When the weather cools down and you crave something hearty, warm, and comforting, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of white bean and ham soup. This classic dish is beloved for its cozy blend of tender beans, savory ham, aromatic herbs, and vegetables all simmered together to create a deeply flavorful and nourishing meal.
Our version of this timeless recipe is made without pork, using a smoky turkey or beef ham alternative that brings all the traditional richness and savory goodness. You won’t miss the pork — the flavors still shine through in every bite, especially as the beans absorb the seasoning and herbs during the slow simmer.
One of the best things about this soup is its simplicity. It’s built on everyday pantry staples: white beans (cannellini or great northern), carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and broth. These humble ingredients come together to create something much more than the sum of its parts.
Whether you use canned beans for convenience or soak and cook dried beans from scratch, this soup is wonderfully adaptable. The slow simmer melds the flavors together beautifully, and the result is a meal that’s both comforting and wholesome.
This soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to five days and freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad, and you’ve got dinner sorted.
It’s also a great way to use up leftover holiday ham or repurpose a ham steak in the fridge. Just dice it up and let the soup do the rest.
Aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf infuse the broth, while a touch of black pepper and a dash of smoked paprika take the depth of flavor to the next level. If you love a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans or blend a portion before serving.
This soup has been a family favorite for generations, and once you try it, it might just become one of yours too. It’s cozy enough for winter nights, satisfying enough for lunch, and easy enough for weekday cooking.
And don’t let the simplicity fool you — when done right, white bean and ham soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s rustic, it’s nourishing, and it’s the kind of food that makes you feel cared for.
It’s also budget-friendly. Beans are inexpensive and filling, and with just a small amount of turkey or beef ham, you get a big impact.
So gather your ingredients and a big soup pot — this white bean and ham soup is about to warm your kitchen and your heart.
Servings: 6–8 servings
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups diced turkey ham or beef ham
- 3 cans (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and turkey or beef ham. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add white beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes.
- For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans with a spoon or blend 1–2 cups and stir back into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove bay leaf. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes for extra nutrition.
- Use homemade broth for a deeper flavor.
- If using dried beans, soak overnight and cook beforehand or in the soup (add extra water and extend cooking time).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hearty, healthy, and full of rich, savory flavor, this White Bean and Ham Soup is comfort food at its best — with a pork-free twist that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Summary: This easy and flavorful white bean and ham soup delivers soul-warming comfort in every bowl. Perfect for cold nights or meal prepping ahead.
