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Home » Recipes » Soups and Stews

15 Bean Soup with Ham

Published: Dec 27, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 27 Comments

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15 Bean Soup with Ham is rich and savory. Filled with tender beans, tons of veggies and smoky ham, this recipe can be made on the stovetop, crockpot or in your pressure cooker! It's easy to make, affordable and delicious!

If you still have some leftover ham make Deviled Ham Recipe - its makes the best sandwiches!

Overhead photo of 15 bean soup with ham in white bowl
This hearty recipe is a great meal and so easy to make!

15 Bean Soup

I made the most wonderful soup using a leftover hambone and a multi-bean soup mix. (You might even have a leftover hambone in the freezer from the holidays??) So the timing is great, huh?!

For me, a soup like this brings back great memories. A simpler time when as a child my biggest concern was whether or not I would be able to go to my friends' house to play!

Now as an adult I love this soup for other reasons

  • it's easy to make
  • super affordable (really just pennies per serving!)
  • leftovers freeze great!

So next time you're wondering what to make for dinner, pick up a  multi bean mix (sometimes it's called a *15 or 10 bean soup mix).

A variety of dried beans in bowl.
Your bean mix will look something like this.

15 Bean Mix

This mixture contains a variety of beans; kidney, white beans, green, yellow and black-eyed peas, lima, pinto, black and lentil beans, the list goes on & on. All kinds of beanie goodness!

Because there is a mixture of bean varieties - all types and sizes of beans, some cook more quickly then others. The small beans are done first.

They slow disintegrate into the broth while the larger beans continue to cook, making the soup thick and creamy, YUM!!!

The hambone contributes by adding smoky flavor. Cooking the soup on the stovetop will take about an hour and a half if the beans are presoaked The beans will soften and the meat will fall off the bone, it becomes savory and tender.

Bean Soup In bowl with spoon.
15-Bean Soup - easy to make and delicious!

Ingredients

  • dried bean mix - super affordable, this mix is the number one seller!
  • ham plus smoked ham hock - diced ham adds meatiness, the ham hock (or hambone) will add more smokey flavor.
  • carrots, yellow onion, celery, cherry tomatoes and spinach - tons of vegetables to make the soup even more delicious!
  • salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and dried Italian seasoning - simple seasonings that you probably have in your spice cabinet!
  • olive oil - to saute the vegetables

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions:

  1. Pick through the beans checking for small rocks and/or dirt clods. Rinse them in cold water and cover with water. Soak overnight.
  2. In the morning when you are ready to prepare the soup, pour through a colander and rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  3. Chop the vegetables.
  4. In a large stockpot, sauté the vegetables. Add the pepper, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning - do not add the salt yet! Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  5. Add the ham hock, beans, and water. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Reduce to a medium-low and cover leaving a small vent on the pot to allow some steam to escape. Stirring occasionally, cook until the beans are soft, about 1 ½ hours.
  6. When the beans are soft, remove the ham bone, pick the meat off returning the meat to the soup.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding salt at the end.
  8. Bonus? Tastes better on day two!

Instant Pot Instructions:

  1. Rinse the beans well, soaking overnight is not necessary.
  2. Turn pressure cooker to saute. Add olive oil and vegetables. Saute until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients. Do not overfill the pressure cooker.
  4. Place the lid on, seal and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Quick-release pressure at the end.
  5. Open the lid and remove ham bone, pick off the meat.
  6. Return the meat to the Instant Pot. Stir and serve.

Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Rinse the beans. Drain and pour them in a slow cooker with water, prepared vegetables and ham.
  2. Stir to combine. Set crockpot on low and cook for 8-10 hours then check to make sure beans are tender.
  3. When the beans are tender, remove the hambone, pick the meat off the bone, returning it to the pot.

FAQ's

Best way to finish this soup?

A squeeze of fresh lemon and big handful of minced parsley stirred in at the end will brighten the flavors of the soup!

What is 15 bean soup made of?

It's made from 15 types of beans like black beans, green and yellow split peas, large lima beans, brown and pinks beans, navy beans, red and white kidney beans and more.

Should I use the seasoning packet?

No, discard the seasoning packet instead you'll follow the recipe below.

Do you have to soak 15 beans before cooking?

You can, but it's not necessary to soak beans prior to cooking.

15 Bean Soup with ham in white bowl
Homemade Bean Soup is an easy affordable meal and so delicious!

Things to know

  • In addition to the beans and hambone, it's filled with carrots, celery, onions, cherry tomatoes and spinach. Loaded with veggies, tons of beans with just a little salty, smoky ham.
  • If you want a thinner soup, simply add more water. You may need to add additional seasonings.
  • The big bonus with bean soup is that the next day it tastes even better!
  • Learn how to make the best homemade soup - filled with tips and tricks!

Related recipes

If you are a soup lover here are more yummy choices!

  • Split Pea Soup, always a delicious easy meal! Also easy and affordable, it's a quick meal to make too!
  • Vegetable Soup - a classic favorite, this soup is so much better than the stuff you get in a can!
  • Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup - This classic soup is such a wonderful combination of flavors. The lemon is bright
  • Navy Ham Bean Soup with is another great bean soup recipe!

If you still have some leftover ham, be sure and try this recipe for cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole - it's a great side or fabulous main dish!

More soups and stews!

You know me, I'm such a fan of a great bean soup (like this Navy Bean Soup Recipe)! Whether that's Black-Eyed Pea, Bean Soup with Bacon or Lentil Stew, it's always a great meal. Here are a few more of my favorites!

I love a soup that is simple and delicious! 15 Bean Soup with Ham freezes great and is super affordable too.

Whether it is cold where you live or a beautiful summer's day, soup is always good food! Please try this, you won't be disappointed!

15 Bean Soup with ham in white bowl
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5 from 5 votes

15 Bean Soup with Ham

This hearty soup is a great recipe with amazing flavor!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Optional - soaking beans overnight8 hours hrs
Total Time9 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
Course: Soups &amp, Stews
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 380kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots about 3 carrots
  • 1 cup chopped sweet yellow onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery about 2 stalks
  • 1 cup whole cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup baby spinach chopped and tightly packed
  • 1 20 oz package 15 beans mix or multi beans dry
  • 1 cup diced ham plus 1 ham bone or 1 ham hock
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 10-12 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Pick through the beans well checking for small rocks and/or dirt clods. Rinse the beans in cold water. Soak them in water overnight. In the morning when you are ready to cook them, drain and rinse them with cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  • Chop the carrots, onion, celery and spinach. Leave the tomatoes whole.
  • Heat olive oil in a heavy bottom stockpot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the carrots, onion, celery, tomatoes and spinach. Add the pepper, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning - do not add the salt yet! Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the bay leaf, ham, hambone, beans and fresh water. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Reduce to a medium-low and cover leaving a small vent on the pot to allow some steam to escape.
  • Stirring occasionally, cook until the beans are soft, about 1 ½ hours. Add additional water if needed.
  • When the beans are soft, remove bay leaf and discard. Remove the hambone. Allow it to cool long enough to remove the meat. Add the meat back into the soup, plus one cup diced ham.
  • Now is the time to add the salt. Taste and adjust the seasonings. It may take about a teaspoon of salt.
  • Optional - add a squeeze of fresh lemon and a handful of minced parsley at the end to brighten the flavors of the soup.

Notes

The package of dried beans may contain a "Ham Flavored Packet" - discard it. It's filled with sodium. Just toss it and flavor the soup as directed above. 
Why wait until the end to add the salt? Adding salt at the beginning of the cooking process toughens the beans. Plus the hamhock is plenty salty. Wait until the beans are soft. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed at the end.

Instant Pot Directions:

  1. Rinse the beans well, soaking overnight is not necessary.
  2. Turn pressure cooker to saute. Add olive oil and vegetables. Saute until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients. Do not overfill the pressure cooker.
  4. Place the lid on, seal and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Quick-release pressure at the end.
  5. Open the lid and remove ham bone, pick off the meat.
  6. Return the meat to the Instant Pot. Stir and serve.

Crock Pot Directions:

  1. Rinse the beans. Drain and pour them in a slow cooker with water, prepared vegetables and ham.
  2. Stir to combine. Set crockpot on low and cook for 8-10 hours then check to make sure beans are tender.
  3. When the beans are tender, remove the hambone, pick the meat off the bone, returning it to the pot.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3190IU | Vitamin C: 8.7mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2.1mg
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First Published: January 17, 2017... Last Updated: January 9, 2020

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lois

    February 15, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    5 stars
    I love bean soup and this is so good. Be sure to give this a try. So easy to make and so good to eat.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 16, 2018 at 6:57 pm

      Bean soup is a favorite here too - delicious, affordable and such a complete meal. I’m so glad you enjoy it!!

      Reply
  2. Joy @ Joy Love Food

    April 12, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    Yum, I love bean soup, this sounds fantastic!

    Reply
  3. Brandy M

    April 11, 2015 at 12:11 pm

    I wish my family like beans! This looks delicious! I might have to make it when I have company over! Then I will have an excuse to make this! 😉

    Reply
  4. Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah

    April 09, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    This sounds divine! It's been way too long since I've had a decent soup. Pinning this for later 😀

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 1:07 pm

      Awesome, thanks Chrisy - I think you will really enjoy it!

      Reply
  5. Stephanie Stuart

    April 09, 2015 at 11:10 am

    I love this soup, thank you so much for your tasty and healthy vittles!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 1:07 pm

      You bet Stephanie, I sure appreciate all of your support!

      Reply
  6. heather @french press

    April 09, 2015 at 7:49 am

    the more beans the better I say 🙂 this looks delicious

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 10:46 am

      Me too, thanks Heather! 😀

      Reply
  7. lizzy

    April 09, 2015 at 7:29 am

    bean soup is one of my ultimate comfort foods, i have a similar recipe and love it. this is a perfect winter soup! great recipe!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 10:47 am

      Thank you Lizzy!

      Reply
  8. Susan@LunaCafe

    April 09, 2015 at 7:25 am

    Oh I do love 15 Bean Soup! There's something magical about those beautiful packages of mixed beans. And it's lovely the way the smaller beans disintegrate, giving body to the broth.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 10:48 am

      So true, I'm such a fan of soup - so much flavor! Thanks for stopping by Susan!

      Reply
  9. Judy@ImBoredLetsGo

    April 09, 2015 at 6:22 am

    Bean soups are so good! I happen to have a bag of mixed beans in the pantry...I think I'll try your recipe with them!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 6:23 am

      Awesome Judy, give it a try and let me know what you thinK!

      Reply
  10. peter @feedyoursoultoo

    April 08, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    Such a hearty soup. I like all the beans.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 5:45 am

      Thanks for stopping by Peter, I hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  11. christine

    April 08, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    This soup looks so satisfying w/ all those beans.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 5:45 am

      Thanks Christine, it's so delicious, I think you & your family will love it!

      Reply
  12. Lia

    April 07, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    Thank you for making it so easy to print your recipes. Your PRINT at the bottom of your recipe link sure is convenient!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 09, 2015 at 6:24 am

      You bet Lia!

      Reply
  13. Lia

    April 07, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    I've tried making bean soup and it always tastes bland. But adding the spinach and red pepper flakes makes all the difference! Thanks for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 07, 2015 at 2:21 pm

      Of course Lia! I love bean soup, it's really one of my favorites. The red pepper and spinach will make a big difference and also, waiting to add any salt. Sounds odd, but it really changes the texture of the beans and what they will absorb!

      Reply
  14. Lois Corliss

    April 07, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    This just looks so good. I will be making it very soon. Love beans and all you can do with them. Thank you for the idea.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 07, 2015 at 2:22 pm

      Same way here, just love how versatile and filling they are! I hope you enjoy this recipe Lois!

      Reply
      • Bette Herrera

        January 31, 2023 at 3:49 pm

        And nutritious 💕

        Reply

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