If you’re looking for a warm and cozy dish, this Ham & Tomato Soup is just what you need. It’s packed with flavor and comfort, all in one pot! The combination of ham and tomatoes creates a savory broth that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
This ham and bean soup helps busy families stretch groceries, cut prep time, repurpose leftovers, and deliver warm, budget-friendly meals on weeknights.
I’ve often found myself staring at leftovers in the fridge, wondering what to do with them. This recipe is my go-to for using up leftover ham. It’s quick and simple, so I don’t have to stress about dinner after a long day.
What I love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. With just 10 minutes of prep and only 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a hearty soup ready in about 40 minutes. Plus, it’s super easy to adapt with whatever veggies you have on hand.
If you’re a soup lover, you’ll want to try this Ham & Tomato Soup. If you enjoy a twist on your soups, Ham Mushroom Soup is another fantastic option to check out!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor : With the ham bone generating a savory broth and fresh tomatoes adding sweetness, this soup is loaded with comforting flavor.
- Hearty Texture : The combination of diced ham, hearty beans, and tender vegetables creates a satisfying and filling dish that warms you up from the inside out.
- Convenience : It comes together quickly, so you can enjoy a homemade soup that’s ready in less than an hour, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Storage Friendly : Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making it great for meal prep or enjoying at your leisure.
Hearty Dutch Oven Ham and Bean Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: gluten free
Description
Hearty Dutch oven ham and bean soup with a rich tomato base, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ham bone (about 1 lb or 0.45 kg), leftover
- 1 cup (150g) celery, diced (about 3 ribs)
- 1 cup (150g) onions, diced (about one small)
- 1 cup (120g) carrots, diced (about 3 large)
- 15 oz (425g) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 32 oz (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups (950ml) water
- 4 cups (600g) ham, diced or cubed
- 45 oz (1275g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (3 cans)
- 15 oz (425g) tomato sauce (or more for a stronger flavor)
- 6 oz (170g) tomato paste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 1/21/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/21/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté & Aromatize Onions: Start by warming some oil in your Dutch oven and adding chopped onions. You will want to sauté them until they are translucent and smell divine, around five minutes. This step adds a lovely base flavor to your soup. Just keep an eye on them so they do not brown too much.
- Add Garlic, Stir & Simmer: Next, toss in minced garlic and give it a good stir. Let it cook for about a minute, until it is fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so stay close. The aroma is simply irresistible at this point.
- Add Ham & Mix: Now, throw in your diced ham and stir it with the onions and garlic. You will want to cook it just until it is heated through and starting to brown slightly. This boosts the soup’s meatiness, but do not let it cook too long or it might dry out.
- Incorporate Tomatoes & Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and add your soaked beans. You will see the colors pop, which is always exciting! The tomatoes add depth, so just give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Pour In Broth & Season: Add your broth and bring everything to a simmer. It should bubble gently after a few minutes. This helps merge all those lovely flavors, and you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Just be cautious with salt since the ham can be salty already.
- Simmer Until Beans Tender: Allow the soup to simmer away for twenty to thirty minutes until the beans are tender. You will know it is ready when the soup thickens slightly and smells amazing. Just remember to check the consistency; if it is too thick, add more broth!
- Taste & Adjust Seasoning: Before you serve, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe it needs a touch of salt or a little more pepper. You want it to be just right, so trust your taste buds.
- Serve & Enjoy Warm: Scoop the soup into bowls and enjoy it while it is warm. There is something so comforting about a hearty bowl of soup, especially on a chilly day. Do not skip the taste test; it is such a rewarding finish.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If the soup tastes too salty, consider adding an extra cup of water or low-sodium broth to mellow the flavors. For dried beans that seem tough, soak them overnight and ensure they are boiled for at least 1-2 hours until tender. If the soup thickens too much after adding tomato paste, gradually stir in more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with cornbread or crusty bread. Pair with a fresh garden salad. Top with shredded cheese for added richness.
- Recipe Variations: Use different beans like navy or great northern. Substitute diced ham with smoked sausage. Add leafy greens for extra nutrients.
- Ingredient Notes: When using leftover ham, be mindful of fat content; trimming visible fat can help keep the soup healthier. If the broth lacks flavor, using a combination of low-sodium chicken broth and seasonings can significantly boost the taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 364
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1732mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
Recipe Tips
- If the soup tastes too salty, consider adding an extra cup of water or low-sodium broth to mellow the flavors.
- For dried beans that seem tough, soak them overnight and ensure they’re boiled for at least 1-2 hours until tender.
- If the soup thickens too much after adding tomato paste, gradually stir in more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- When using leftover ham, be mindful of fat content; trimming visible fat can help keep the soup healthier.
- If the broth lacks flavor, using a combination of low-sodium chicken broth and seasonings can significantly boost the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ham and bean soup alongside cornbread or crusty bread. Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
This soup also works well in other recipes like a hearty stew or as a base for pasta dishes. You can incorporate it into rice or grain bowls for added nutrition.
Top the soup with shredded cheese for a savory finish. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor significantly.
Recipe variations
- You can use navy or great northern beans instead of cannellini for a different texture and flavor profile in your soup.
- Add 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick in each bowl.
- Either substitute the diced ham with 1 pound of smoked sausage or replace it with 4 cups of sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- If you want to serve a larger group, scale up using 2 ham bones, 6 cups of beans, and double the chicken broth to 64 ounces.
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How to Store?
To keep your ham & tomato soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Portion soup in freezer bags or airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or microwave until heated thoroughly.
If you enjoyed this Ham & Tomato Soup or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
