Hearty 15-Bean and Smoked Ham Soup

The aroma of this 15-Bean and Smoked Ham Soup will fill your home with comforting warmth as it simmers away all day. Packed with fiber-rich beans and tender, smoky ham, this soup is hearty, filling, and absolutely soul-satisfying.

The slow cooking process allows all the flavors—from earthy beans to tangy tomatoes and zesty lemon juice—to marry beautifully. It’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day and is perfect for freezing, meal-prepping, or feeding a hungry family on a chilly evening.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (20 oz) package of dried 15-bean soup mix

• Water for soaking and cooking

• 1 meaty ham bone (plus 1 lb chopped ham)

• 2 large carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup vegetable juice (like V8)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 bay leaves

• Chicken broth as needed to keep ingredients covered

• Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Place the dried beans into a large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.

2. Drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add water to cover by about 1 inch and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain.

3. Return the beans to the pot. Add the ham, ham bone, carrots, celery, onion, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (including juice).

4. Stir in vegetable broth, vegetable juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, parsley, pepper, and bay leaves.

5. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover all ingredients.

6. Simmer the soup over low heat for about 8 hours, stirring occasionally and adding chicken broth as needed.

7. Remove the ham bone, discard it, and season the soup with salt.

8. Continue simmering for an additional 1–2 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 hours | Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: ~330 kcal per serving | Servings: 10 servings

Hearty 15-Bean and Smoked Ham Soup

A Timeless Comfort Food With Modern Flavor

When it comes to timeless comfort food, few dishes evoke the same cozy nostalgia and satisfying depth as a hearty bowl of bean and ham soup. The Hearty 15-Bean and Smoked Ham Soup is a flavorful evolution of the classic ham and bean recipe—a dish that spans generations, cultures, and countless kitchen tables.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day, feed a hungry family, or meal prep a protein-packed lunch for the week, this recipe delivers all the right notes: smoky, savory, hearty, and deeply nourishing.

Let’s dive into the roots of this dish, what makes it so special, and how you can make it your own.

A Short History of Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup is one of those rare dishes that has found its way into nearly every culinary tradition around the world. From French cassoulet to Southern U.S. ham hock stew, to Italian zuppa di fagioli, beans and cured meat have long been a pairing born out of practicality—and perfected through generations of love.

Historically, this soup was a brilliant way to stretch limited ingredients into a nutritious, hearty meal. Leftover ham bones were simmered for hours with dried beans, vegetables, and spices, turning inexpensive pantry staples into a full-bodied, nourishing stew.

The 15-bean version is a modern twist that adds complexity in both flavor and texture. Each variety of bean brings something different to the pot—creaminess, earthiness, a slight sweetness, or a nutty bite—making every spoonful slightly different and incredibly satisfying.

Why This Recipe Is the Best Version

There are many ways to prepare ham and bean soup, but here’s why this one stands out:

1. Depth of Flavor

The combination of a meaty ham bone and chopped ham infuses the broth with rich, smoky flavor. Add in the acidity of tomatoes, the brightness of lemon juice, and the umami punch from Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, and you’ve got a broth that’s anything but bland.

2. 15-Bean Mix = Texture Heaven

Using a 15-bean mix isn’t just about color or aesthetics—it’s about layers of texture and flavor. From lentils and black beans to large lima and pinto beans, every bite is a unique experience.

3. Slow Cooking = Magic

This soup is designed to simmer for hours, allowing flavors to meld and deepen. Long, slow cooking also breaks down the beans beautifully, making the broth thick and hearty without any added cream or starch.

4. Customizable and Forgiving

Out of celery? No problem. Want to make it spicy? Toss in a jalapeño or hot sauce. Prefer it vegetarian? Swap the ham with mushrooms or smoked paprika and use veggie broth. This recipe is flexible, making it perfect for a range of dietary needs and kitchen situations.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond being soul-warming, this soup packs a punch in the nutrition department:

• High in protein: Thanks to the combination of ham and legumes, each bowl provides a complete protein source that supports muscle repair and satiety.
• Rich in fiber: Beans are loaded with dietary fiber, which promotes digestion, lowers cholesterol, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Low in fat: Despite its richness, this soup is naturally low in fat, especially if you trim the ham or use lean cuts.
• Loaded with micronutrients: Beans are a good source of iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium. The veggies add vitamins A and C, and tomatoes bring in powerful antioxidants like lycopene.

Ingredients That Work Together

This dish proves that flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what each main ingredient contributes:

• Ham bone and chopped ham: Provide deep umami and a smoky base.
• 15-bean blend: Offers texture variety, fiber, and natural creaminess.
• Carrots, celery, and onion: The classic mirepoix adds aromatic sweetness and earthiness.
• Tomatoes: Add a touch of acidity to cut through the richness.
• Lemon juice and mustard: Brighten the soup and add complexity.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, almost meaty depth that enhances the ham.
• Bay leaves and chili powder: Infuse the broth with warmth and subtle spice.

How to Prepare Like a Pro

Soak Your Beans Right

While you can do a quick soak, overnight soaking is best for even texture and faster cooking. Always rinse the beans thoroughly afterward to reduce any bitterness or impurities.

Build the Flavor Slowly

Don’t rush the simmering process. This soup benefits from hours of low, slow cooking. That time lets the ham bone release collagen and marrow, thickening the soup naturally.

Layer in Acidity

Acidity is often the missing ingredient in many soups. The lemon juice, tomatoes, and mustard here not only balance the saltiness of the ham but also brighten the entire dish.

Keep It Covered

As beans cook and absorb liquid, you’ll need to add broth periodically to keep everything submerged. Use chicken broth, veggie broth, or even just water with seasoning, but don’t let the soup go dry.

Customization Ideas

Vegetarian Version

Replace the ham bone with smoked paprika, miso paste, or liquid smoke. Add mushrooms, kale, or even roasted sweet potatoes for texture and umami.

Spice It Up

Add diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for a kick. Jalapeños sautéed with the veggies also work great.

Boost the Veggies

Throw in kale, spinach, or cabbage during the last 30 minutes for added nutrients and a pop of color.

Add Grains

For a thicker texture, toss in cooked barley, brown rice, or farro. These grains hold up well and add chewiness to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a meal in itself, but you can dress it up with:

• A slice of cornbread or crusty baguette for dunking
• A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for creaminess
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for color and brightness
• A side salad or roasted vegetables to make it a more rounded dinner

Storing and Reheating

This soup stores like a dream.

• Refrigerator: Keeps for 4–5 days in an airtight container. The flavors get even better with time!
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Leave room for expansion in containers.
• Reheating: Use a stovetop for best texture, or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

The Bottom Line

Hearty 15-Bean and Smoked Ham Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a connection to tradition, a showcase of resourceful cooking, and a warm hug in a bowl. It’s affordable, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable to your taste and kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers solo, this soup satisfies every time.

Conclusion

This soup makes great content—visually appealing with its mix of colors and textures, it photographs beautifully (especially in rustic bowls with good lighting). It’s also a keyword-rich topic for SEO if you’re targeting “comfort food,” “15-bean soup,” or “leftover ham recipes.”

Want to elevate it? Add a short reel showing the transformation of dry beans into the finished soup, or a before-and-after of the ham bone magic.