Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup: A Hearty & Flavorful Comfort Food Recipe

After indulging in a delicious holiday ham, you might be wondering what to do with the leftover ham bone. Look no further! This Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup recipe is the perfect way to make the most of it, transforming your leftover ham bone into a pot of comforting, flavorful soup that the whole family will love. This hearty soup, also known as ham and navy bean soup, is a classic for a reason – it’s incredibly satisfying, budget-friendly, and packed with smoky, savory goodness. Slow cooking the ham bone with white beans unlocks deep flavors that are simply irresistible.

Bowl of ham and bean soup with spoon, with buttered cornbread in background

This easy ham and bean soup recipe requires just a few simple steps, making it suitable for cooks of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, you can whip up a batch of this delicious Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup with ease. Let’s dive into the details of making this comforting classic.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup

This Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need (precise measurements are in the recipe card below):

Dried Navy Beans: These small white beans are the star of the soup. You can also use Great Northern beans or other small white beans if preferred.
Smoked Ham Bone with Meat: The key to the smoky flavor! Use the bone from a leftover spiral ham or a smoked ham hock from the grocery store. For a quicker option, you can use diced deli ham.
Yellow Onion: A foundational flavor builder for almost any soup.
Celery: Adds a subtle savory note and pleasant texture to the soup.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent aromatic depth. Granulated garlic can be substituted in a pinch.
Thyme: Dried or fresh thyme adds a touch of herbaceousness that complements the smoky ham beautifully.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your taste.
Water: Water works perfectly as the liquid base because the ham bone infuses incredible flavor during the slow cooking process, keeping this recipe budget-friendly. Chicken or vegetable broth can also be used for a richer flavor.
Carrots: Added later in the cooking process to retain their sweetness and avoid becoming mushy.

Storing Your Ham Bone for Soup

Wondering how long you can keep a ham bone before making soup? A cooked ham bone can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for several months. This means you don’t have to rush into making soup immediately after your holiday feast – you can relax and make your Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup whenever you’re ready for a comforting homemade meal.

If you’re looking for other ways to use leftover ham (besides this amazing soup!), you might also enjoy recipes like ham and pea pasta or ham pot pie.

Soaking Navy Beans: To Soak or Not to Soak?

Soaking navy beans is optional, but it significantly reduces the cooking time for your Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup. In a slow cooker test, soaked navy beans cooked perfectly in about 6 hours, while unsoaked beans took closer to 9 hours. Soaking can save you considerable time, especially if you’re using a slow cooker.

White beans soaking in large pitcher

For soaking, rinse the navy beans and place them in a large bowl or pot. Cover them with water, ensuring the water level is about 4 inches above the beans, as they will expand. Soak for 8 to 12 hours, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. After soaking, rinse and drain the beans before adding them to your Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup.

Ham Bone Alternatives

Don’t have a leftover ham bone? No problem! Smoked ham hocks are an excellent substitute and are typically available year-round in the meat section of most grocery stores. Keep in mind that ham hocks generally have less meat on them. To compensate, consider adding diced ham steak or deli ham towards the end of the cooking process to boost the meaty texture of your Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup: Slow Cooker & Stovetop Methods

Here are detailed instructions for making Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup using both a slow cooker and a stovetop. Both methods yield a delicious and comforting soup, so choose the one that best fits your schedule and preferences.

Slow Cooker Ham Bean Soup Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the soaked navy beans (or unsoaked, if preferred), ham bone, diced onion, celery, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add Water: Pour in enough water or broth to cover the ingredients by at least an inch.
Slow Cook: Cook on low heat for 6 hours if using soaked beans, or 9 hours for unsoaked beans.

Ham bone in slow cooker with other soup ingredients

Add Carrots: After 5 hours of cooking, stir in the diced carrots. Continue cooking until both the beans and carrots are tender.
Shred Ham: Remove the ham bone from the slow cooker. Once cool enough to handle, remove the ham meat from the bone, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Discard the bone and any gristle.
Finish and Serve: Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Your Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup is ready to serve!

Ham being shredded in enamelware pan

Stovetop Ham Bean Soup Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot (at least 4 quarts) over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the soaked navy beans (or unsoaked), ham bone, thyme, salt, pepper, and 6 cups of water to the pot.
Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar, and simmer.
Simmer Time: Cook for 2 to 3 hours if using soaked beans, or about 6 hours for unsoaked beans, stirring occasionally. Add more water as needed to keep the beans covered with liquid.
Add Carrots: Stir in the diced carrots during the last 20 to 30 minutes of simmering.
Shred Ham: Once the beans and carrots are tender, remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred the ham meat from the bone, chop it, and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and gristle.
Serve: Your stovetop Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup is ready to enjoy!

Tips for the Best Ham Bean Soup

Bean Variety: While navy beans are classic and cook relatively quickly, you can also use cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or other small white beans for this Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup recipe.
Extra Ham: If your ham bone is lean, don’t hesitate to add extra ham! Diced ham steak, deli ham, or even leftover chopped ham can be added at any point during cooking to enhance the flavor and texture.
Liquid Choice: Water works wonderfully because of the flavorful ham bone, but you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even turkey stock for a richer base if you prefer.
Soup Consistency: Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup naturally thickens as it cools. It will loosen upon reheating. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

What to Serve with Ham and Bean Soup

Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Bread: Crusty bread is a must for soaking up the flavorful broth. Homemade French bread, toasted bread with butter, or even cranberry walnut bread are excellent choices.
Cornbread: For a truly classic Southern pairing, serve your Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup with cornbread or cornbread muffins. The slightly sweet cornbread complements the savory soup perfectly.
Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Soup

Allow leftover Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Can You Freeze Ham Bean Soup?

Yes! Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for future meals. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Comforting Soup Recipes

If you love this Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup, you might also enjoy these other comforting soup recipes: [Link to other soup recipes on your website here]

ðŸ“– Pioneer Woman Ham Bean Soup Recipe