Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

The Best Kind of Kitchen Alchemy

There is magic in a simple pot of soup. You start with humble things. An onion, a carrot, some bits of ham.

Then, with a little heat and time, they become something wonderful. It fills your whole house with a cozy smell. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It tells everyone that a good meal is coming.

A Little Story About My Grandson

My grandson used to turn his nose up at beans. He thought they were boring. So one day, I let him sprinkle the cheese into this very soup.

He watched it melt and swirl. Then he ate a whole big bowl. He asked for more! I still laugh at that. Sometimes, being part of the cooking makes all the difference.

Let’s Get Cooking Together

First, melt your butter in a big pot. Toss in your onion and carrots. Give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper.

We cook them until they get a little soft. This is where the flavor starts. What’s your favorite vegetable to cook with? I always love the smell of onions.

The Heart of the Soup

Now we stir in the garlic. It smells so good! Then we add the flour. This is our little secret trick.

The flour helps make the soup nice and thick. Fun fact: This buttery flour mix is called a roux. It’s the base for so many creamy sauces and soups! Then we slowly add the broth and milk.

Why This Soup Matters

This soup is more than just food. It is a way to use what you have. That leftover ham finds a new purpose here.

Nothing goes to waste. This matters. It teaches us to be thankful for our food. It also brings everyone to the table. A shared meal is a happy meal.

The Final, Cozy Touches

Now for the best part! Stir in the ham and those rinsed beans. Let it all bubble together gently. The wait is the hardest part.

Finally, turn off the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese until it’s all melty and smooth. Ladle it into bowls. Do you like extra cheese on top? I always do!

Your Turn to Share

This soup holds a special memory for me. I hope it makes a happy memory for you, too. What is a food that always makes you feel cozy?

Maybe it’s grilled cheese or chicken noodle soup. Tell me about it! And if you make this, let me know how your family liked it.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Unsalted butter	3 tablespoons
Yellow onion	1 large, diced	About 1 ½ cups
Carrots	2 medium, peeled and diced	About 1 cup, ¼-inch pieces
Kosher salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Garlic	2 teaspoons	Minced
All-purpose flour	¼ cup (31 g)
Chicken broth	3 cups (720 g)
Whole milk	1 cup (245 g)
Worcestershire sauce	2 tablespoons
Cooked ham	2 cups (270 g)	Diced
Great Northern white beans	2 cans (15 ounces each)	Rinsed and drained
Mild cheddar cheese	1 cup (113 g)	Shredded, plus more for garnish
Parsley		For garnish

A Pot of Cozy Memories

This soup always reminds me of my grandpa. He would make a big pot after a long, chilly day of work. The whole house would smell like comfort. It’s a simple recipe, but it holds so many good memories. I still laugh at how he’d always sneak a taste before it was done. Let’s make some new memories together, shall we?

Step 1

Grab your biggest, coziest-looking pot. Melt the butter over a medium heat. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? Toss in your diced onion and carrots. Give them a sprinkle of salt and pepper. We cook them until they just start to get soft and friendly. This takes about ten minutes. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t rush this step! It gives our soup a sweet, happy flavor.)

Step 2

Now, stir in that wonderful minced garlic. Can you smell that? It’s the smell of a real kitchen. Next, sprinkle the flour right over the veggies. You just need to cook it for one minute, stirring the whole time. This little trick will make our soup nice and thick later on. It’s like a little kitchen secret.

Step 3

Here comes the fun part! Slowly pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep stirring as you pour. This makes everything smooth and prevents lumps. Now, add your hearty ham and those rinsed beans. Give it all a good, gentle stir. Do you know what Worcestershire sauce is made from? Share below!

Step 4

Turn the heat down to medium-low. Let your soup take a little nap. It should simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it once in a while. You’ll see it slowly get thicker. This is when the magic really happens. All the flavors are getting to know each other.

Step 5

Take the pot off the heat. Now, stir in your shredded cheddar cheese. Watch how it melts into the soup, making it creamy and smooth. I love this part. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top it with a little fresh parsley and extra cheese if you like. It’s like giving your bowl a warm, cozy sweater.

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup

Three Tasty Twists

This soup is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up! Here are a few fun ideas if you’re feeling creative. I’ve tried them all, and each one is a delight. My neighbor loves the spicy version. It always makes her smile.

Smoky & Spicy: Swap the ham for smoked sausage. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Garden Veggie: Leave out the ham. Add a big handful of fresh spinach at the very end.

Autumn Apple: Add one diced apple with the carrots. It gives a sweet and cozy fall flavor.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Cozy Bowl

Every good soup deserves good company. I love serving this with a thick, crusty slice of bread. It’s perfect for dipping and getting every last drop. A simple green salad on the side is wonderful, too. It adds a fresh, crisp crunch.

For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is just right. It’s sweet and tangy. For the grown-ups, a pale ale pairs beautifully with the ham and cheese. It’s a lovely combination for a quiet evening. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Soup Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing this lovely soup. It keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just let it cool first. I use a big glass bowl with a lid.

You can also freeze it for a cold night. Leave out the milk and cheese when you freeze. Add them fresh when you reheat. This keeps the texture just right.

I once froze a whole batch for my grandson. He said it tasted like a warm hug. Batch cooking like this saves you time on busy days. It means a good meal is always close by.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Pot of Soup

Is your soup too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer. The flour will thicken it up nicely. I remember when my soup was like broth.

Worried about salty ham? Do not add extra salt at the start. You can always add more later. Tasting as you cook builds your confidence.

If your soup is too thick, just add a splash of broth. This is an easy fix for any stew. Getting the flavor right makes the whole meal special. It turns a simple soup into something wonderful.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Soup Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Make it the day before. The flavors get even better.

Q: What can I use instead of ham? A: Try cooked chicken or turkey. It will be just as tasty.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course. Just use your biggest pot. *Fun fact: This soup was made for sharing with a crowd.*

Q: Is the parsley important? A: It is pretty and fresh, but you can skip it.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this hearty soup. It has warmed many hearts in my family. I would love to see your own creation.

Your kitchen stories bring me so much joy. Sharing food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It connects us all.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Olivia Hartwell.