Nothing says comfort like a big bowl of hearty ham soup. It’s warm, filling, and packed with rich flavors that make you feel right at home.
Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or a fresh ham steak, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a bowl of goodness that everyone will love.
With just 15 minutes of prep time and about 40 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a soup that’s perfect for families, meal prep lovers, and busy professionals who want a healthy, homemade dinner without hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- ✅ Great for leftovers: A delicious way to use holiday or deli ham.
- ✅ One-pot meal: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- ✅ Nutritious & hearty: Packed with veggies, protein, and fiber.
- ✅ Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples keep costs low.
- ✅ Customizable: Swap veggies, beans, or grains for endless variations.
Ingredients Needed 🛒
Here’s what you’ll need for this ham soup recipe (serves 6–8):
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (substitute: smoked sausage or turkey ham)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (substitute: sweet potatoes or turnips)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans or cannellini beans, drained (optional for added protein)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Ham Soup Recipes (Step-by-Step) 👩🍳
- Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ham: Stir in diced ham and cook for 2 minutes to release flavor.
- Add broth & seasonings: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in potatoes, beans, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add green beans: Stir in chopped green beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste & adjust: Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot: Garnish with parsley and enjoy your comforting ham soup!
Recipe Tips & Variations 🌟
- Use leftover ham bone for extra flavor—just simmer it with the broth, then remove before serving.
- Add pasta, barley, or rice for a heartier soup.
- Try a creamy version by adding ½ cup heavy cream or blending half the soup before serving.
- Swap beans for lentils or split peas for a different twist.
- Avoid overcooking green beans—they should stay bright and slightly crisp.
What to Serve It With 🍽️
Pair your ham soup with:
- Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls
- A light garden salad
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Cornbread for a Southern-style meal
- A side of roasted vegetables
Storage & Reheating Tips 🥡
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1–2 minute intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate) 🥗
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
Printable Recipe Card 🖨️
Ham Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ham (diced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 6 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 can white beans (optional)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oil, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, celery.
- Add ham, cook 2 mins.
- Add broth, potatoes, beans, and seasonings.
- Simmer 25–30 mins until tender.
- Add green beans last 5 mins.
- Season to taste.
- Garnish with parsley, serve hot.
FAQs About Ham Soup Recipes ❓
1. Can I make ham soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add green beans during the last 30 minutes.
2. Do I need to use leftover ham?
No, you can use ham steak, deli ham, or even smoked sausage.
3. How do I thicken ham soup?
Mash some potatoes in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely—just skip any creamy add-ins and stick to broth-based cooking.
5. What’s the best way to make it more filling?
Add pasta, rice, or barley, or serve with a hearty bread.
Conclusion 🎉
This ham soup recipe is the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a comforting meal that’s hearty, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re using leftovers or starting fresh, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ava Grace is a passionate storyteller and content creator who believes in the power of words to inspire, entertain, and connect people. With a natural flair for writing and a love for creativity, Ava brings fresh perspectives to every piece of content she creates.
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