If you want a warm and filling meal, this Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup recipe is perfect. It is hearty, rich and full of flavor. Many people search for the Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup recipe because it is simple and comforting.
In this guide, you will learn how to make Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup step by step. This dish is great for cold days, family dinners or meal prep.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
- The secret of this soup is slow cooking. It helps the beans become soft and creamy.
- Using ham adds a smoky, savory flavor. It blends perfectly with the beans and vegetables.
- Another key is simmering gently. This allows all flavors to mix and develop fully.

Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup
- 2 cups dried white beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
1. Soak the Beans
Soak dried beans overnight in water. This helps them cook faster and become soft.
2. Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm before adding vegetables.
3. Cook Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Add Ham
Add diced ham to the pot. Stir and cook for 3 minutes to release smoky flavor.
5. Add Beans
Drain soaked beans and add them to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Pour Broth
Add chicken broth and stir. Make sure beans are fully covered with liquid.
7. Add Seasoning
Add salt, pepper, thyme and bay leaf. Stir well to distribute flavors evenly.
8. Simmer the Soup
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 1–1.5 hours until beans are tender.
9. Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
10. Serve Warm
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup recipe.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use canned beans to save time
- Add potatoes for extra thickness
- Use ham bone for deeper flavor
- Add spinach or kale for nutrition
- Do not skip soaking for dried beans
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
- Mash some beans for a thicker soup
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this soup with crusty bread or cornbread. It also pairs well with a fresh salad.
- You can enjoy it as a full meal or a starter before dinner.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stove or microwave until warm. Add water or broth if it thickens.
- You can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried white beans soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cooked ham diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Soak the Beans
- Soak dried beans overnight in water. This helps them cook faster and become soft.
Heat the Oil
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm before adding vegetables.
Cook Vegetables
- Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add Ham
- Add diced ham to the pot. Stir and cook for 3 minutes to release smoky flavor.
Add Beans
- Drain soaked beans and add them to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Pour Broth
- Add chicken broth and stir. Make sure beans are fully covered with liquid.
Add Seasoning
- Add salt, pepper, thyme and bay leaf. Stir well to distribute flavors evenly.
Simmer the Soup
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 1–1.5 hours until beans are tender.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Serve Warm
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup recipe.
Notes
- Use canned beans to save time
- Add potatoes for extra thickness
- Use ham bone for deeper flavor
- Add spinach or kale for nutrition
- Do not skip soaking for dried beans
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
- Mash some beans for a thicker soup
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until beans are tender.
2. Why are my beans still hard?
They may not have soaked long enough or need more cooking time. Always simmer until soft.
3. Can I use canned beans instead?
Yes, reduce cooking time and add beans later since they are already cooked.
4. How to make Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup thicker?
Mash some beans or cook longer. This naturally thickens the soup without extra ingredients.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip ham and use vegetable broth. Add more vegetables for flavor.
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup recipe is hearty, simple and full of flavor. Now you know how to make Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup easily at home.
The ingredients for Pioneer Woman ham and bean soup are basic and easy to find. With this recipe, you can prepare a warm and comforting meal anytime.
Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade soup with your family.

Eliza Lane is a home cook and recipe creator at ElizaKitchen.com, sharing easy, tested recipes made with simple ingredients. Her goal is to make cooking simple, comforting and enjoyable.












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