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
Scale
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
