Navy Bean Soup

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Navy Bean Soup: Hearty, Comforting & Full of Flavor

Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of Navy Bean Soup—a classic comfort dish that’s nutritious, protein-packed, and incredibly satisfying. Made with tender navy beans, smoky ham (or a vegetarian alternative), aromatic herbs, and a rich broth, this soup is perfect for cold days, meal prepping, or a wholesome family dinner.

This recipe is easy to make, whether you choose to use a stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, and it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Warm & Comforting – A rich, hearty broth with tender beans.
✔ Nutritious & Protein-Packed – Navy beans are loaded with fiber and protein.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, pantry staples for a big, flavorful meal.
✔ Easy to Make – Can be made on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
✔ Customizable – Make it vegetarian, spicy, or extra smoky.

Ingredients

To make authentic, flavorful navy bean soup, you’ll need:

For the Soup:

  • 1 pound dried navy beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (more as needed)
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 2 cups diced ham (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, adds richness)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • A drizzle of olive oil

How to Make Navy Bean Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Beans (If Using Dried Beans)

  • Quick Soak Method: Boil beans in a pot of water for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour. Drain before using.
  • Overnight Soak Method: Soak beans in water overnight, then drain.

(Skip this step if using canned beans.)

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

  1. Add beans, broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and ham hock (if using).
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, or until the beans are soft.
  3. Remove the ham hock, shred any meat, and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Blend & Serve

  • For a creamier soup, mash some of the beans with a spoon or blend half the soup with an immersion blender.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup

  • Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours until beans are tender.

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

  • Use the sauté function to cook onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Add remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
  • Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then open the lid.

Serving Suggestions

🍞 With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
🥓 With Bacon Bits – Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for extra smokiness.
🧀 With Cheese – Add grated Parmesan or cheddar for extra richness.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding broth if needed.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Navy Bean Soup is nutritious, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal, a meal-prep option, or a freezer-friendly dish, it’s guaranteed to warm you up with its rich, smoky, and satisfying flavors.

Try it today and enjoy a hearty bowl of homemade goodness!

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