There’s something magical about a bowl of slowly simmered bean soup that fills your kitchen with rich, comforting aromas. This hearty 15 bean soup with smoky ham is a cozy, hands-off meal that practically cooks itself. Loaded with vegetables, herbs, and tender pieces of ham, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for on busy weekdays or cold weekend afternoons.
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) package 15 bean mix, rinsed and sorted
- 1 pound smoked ham, chopped (or a ham bone with some meat attached)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (if needed, depending on ham’s saltiness)
Instructions
Begin by assembling all your ingredients. Soak the beans overnight if you prefer a softer texture, though it’s not strictly necessary. Place the drained beans in the bottom of your slow cooker, followed by the chopped ham. If you happen to have a ham bone or ham hocks, those can impart even more flavor to the broth. Toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery, letting them settle in next to the beans and meat.
Sprinkle over the minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. The liquid should cover the beans and vegetables by at least an inch—add a little more water or broth if needed. Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. As the soup gently simmers, the beans become creamy, and the ham turns wonderfully tender.
About halfway through the cook time, give the soup a quick stir. If you used a ham bone, carefully remove it once the meat is falling off, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Taste toward the end of cooking and adjust with salt if needed—some hams can be quite salty, so you might not have to add any. Once the beans are fully tender, ladle the soup into bowls for a hearty, soul-warming meal.
In addition to being incredibly simple, this soup is a crowd-pleaser for anyone craving a comforting, protein-rich dish. It’s naturally packed with fiber and nutrients, making it both filling and nourishing. If you prefer a meatless version, swap the ham for your favorite smoked seasoning (like smoked paprika) or sautéed mushrooms. Experiment with different seasoning blends, add a handful of chopped greens, or finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. No matter how you personalize it, you’ll be rewarded with bowl after bowl of satisfying flavor.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
