Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup Recipe

This isn't your grandma's ham and bean soup! Inspired by a love of cowboy caviar and a surplus of canned beans, this recipe is a flavor explosion. A hearty ham bone simmers with a vibrant mix of beans, creating a surprisingly spicy and deeply satisfying soup. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser (though maybe not for the little ones – it packs a punch!). Get ready for a taste sensation that'll have your family and friends begging for more!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 80 mins

Calories 286.8 kcal

Protein 39g

Rating Be the first

148

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup

1 ham bone (from 7-9 lb ham)
1 1/2 lbs cooked ham, diced (if not using ham bone)
1 large onion, chopped
Carrots
Celery Ribs
Ham Soup Base
Water
among the 4 (15 ounce) cans canned beans specified
among the 4 (15 ounce) cans canned beans specified
Black Eyed Peas
Pinto Beans
4 (15 ounce) cans canned beans, rinsed and drained (e.g., cannellini, great northern, or navy beans)
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground) and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
bell peppers, as desired
fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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How to Make Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add ham bone, canned beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 60-80 minutes, or until the ham bone is very tender and the flavors have melded.
Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

36 g

Sugar

Fat

Carbs

16g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Starters Soups, Stews & Chilis Main Courses Lunch Main Dish / Dinner Beef & Red Meat Pork Recipes Bean & Lentil Recipes The Americas American Southern Healthy Fall Recipes One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Soups Stews Beans Easy 4 Hours Or Less

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup?

Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup takes about 100 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 80 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup?

Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup has approximately 286.8 calories per serving, with about 39 g protein, 16 g carbohydrates and 3 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup?

The key ingredients for Not Your Average Ham Bean Soup are Ham Bone, Ham, Onion, Carrots, Celery Ribs, Ham Soup Base. See the full list with measurements above.