Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup

 Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup

Rustic Comfort in a Bowl — Smoky, Creamy, and Packed with Flavor

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The Ultimate Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup Recipe

When the temperatures drop and you're craving something deeply comforting, few dishes deliver like a Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup. This soul-warming classic is built on simple ingredients that, when slowly simmered together, transform into something magical: a rich, creamy broth loaded with smoky ham, tender navy beans, and aromatic vegetables. It's the kind of rustic, homemade comfort food that hugs you from the inside out.

What makes this soup irresistible? It’s all in the slow simmer — allowing smoked ham hocks to infuse every spoonful with their deep, meaty essence, while the beans turn velvety soft, creating a naturally thick, hearty texture. It's budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and packed with nutrients, making it the perfect meal prep staple or centerpiece of a cozy dinner.

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🧄 Ingredients & Their Delicious Roles

✔️ 1 large onion, chopped

Adds a rich, savory base flavor that deepens as the soup cooks.

✔️ 2 stalks celery, chopped

Brings an earthy, slightly bitter balance to the sweetness of the carrots and richness of the ham.

✔️ 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

Provides subtle sweetness and bright color, plus a nutritional boost.

✔️ 2 cloves garlic, minced

Adds depth and a punch of aromatic warmth.

✔️ 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight

The star of the show—these small, creamy beans soak up all the smoky flavor and provide a hearty, protein-packed base.

✔️ 1–2 smoked ham hocks

Infuses the soup with deep, smoky flavor. The slow-cooked meat becomes fall-apart tender and incredibly flavorful.

✔️ 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Forms the broth. Chicken broth adds extra richness, while water lets the ham’s smokiness shine.

✔️ 1 bay leaf

Imparts subtle herbal notes that enhance the overall depth.

✔️ 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Adds a woodsy, slightly minty flavor that pairs beautifully with the ham and beans.

✔️ Salt and black pepper, to taste

Seasoning is key—adjust at the end once the ham and broth flavors have concentrated.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes, until vegetables are softened and aromatic.

> Pro Tip: Sautéing first builds flavor. Don’t skip this step!

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Step 2: Add Beans, Ham Hocks, and Liquid

Stir in the soaked and drained navy beans, ham hocks, water or broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Increase heat and bring to a gentle boil.

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Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow

Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot. Simmer for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally. Check the beans for tenderness — they should be soft and creamy. The ham should be nearly falling off the bone.

> Pro Tip: For a creamier texture, mash a few beans against the side of the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

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Step 4: Remove Ham Hocks and Shred the Meat

Carefully remove the ham hocks and let them cool slightly. Shred the tender meat, discarding any fat or bone. Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir to combine.

> No ham hock? Use diced smoked ham or leftover holiday ham as a substitute.

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Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 10 more minutes to meld the flavors.

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🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-packed and fiber-rich thanks to navy beans and ham.

Deep smoky flavor from slow-simmered ham hocks.

Naturally creamy texture without cream or flour.

Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly for batch cooking.

Versatile — serve as a starter, main course, or even a next-day lunch.

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🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup

Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Don’t add salt early — ham hocks are salty; wait until the end to season.

For a thicker soup, blend 1 cup of soup and stir it back in.

Store leftovers in airtight containers — it tastes even better the next day!

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🥖 Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty soup with:

Crusty sourdough bread or cornbread for dipping.

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.

A side of roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for extra fiber.

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✅ Final Thoughts: Simple, Satisfying, and Incredibly Flavorful

This Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup is proof that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can yield extraordinary flavor. It's the kind of dish that brings people together — a bowl of rustic comfort that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations. With its smoky aroma, creamy beans, and savory depth, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

So go ahead—make a big pot. You’ll be glad you did.

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Ready to cozy up with the perfect bowl of soup? Bookmark this recipe, share it with fellow soup lovers, and leave a comment below with your favorite way to serve it!