Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham. This soup is filled with tender beans, flavorful ham, and vegetables, all simmered together in a savory broth. It’s an ideal meal for chilly days or a satisfying dinner that can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week. Simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor, this soup is a classic comfort food that everyone will love.

What is Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup?

Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup is a traditional, rustic soup made with ham, beans, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. The ham provides a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the tender beans and creates a delicious, hearty soup. This dish is often made using leftover ham and a variety of beans, making it budget-friendly and perfect for batch cooking.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Perfect for Leftovers: This soup is a great way to use leftover ham or a ham bone for a flavorful base.
Hearty and Comforting: Full of tender beans and savory ham, this soup is filling and comforting, perfect for cold days.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this soup is ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores and reheats well, making it a great choice for batch cooking or freezing.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup

1 pound dried Great Northern beans (or Navy beans), soaked overnight
1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced

1 beef ham bone (or 2 cups diced cooked ham)
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Soak the beans overnight: Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Soak the beans overnight (8-12 hours) to soften them. Drain and rinse the beans before using.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Cook the onion, carrots, and celery: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Ham and Beans

Add the ham bone or diced ham: Place the ham bone (or diced ham) into the pot with the vegetables.

Add the beans: Stir in the soaked and drained beans.
Pour in the broth: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) until everything is covered by liquid.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Season the soup: Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.

Step 5: Remove the Ham Bone and Finish the Soup

Remove the ham bone: Once the beans are tender, remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred any meat left on the bone and return it to the soup. Discard the bone.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve the Ham and Bean Soup

Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

What Goes Well with Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup

Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Cornbread: A slice of buttery cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup perfectly.

Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a side of pickled vegetables like cucumbers or peppers to add a bright, tangy element to the meal.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup

Use a ham bone for extra flavor: If you have a ham bone, use it to add a deeper, smoky flavor to the soup. If not, diced ham works just as well.

Don’t skip soaking the beans: Soaking the beans overnight helps soften them and reduces cooking time. If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans, but the texture may differ slightly.
Add more liquid if needed: If the soup becomes too thick while simmering, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Simmer low and slow: Let the soup simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender without breaking apart.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup

Vegetable Ham and Bean Soup: Add more vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Spicy Ham and Bean Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Smoked Ham Soup: Use smoked ham hocks for an even smokier flavor profile.

Ham and Bean Soup with Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.

Storing Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later: Ham and bean soup freezes well. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup: Best Practices

Stovetop method: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a bit of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Microwave option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup Healthier?

To make this recipe a bit lighter, consider these adjustments:

Use lean ham: Opt for lean, low-sodium ham to reduce the fat and salt content.
Use less oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil used for sautéing or skip it altogether and use cooking spray.
Add more vegetables: Include extra veggies like kale, spinach, or zucchini for added fiber and nutrients.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Sodium: 750mg
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 3g

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans in ham and bean soup?

Yes, you can use canned beans as a shortcut. Rinse and drain the canned beans, then add them to the soup in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking them. This reduces the overall cooking time while maintaining great flavor.

How do I thicken ham and bean soup?

To thicken ham and bean soup, you can mash a portion of the cooked beans with a fork or blend a cup of the soup and return it to the pot. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture without adding extra ingredients.

Can I make ham and bean soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, ham and bean soup can be made in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have developed.

How long does ham and bean soup last in the fridge?

Ham and bean soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Ham and Bean Soup is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days or using up leftover ham. With its rich broth, tender beans, and savory ham, this soup is hearty enough to be a main course and can be customized with different vegetables or spices.

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