Homestyle Bean Soup
A hearty homestyle bean soup with tender navy beans, smoky ham, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family meals and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours.
- Remove bones, bay leaf, peppercorns, and celery sprigs before serving.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Trim meat from the ham bone and return the cut-up pieces to the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced carrots or garlic to the soup. If you don't have navy beans, great northern or cannellini beans can be used as substitutes. To enhance the smoky flavor, adding a few drops of liquid smoke is a great touch. Adjust salt carefully, especially if using a salty ham.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the homestyle bean soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A side salad can add freshness to the meal, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten the flavors. This soup also pairs beautifully with Tennessee Hoe Cakes for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homestyle Bean Soup contains roughly 671 calories, with 12g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1849mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans for a quicker version. Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the crock-pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through without turning them mushy.
What if I don't have a ham bone?
If you don't have a ham bone, you can use diced ham, smoked sausage, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms to add depth of flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot after cooking or blend a portion of the soup until smooth. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water can help thicken it up nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).