty 15 Bean and Smoked Ham Soup is everything you could want in a comforting homemade meal — it’s nourishing, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. This dish showcases the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re preparing it to warm your family during the cold months, to use up leftover ham, or simply to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal, this soup is a winner every time.
Its rich history, nutritional benefits, and endless adaptability make it a must-have recipe in every home cook’s repertoire. So next time you’re craving something soul-satisfying, gather your ingredients, let your kitchen fill with the aroma of simmering goodness, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.