Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup: A Cozy Kitchen Story + Delicious & Easy Recipe

I’ll never forget the autumn afternoon when I first learned how to make Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup. I was thirteen, trying to warm up after coming home cold and disappointed from being benched during a soccer game. My grandmother greeted me with a bowl of Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup that smelled like a warm hug. That first spoonful changed the way I felt it was comfort, nourishment, and love all in one. By the time I finished the bowl, I was already talking a mile a minute, telling her all about the game. She just smiled and handed me a second helping of her famous Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup.

Why Everyone Loves Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup

There’s a reason Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup tops the list of favorite family meals: it’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor. This soup combines tender chunks of ham, creamy potatoes, and crisp green beans in a savory broth that warms from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something satisfying after a long day, Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup delivers every time.

What makes Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup special is how each ingredient complements the others. The saltiness of the ham infuses the broth, the potatoes add comforting thickness, and the green beans bring a fresh pop of color and texture. Together, they create a balanced and deeply flavorful dish that tastes like tradition in every bite.

Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup

This hearty and comforting soup combines diced ham, creamy potatoes, and fresh green beans in a savory chicken broth. Perfect for any season and easy to make, it’s the kind of dish that warms both your belly and your heart.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups ham diced, leftover holiday ham works great
• 4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
• 2 cups green beans trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• thyme or parsley optional, for garnish or extra flavor

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Equipment

• Large Pot
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add diced ham to the pot. Cook for about 3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Add cubed potatoes and stir to coat them in the flavors from the pot.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
5. Add green beans and cook for another 10 minutes, until tender but still vibrant.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with thyme or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Frozen green beans can be used in place of fresh. Mash a few potatoes for a creamier texture or add a splash of cream at the end for richness. Pairs well with crusty bread or salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll gather to make the best Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup:

• Ham – 2 cups diced (leftover from a holiday ham works perfectly)
• Potatoes – 4 medium, peeled and cubed
• Green beans – 2 cups trimmed and cut into bite‑size pieces
• Onion – 1 medium, diced
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth – 6 cups
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Herbs (optional) – thyme or parsley for extra flavor

With these simple ingredients, you’re ready to make this classic dish stand out. The combination of ham, potato & green bean in one pot makes a wholesome, filling meal that feels like home.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup

Let’s walk through making Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup together:

1. Sauté the Base:
   Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic. The aroma will start filling your kitchen — this is the moment you know your Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup is on its way.
2. Add Ham:
   Mix the diced ham into your aromatic base. Let it cook with the onions and garlic for about 3 minutes. This allows the savory ham flavor to deepen and spread throughout the soup.
3. Potatoes Go In:
   Add the cubed potatoes, stirring them gently so they soak up the flavors. Potatoes are essential in Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup for giving that creamy texture we all crave.
4. Pour Broth and Simmer:
   Slowly pour in the chicken broth until everything is covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. This step lets the potatoes soften and the broth develop more taste.
5. Green Beans Last:
   Add the green beans during the last 10 minutes so they stay vibrant and slightly crisp. Once the beans are tender but still bright green, your Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup is nearly ready.
6. Season and Serve:
   Taste your soup and sprinkle in salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of thyme or fresh parsley for extra depth. Ladle into bowls, and enjoy the comforting goodness of Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup.

Tips for Perfect Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup

Making this comforting soup doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are a few tips to make your Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup even better:

• Use leftover ham from holiday dinners its rich flavor makes your soup extra savory.
• Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t overcook green beans; they should be tender‑crisp to balance the soft potatoes and rich ham.
• If you like creamier soup, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot for added thickness.
• Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a richer broth this variation makes your Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup feel extra indulgent.

With a few simple steps and intentional choices, this soup becomes a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

A Personal Memory That Makes This Soup Special

I can still hear my grandmother’s voice asking, “Hungry?” as she stirred the pot of Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup on chilly afternoons. After my soccer losses or school frustrations, that soup was my refuge. Sometimes she even placed a crusty slice of bread beside the bowl, telling me to dunk until I couldn’t fit another bite. That’s the memory that sticks with me the smell of onions sizzling, the steam curling up from the bowl, and the warmth spreading from my chest out to my fingertips. That’s more than a recipe; that’s why Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup will always feel like home.

Why This Soup Is Great for Any Season

You might think soups are just for winter, but Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup works in every season. In cooler months, it warms you up from the inside. In spring or fall, its fresh green beans and light broth feel just right. And even on summer evenings when the air gets crisp, a bowl of Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup feels comforting without weighing you down.

Plus, it’s a budget‑friendly meal that stretches well great for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and sometimes taste even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans for my Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup?

Yes! Frozen green beans are a great option if fresh ones aren’t available. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t get too soft. Using frozen beans in your Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup keeps it easy and convenient.

What if I don’t have leftover ham?

You can use any diced cooked ham, or even smoked sausage if you prefer. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the pot, and your Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup will still be rich and delicious.

How long does this soup last?

Stored in an airtight container, Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for lunches or quick dinners all week long.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Ham, potato & green bean soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, transfer to freezer‑safe containers, and it can last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low.

Pairing Ideas for Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup

Serve your Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup with:

• A warm baguette or crusty sourdough bread
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic toast for dipping

These simple sides make your meal feel complete and extra satisfying.

Final Thoughts on Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup

From that first bowl in my grandmother’s kitchen to every time I make a pot on a cool afternoon, Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup has remained one of my all‑time favorite meals. Its rich broth, hearty ingredients, and simple preparation make it perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or anytime you need comfort food that fills you up and warms your heart.

So next time you’re wondering what to cook, remember how a humble mix of ham, potatoes, and green beans can turn into something extraordinary. Grab your pot, chop your ingredients, and let the aroma of Ham, Potato & Green Bean Soup weave its way through your home. You might just find, like I did, that one spoonful is all it takes to brighten your day.

I’m the creator of Quicky Girl Recipes, where I share easy air fryer meals, cozy comfort food, and simple recipes made for real life.
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