Ok, I’ll confess. I’ve never really had “bad” Ham and Bean Soup. And I may or may not be too close to the project. But this simple and hearty Ham and Bean Soup is so comforting and easy to make, it has made the jump to the top of my list.

The Best Ham and Bean Soup. Ever. Like…ever.

Our secret? A package of 15 Bean Soup Mix. Yep, if you haven’t tried it, grab a bag or two. It is a pantry staple in our home and so handy to have around.

Of course, we skipped the package directions and did our own thang, ’cause that’s what we do. But you’ll love it. Easy, filling, simple and savory. Another reason to make cornbread. Like we need another reason for that!

This recipe is nothing fancy. There are no exotic ingredients. No advanced cooking techniques. This is simple country food at its very best.

If you don’t have a 15 Bean Dry Mix in your local grocery store, feel free to mix and match your favorite dried beans. You can use northern beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, green split peas, and more.

Love this mix, though. Makes my life easier.

The recipe on the back of the package is awesome. Ours is just a little different, but based on the Quick-Cook Method. We made this recipe on a weeknight, and had it finished and ready to eat before our fave TV show came on.  (Gave us plenty of time to catch up on household chores while the bean soup was cooking.)

So what did we add to this Ham and Bean Soup? Simple ingredients like celery, tomatoes and ham. Of course, HAM. My BFF. I mean, bacon is really my BFF but don’t tell ham. I’ve been juggling these boys for years.

(Did  I mention this recipe is excellent for leftovers? Yep. Leftover veggies, ham or beans…toss them in. It will do.)

May I make some cornbread recommendations for this Ham and Bean Soup?

Cornbread #9

Cornbread #18

Cornbread #23

Get the complete how-to on making this Best Ever Ham and Bean Soup this fall (and winter) at the end of this post. (Or Summer. Heck, this bean soup is great any time of year.)

If you are looking for more Homemade Chili + Homemade Soup Recipes, CLICK HERE.

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5 from 7 votes

The Best Ham and Bean Soup. Ever.

Author Buy This Cook That

Ingredients

• 20 oz bag of 15 Bean Soup Dry Bean Mix keep the seasoning packet!
• 14 cups or more of water, divided
• 3 cups diced ham
• 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes undrained
• 1 medium onion peeled and chopped
• 4 stalks celery chopped
• 1 TB minced garlic
• 1 TB hot sauce any
• All purpose seasoning to taste

Instructions

• Rinse the beans well, then place in a large pot with 10 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and cook at a very low boil for 1 hour. Stir the beans frequently.
• Stir in the remaining water, ham, tomatoes, onion, celery, garlic and hot sauce. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until the beans are tender.
• Add the seasoning packet and season to taste with your favorite all purpose seasoning blend. We LOVE So-La Seasonings. Get the link in our blog post.

Notes

This makes excellent leftovers.

You can also add 1/2 cup of rice to this during the last 45 minutes. Just increase the amount of water by 1 cup or so.