Comforting Ham Green Bean and Potato Soup Recipe
Introduction
Leftover ham doesn’t have to mean sandwiches for days. This comforting ham, green bean, and potato soup transforms those ham leftovers into a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights. Simple, quick, and made in one pot, it’s a delicious way to stretch your ingredients and enjoy comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 lb potatoes (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1/2 lb green beans
- 3.5 cups chicken broth (e.g., Swanson Less Sodium broth)
- 2 cups ham (cubed into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1.5 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, cutting the potatoes into 1-inch chunks, trimming and cutting green beans into 1-inch pieces, and cubing the ham into 1/2-inch pieces. Having everything ready will help the cooking process flow smoothly.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the cubed ham, green beans, potato chunks, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together, then increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 4: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with black pepper and salt if needed, being careful since the ham and broth add saltiness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or ham steak—just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the soup.
- Swap green beans with kale, spinach, or frozen mixed vegetables for variety.
- Russet potatoes will break down more, thickening the soup; Yukon gold or red potatoes keep it chunkier.
- For a richer flavor, use butter instead of olive oil, or try vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
- If the soup is too thin after cooking, mash a few potato pieces against the pot’s side to naturally thicken it.
- Serve with warm dinner rolls, cornbread, or crusty bread to soak up the broth.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers leaving room for expansion, and keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?
Both fresh and frozen green beans work well in this soup. Just add frozen beans directly without thawing when cooking.
What type of ham is best for the soup?
Cooked ham is essential. Leftover holiday ham, thick-cut deli ham, or ham steak all make great options. Avoid raw ham since it needs to be fully cooked before adding to the soup.
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Comforting Ham Green Bean and Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Comforting Ham Green Bean and Potato Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make one-pot meal perfect for using up leftover ham. With tender potatoes, fresh green beans, and savory ham cubes simmered in a rich chicken broth, this soup offers warming comfort in every bowl and comes together in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 lb green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Proteins
- 2 cups cooked ham, cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
Liquids & Oil
- 3.5 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1.5 tsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste (optional, considering saltiness of ham and broth)
Instructions
- Prepare Mise en Place: Dice the onion into 1/2-inch pieces, mince the garlic cloves, cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks, trim and cut green beans into 1-inch pieces, and cube the ham into 1/2-inch pieces. Having all ingredients prepped upfront ensures even cooking and smooth workflow.
- Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to release fragrant flavors, creating a rich soup base.
- Combine Ingredients and Bring to Simmer: Add cubed ham, green beans, potato chunks, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-25 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and beginning to break down, allowing flavors to meld thoroughly.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the soup and season with black pepper and additional salt if needed—remember ham and broth add saltiness so add gradually. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for best flavor, or refrigerate leftovers for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Cut potatoes and green beans into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking and texture.
- Do not rush the sautéing step; softening onions properly adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Be cautious with salt since ham and broth contribute sodium already.
- If soup is thin after cooking, mash some potato chunks against the pot side to naturally thicken without adding flour or cream.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently, adding broth if too thick.
- Serve with warm dinner rolls, cornbread, crusty French bread, or buttered biscuits for a filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ham soup, green bean soup, potato soup, leftover ham recipes, comfort food, easy soup recipe, one-pot meals, quick dinner recipes
