Neighborhood Ham and Bean Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with nostalgia, Neighborhood Ham and Bean Soup is the perfect comfort food to bring family and friends together. This one-pot wonder combines savory diced ham, tender cannellini beans, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection in a rich chicken broth infused with bay leaf and thyme. Ready in under an hour, it features simple ingredients like garlic, carrots, and celery that enhance the soup’s irresistibly homemade flavor. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for a cozy meal that’s ideal for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. Packed with protein and full of robust flavor, this easy ham and bean soup recipe is a heartwarming classic you'll want to share with your neighborhood and beyond!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 4 cups cooked cannellini beans or great northern beans (rinsed and drained if canned)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Stir in the cooked beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.

Step 8

Taste and adjust salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 10

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3295.7 grams (3295.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2181

Total Fat 61.10g	78%
Saturated Fat 14.50g	73%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 250mg	83%
Sodium 11885mg	517%
Total Carbohydrate 223.20g	81%
Dietary Fiber 66.40g	237%
Total Sugars 29.50g
Protein 195.70g	391%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 777mg	60%
Iron 30mg	164%
Potassium 6924mg	147%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.7%

Protein: 35.2%

Carbs: 40.1%