This easy freezer ham and bean soup has all the flavor of the traditional version, but comes together in minutes and can be frozen ahead for busy nights!
Nothing warms up a cold winter day faster than a steaming bowl of delicious homemade soup! Of course there’s not always time to put in a full day of cooking to get that homemade soup just right. I’m always looking for ways to make our family favorites faster and freezer friendly, and this “cheater” version of ham & bean soup was a huge hit!
Traditional ham & bean soup can take a while to make, especially if you are using dry beans, but this quick & easy recipe comes together in minutes using canned beans and pre-cooked ham. You can cook it right away, or freeze it to cook in the crock pot later–it literally doesn’t get any easier!
Easy Freezer Ham & Bean Soup
Here is what you need:
4 large carrots 4 large celery ribs 1 large onion 3 15oz cans great northern beans, rinsed & drained 3 15 oz cans navy beans, rinsed & drained 10 cups chicken broth 4 cups cubed fully cooked ham 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 bay leafStep 1: Slice carrots & celery; chop onion.
Step 2: In large bowl, mix together carrots, celery, onion, garlic, beans, broth, ham, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Step 3: Divide soup mixture into 2 gallon freezer bags. (Be sure to label bags first!)
Step 4: Add 1 bay leaf to each bag; seal and freeze.
Step 5: Thaw; place soup in crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Remove bay leaf. For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree some of the broth, or place a few cups in the blender, then return to pot. (Optional!) Serve with crusty bread.
EASY HAM & BEAN SOUP
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots
- 4 large celery ribs
- 1 large onion
- 3 15 oz cans great northern beans rinsed & drained
- 3 15 oz cans navy beans rinsed & drained
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaf
Instructions
- Slice carrots & celery; chop onion.
- In large bowl, mix together carrots, celery, onion, beans, broth, ham, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Divide soup mixture into 2 gallon freezer bags. (Be sure to label bags first!)
- Add 1 bay leaf to each bag; seal and freeze.
- Thaw; place soup in crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Remove bay leaf. For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree some of the broth, or place a few cups in the blender, then return to pot. (Optional!)Serve with crusty bread.
Recipe Notes
Preparation time: 5-7 minutes. Cooking time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in crockpot. Number of servings (yield): 12-14.
Other soup recipes you’ll love:
- Quick and Easy Taco Soup
- One Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Beer Cheese Soup
- Easy French Onion Soup
- Buffalo Chicken Soup (Easy Freezer to Slow-Cooker Recipe!)
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I use a ham bone with meat left on it
Do yo have any suggestions for cooking the ham? Or where to find ham already cooked and cubed?
You can use a thick cut of deli ham or sometimes there is already cubed ham in the meat section, near the hotdogs.
Wow! This soup is great. I made it last night and my husband said it was the best soup he’s ever had.
Great recipe! Looks like a nice and hearty soup perfect for the Winter! Thanks for sharing!
Love bean soup! This looks great and love the convenience- thanks!