Ham and Navy Bean Soup is a simple, hearty soup that’s full of rich flavor. Made with leftover ham and dried navy beans plus loads of chopped up veggies, this ham and bean soup is perfect for a lunch or dinner meal and can easily be doubled to feed a crowd.
Make a meal out of navy bean and ham soup by serving with a copycat Olive Garden Salad or wedge salad and a loaf of homemade garlic bread.
Do You Have to Soak Navy Beans For Soup?
The short answer is no, you do not have to soak the beans overnight. Soaking them does drastically reduce the cooking time, but it’s not necessary to make this soup. I covered a few different cooking methods above.
However, soaking the beans overnight softens them so they cook faster and makes them easier to digest. That’s why it’s the method that I use and highly recommend.
There are a few different methods to use to make this soup. The overnight soak method is my preferred method because it provides the best texture for the beans. But there are a couple of other methods I’ve tested that work just as well.
Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup
- Place all of the ingredients in your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 12 hours.
Note – If you want to impart a little deeper flavor, saute the veggies and garlic first.
30-Minute Navy Bean Soup with Canned Beans
This is a quick and easy way to make your ham and bean soup. I prefer the texture of the dried beans, but this method works in a pinch.
- Saute the veggies and seasonings.
- Add 3 cans of rinsed and drained white beans.
- Add ham and water.
- Simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until beans are soft.
How to Thicken Your Soup
The broth in this soup is water based, and not thick. If you’d like a thicker base, you have a couple of options:Puree (preferred) – Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot. You don’t have to make it completely smooth, just a few pulses will help to puree some of the ingredients and will make your soup thicker. It will look similar to my Bacon and Bean Soup.Cornstarch slurry – Whisk equal parts cornstarch and soup liquid in a small dish, then stir into the soup. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Navy Bean Soup Recipe | Ham and Bean Soup
FAQ
How long will ham and bean soup last in the refrigerator?
How long does 15 bean soup last in the fridge?
Why does my ham and bean soup taste bland?
Can you freeze homemade navy bean soup?
How long does bean soup last in the fridge?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the ingredients used, how the soup is stored, and the temperature of the fridge. In general, bean soup can last in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly. Several factors can affect the shelf life of bean soup in the fridge.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
Can navy bean soup be refrigerated?
Refrigerator: Navy Bean soup will stay good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To refrigerate, cool soup to 70°F within two hours, and then down to 41°F (fridge temp) or below within the next four hours. Store in a covered container. Freezer: Bean soups in general freeze very well.
How long does navy bean ham soup take to cook?
Navy Bean and Ham soup is fairly easy to make and takes a couple of hours to cook unless you’re using dried beans, in which case you need to account for the time you have to soak the beans. **Cook’s Tip: I usually just use canned navy beans, but either works fine. How do you thicken navy bean and ham soup?