There’s nothing quite like the hearty comfort of a bowl of ham and bean soup during the cooler months (or any time of year actually)!
This particular recipe, recreated from the Pioneer Woman, is one of my go-to favorites.
It’s straightforward and satisfying, filling your kitchen with the most delightful aromas.
One thing I can’t emphasize enough is the importance of simmering the soup long enough for all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Don’t forget to add a bit of fresh parsley right before serving—it brightens up the dish perfectly.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ham (diced)
- 1 lb Dried White Beans
- 8 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup Onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup Celery (sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- Salt (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Soak the dried beans overnight in water.
Drain and rinse them before starting your soup.
Step 2:
In a large pot, sauté the carrots, onion, and celery until they’re tender.
This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
Throw in your ham and let it brown slightly.
Step 4:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked beans, bay leaves, and black pepper.
Bring it to a boil.
Step 5:
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 to 2 hours until the beans are soft.
Remember to stir occasionally.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Adjusting Saltiness:
You might find the soup needs more salt once the flavors meld, so taste before adding any.
Ham can be salty, so be cautious.
Adding Vegetables:
Feel free to experiment with more veggies like bell peppers, which add a sweet contrast.
Chop them finely for even cooking.
Using Canned Beans:
If you’re short on time, use canned beans.
Be sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium and reduce cooking time.
Storing Leftovers:
This soup gets even better the next day!
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days for a flavorful meal.
Thickening the Soup:
For a thicker consistency, mash a few beans against the side of the pot during cooking.
This adds richness without extra calories.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup
Skillet Cornbread
You can’t go wrong with some classic skillet cornbread to go along with a hearty soup like this.
The slightly sweet and crumbly texture pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of ham and beans.
I always enjoy baking it with a little honey for that extra touch of sweetness!
Air Fryer Green Beans
For a quick and easy vegetable side dish, air fryer green beans are a fantastic choice.
They’re crisp, flavorful, and a great way to add some green to your meal.
You can sprinkle a little lemon zest and garlic for a boost in taste!
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice might not be the first thing you think of, but it’s a delightful complement to ham and bean soup.
The creamy coconut flavor balances the savory soup wonderfully.
Adding a bit of chopped chili can give a hint of spice, too!
Buttermilk Biscuits
Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are another timeless companion to this comforting soup.
They’re perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth.
You can also add a pat of butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love!
Coleslaw with a Twist
Try serving a zesty coleslaw with a twist, such as adding apple slices or raisins for sweetness.
The crunchiness and tartness bring a refreshing contrast to your savory soup.
You’ll find it gives an unexpected yet delightful balance of flavors!
Variations and Substitutions
You can tweak the classic ham and bean soup to match whatever you have on hand or prefer to taste.
Swap out regular ham for smoked ham or even turkey for a different flavor twist that still satisfies.
For a vegetarian option, leave out the ham and add more beans or hearty vegetables like squash.
If you like extra spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup some heat.
Broth Choices
Choosing bean stock, chicken broth, or vegetable broth can make a real difference in soup taste.
You can use beef broth for a richer flavor that gives the soup a warming effect.
Feel free to use low-sodium broth if you are watching salt intake levels closely.
Bean Variations
Instead of just traditional white beans, consider adding kidney beans or chickpeas for variety.
Use canned beans for a quick meal, or cook dried beans overnight for a creamier texture.
Herb Magic
Consider experimenting with herbs like rosemary or oregano for an earthy flavor profile.
A touch of cumin or smoked paprika can add depth that is both satisfying and tantalizing.
How to Store Leftover Ham and Bean Soup
Storing leftover ham and bean soup properly can keep it fresh and delicious for later.
You’ll be happy you did!
Storing in the Refrigerator
Allow the soup to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes after cooking.
Transfer the soup to an airtight container, ensuring there’s enough space at the top to let the liquid expand.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain its taste and quality.
Freezing the Soup
Once the soup has cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags.
Label the containers with the date to monitor storage time.
Make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion, then store it in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing Soup Safely
You can thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator for a stress-free meal the next day.
Alternatively, you can use a microwave at a defrost setting to speed up the process but be sure to stir it occasionally.
Keeping the soup stored properly ensures you always have a warm bowl ready to enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Soak
One common mistake is skipping the step of soaking the beans.
Soaking helps make them tender and reduces cooking time significantly, so don’t overlook it!
Adding Salt Too Early
Another pitfall is adding salt at the beginning of cooking.
Beans can become tough if seasoned too early, so wait until they’re tender before salting!
Ignoring the Thickening Process
Don’t forget to let the soup simmer long enough to thicken.
A good simmer ensures flavors meld beautifully, creating a delicious, hearty soup.

Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
- 1 lb Ham diced
- 1 lb Dried White Beans
- 8 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Carrots chopped
- 1 cup Onion diced
- 1/2 cup Celery sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- Salt to taste
- Soak the dried beans overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse them before starting your soup.
- In a large pot, sauté the carrots, onion, and celery until they’re tender.
- This should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
- Throw in your ham and let it brown slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked beans, bay leaves, and black pepper.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 to 2 hours until the beans are soft.
- Remember to stir occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
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