Soup

Hearty 13 Bean Soup Recipe

A deeply satisfying, aromatic bowl packed with thirteen beans simmered slowly with smoky ham and savory herbs for comforting, home-style goodness.

Imagine opening the kitchen door to the smell of a rich, slow-simmering pot, each tiny bean plump and glossy in a broth that tastes like pure comfort.

This Hearty 13 Bean Soup is the perfect reason to make an extra batch, since it reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day, giving you easy, delicious leftovers all week.

I first started making it on chilly evenings when I needed something nurturing yet simple, and it has become a trusted staple that always makes the house feel like home.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time15 mins

🔥Cook Time2 hours 45 mins

🕐Total Time3 hours

🍰Servings8 generous cups

🇺🇸CuisineAmerican

🔢Calories~280 per cup

Ingredients

Beans and Aromatics

1 1/2 cups dried great northern beans, soaked overnight and drained

1 1/2 cups dried kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained

1 1/2 cups dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained

1 1/2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained

1/2 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained

1/4 cup dried lima beans, soaked overnight and drained

1/4 cup dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained

1/4 cup dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

10 cups low sodium chicken broth

Meat and Finish

4 ounces smoked ham, diced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Substitutions & Variations

★Use smoked turkey leg or a ham hock instead of smoked ham for a deeper, richer flavor.

★Replace any of the beans with an equal amount of cooked canned beans to save time.

★Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian.

★If you do not have dried beans, use a 28 ounce can of mixed beans and reduce added salt.

★Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a gentle kick of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Combine Soaked Beans and Broth

Drain the soaked beans, add them to an 8 quart pot, then stir in the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir so the beans are submerged but not compacted.

2

Simmer Until Beans Are Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce to a low simmer, partially covered, and cook for about 1 hour, checking occasionally and adding a splash more broth if needed to keep them barely bubbling.

3

Brown the Ham

While the beans simmer, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, add the diced smoked ham, and cook, stirring often, until lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4

Stir in Tomato Paste and Ham

Stir the tomato paste into the bean pot until fully blended, then add the browned ham along with any rendered juices, and continue simmering gently to develop richer flavor.

5

Season and Test for Doneness

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the ham will add saltiness. The beans should be creamy and tender but still hold their shape, with a thick, satisfying broth.

6

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir in most of the chopped parsley, letting it wilt into the soup for extra color and freshness, and adjust the seasoning one last time if needed.

7

Rest for Best Flavor

Turn off the heat and let the soup rest, covered, for at least 20 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together beautifully.

8

Ladle and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, drizzle a little olive oil if you like richness, and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and an extra pinch of paprika for visual appeal.

9

Serve with Sides

Pair the soup with cornbread, a light green salad, or crusty bread to make the meal feel complete and cozy.

10

Cool and Store Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days, reheating gently on the stovetop while adding a little extra broth if it thickens too much.

Pro Baker Tips

✓For even creamier beans, add 1 teaspoon baking soda to the soaking water and discard it before cooking.

✓Taste and adjust salt only after the ham goes in, since it adds a savory, salty depth.

✓If the soup thickens too much, thin it gradually with hot broth or water while stirring.

✓To reheat in a slow cooker, place the cooled soup in the insert and warm on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding a splash of liquid if needed.

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days and reheat on the stovetop over medium low, adding a little broth to loosen the texture.

◆Freeze in portion sized containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

◆Keep the ham bone, if used, aside while eating to avoid picking out small pieces, then discard it after the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soul satisfying soup in deep bowls with plenty of napkins nearby.

›Over a scoop of cooked rice for extra heartiness

›With a wedge of lemon to brighten each spoonful

›Alongside warm cornbread or a crusty baguette slice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the beans without soaking them first

Yes, you can use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit off heat for 1 hour, but they may take slightly longer to become fully tender.

How do I stop the soup from being too salty

Add extra unsalted chicken broth or water, and balance with a squeeze of lemon juice to lift the flavors without increasing salt.

What if I do not have smoked ham

Substitute with diced cooked bacon or a vegetarian smoky seasoning to still get that rich, savory backbone.

Can I make this in a slow cooker

Absolutely, combine the soaked beans, aromatics, and broth in the slow cooker, cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, then stir in the ham during the last 30 minutes.

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Go Make It!

This Hearty 13 Bean Soup is the kind of hug in a bowl that turns an ordinary evening into something special, so go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every cozy spoonful.