Midwest Harvest Bean & Ham Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, slow-simmered soup featuring pantry staples like ham, beans, and seasonal vegetables, evoking the warmth of a Minnesota estate kitchen. This American-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs Diced ham, Diced carrots, Diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, combine 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup diced celery, and 1/2 cup diced onion. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 can drained kidney beans, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Midwest Harvest Bean & Ham Soup take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Midwest Harvest Bean & Ham Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced ham from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Midwest Harvest Bean & Ham Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Midwest Harvest Bean & Ham Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Midwest Harvest Bean & Ham Soup?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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