• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Oh, That's Good

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • For Two
  • Collections
  • About
  • Tips
  • Appetizers
  • Soups
  • Cookies
  • Pies & Tarts
  • Cake & Muffins
  • Sides
  • Savory Breakfast
  • Sweet Breakfast
  • Pasta & Rice
  • Bread & Pastry
  • Ice Cream & Puddings
  • Beef
  • Poultry
  • Pork
  • Sandwich & Burger
  • Pizza
  • Sauce & Condiments
  • Asian
  • Mediterranean
  • Tex-Mex
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • For Two
    • Collections
    • About
    • Tips
    • Appetizers
    • Soups
    • Cookies
    • Pies & Tarts
    • Cake & Muffins
    • Sides
    • Savory Breakfast
    • Sweet Breakfast
    • Pasta & Rice
    • Bread & Pastry
    • Ice Cream & Puddings
    • Beef
    • Poultry
    • Pork
    • Sandwich & Burger
    • Pizza
    • Sauce & Condiments
    • Asian
    • Mediterranean
    • Tex-Mex
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    HOME » Recipes » Sides

    Published: Oct 4, 2023· This website generates income via ads · by Mary

    Budget-Friendly 15-Bean Soup Mix with Ham Bone

    Jump to Recipe

    Soup season is upon us and what better way to usher in those chilly evenings than with a heartwarming and budget-friendly dish? Enter the Budget-Friendly 15-Bean Soup Mix with Ham Bone. A fusion of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious. You can cook it fast in the pressure cooker, on the stove top for a couple of hours, or at your leisure in the crockpot.

    Two bowls of 15 bean soup.
    Jump to:
    • WHAT'S TO LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE
    • WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE 15 BEAN SOUP
    • A FEW INGREDIENT NOTES
    • SUBSTITUTIONS
    • VARIATIONS
    • EQUIPMENT
    • PRO COOKING TIPS
    • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
    • HOW TO MAKE EASY 15 BEAN SOUP
    • Budget Friendly 15-Bean Soup Mix with Ham Bone
    • Looking for other soups or chowders like 15-Bean Soup?
    • Comments

    WHAT'S TO LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE

    This 15-bean soup is more than just a new recipe to add to your collection.

    • It's a delightful blend of beans that complement the savory taste of the leftover ham bone.
    • The rich, deep flavors are enhanced by the seasoning packet, making each spoonful delicious.
    • It is a hands-off soup. You do almost no work for all the reward.

    IS 15-BEAN SOUP BUDGET FRIENDLY?

    Mary's Two Cents: This bean soup fits perfectly into the "Cheap" category on OhThat'sGood, proof perfect that a delicious soup doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet.

    WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE 15 BEAN SOUP

    A few simple ingredients are all you need to make this Budget Friendly 15-Bean Soup Mix with Ham Bone.

    Ingredients for 15 bean soup with ha.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    A FEW INGREDIENT NOTES

    • 15 bean soup mix: This diverse bean blend includes black beans, navy beans, pink beans, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, white kidney beans, and more. It’s the heart of the soup, adding texture and flavor.
    • Meaty ham bone: The key to extracting rich flavors. If you’ve got a leftover holiday ham bone, it's perfect for this recipe. Most ham bone, ham shank, etc are smoked. They do give quite a smokey flavor to the soup. If you don't like that, you can use a small packaged ham. Today's' price for a package of two small ham shanks is just $6.04.
    • Seasoning packet: Enhances the soup's flavor depth. Don’t skip it!

    SUBSTITUTIONS

    • If you don’t have the seasoning packet, a combination of chili powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes can give a similar taste profile.
    • Instead of water, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for added richness. Caveat: When using a soup base or broth, unless it is low sodium, always be careful to reduce or omit the salt until the soup is cooked enough to taste. Add more if needed.
    • I highly recommend using chicken broth or ham broth. Yes, ham broth is a thing! My favorite brand is Better Than Bouillon Ham Base. It can be hard to find at the grocery store, but is easily available online. It is budget-friendly too. An 8 ounce jar costs just $5.69 and can last a long time and for many other uses.
    A jar of better than bouillon ham base for homemade soup.

    VARIATIONS

    • Andouille sausage: Add a spicy kick by including slices of Andouille sausage. I love this variation. The sausage works so well with the ham bone for adding extra flavor and that little kick of heat. I like things spicy, so I add a few drops of hot sauce to the soup at the table.
    • Onion or peppers: you may add these raw for the last hour of cooking.
    • Fresh parsley: I really like to garnish soups before serving. For a fresh touch add a little chopped parsley.

    EQUIPMENT

    A large pot with a lid like a Dutch oven is perfect for stovetop cooking. A slow cooker or an instant pot can be used if you'd like to make this soup with ease. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly. Using a pressure cooker? It's a great way to cut down the time. Other than that, a wooden spoon for stirring is all you need.

    PRO COOKING TIPS

    1. When simmering, ensure it's on medium heat to allow the flavors to meld without overcooking the beans. You can reduce it to a low heat after it starts to simmer if you want it to cook low and slow.
    2. If using a crock pot, I recommend extending the cooking time to extract maximum flavor from the ham bone. I set my crock pot to high and cook for six hours. If not done, cook it longer.
    3. Always season in stages. This ensures you don’t over-salt or over-spice. Especially important if uses broth or bullion.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Can I use an air-tight container for storage?

    Yes! It helps in preserving the freshness of the soup for the next day. Use or freeze within 2 days.

    Where can I find the 15-bean soup mix?

    Most grocery stores carry it, particularly Hurst's Hambeens brand.

    Can I use ham steak instead?

    Sure! While the bone adds depth, ham steak can provide the meatiness.

    How do I save a ham bone after serving the ham?

    You can freeze your ham bone after your ham dinner, then pull it out to thaw when ready to make your bean and ham soup. Once your ham dinner is finished, allow the ham bone to cool completely, then put it in a gallon-size freezer Ziploc bag, get as much air out as you can, close it, and pop it in the freezer. Pull it out of the freezer when you are ready to use it.

    HOW TO MAKE EASY 15 BEAN SOUP

    Ham bone and meat on a marble countertop.

    Step 1: Add ham bone and 8 cups of water to a stock pot, cover and boil for 1 hour.

    A pot of soup with meat and beans in it, featuring ham shank prepared in pot.

    Step 2: Add beans and seasoning packet.

    A pot with a mixture of ingredients,  in it.

    Step 3: Add the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Replace the cover, and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

    A plate of chopped meat on a marble table.

    Step 4: Remove the ham bone from the pot, and cut or pull the meat off.

    Meat and vegetables cooked in a pot.

    Step 5: Add the meat back to the pot, cover, and simmer for an additional hour.

    Two bowls of soup.

    Step 6: Remove from heat, and serve with crackers or crusty bread for a complete and filling meal.

    I highly recommend topping your 15-Bean Soup with these Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Croutons.

    A bowl of air fried croutons with a salad and dressing.

    Budget Friendly 15-Bean Soup Mix with Ham Bone

    This 15 bean soup recipe is hearty and satisfying with texture from the beans and flavor from the ham. Yet is so easy to make.
    5 from 31 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
    Course
    Main Course
    ,
    Soup
    Servings 4
    Budget
    Cheap

    Equipment

    • 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot or slow cooker or pressure (InstantPot)
    • 1 wooden spoon

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 ounce ½ bag 15 bean soup mix + flavoring packet from bean package
    • 1 each meaty ham bone
    • 4 cups water or broth
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Add ham bone and 4 cups of water to a stock pot, cover, and boil for 1 hour.
    • Add beans and seasoning packet, garlic, salt and pepper. Replace the cover, and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
    • Remove the ham bone from the pot, and cut off the meat.
    • Add the meat back to the pot, cover, and simmer for an additional hour.
    • Remove from heat, and serve with crackers or crusty bread for a complete and filling meal.

    Notes

    • Nutritional information may be inaccurate due to the nutrition app's inability to report data for the ham shank and bean soup mix. I added them manually from the nutritional information on the package.
    • If you don't want as much smokey flavor from the ham, cook the first 30 minutes in water, then pour out the water, measuring the amount you poured off. Add that amount of water or broth back into the pot and continue cooking for the additional 30 minutes.
    • If you want to add vegetables like onion or bell peppers, add them before the final 30 minutes of cooking to retain their shape and texture.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 7gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 583mgPotassium: 326mgFiber: 7gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg

    Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.

    We take every effort to ensure that the estimated meal cost per serving is accurate. We use a meal cost analysis application that estimates the cost of a recipe based on groceries purchased at a Walmart store in my geographical area, northern California.

    • Nutritional information may be inaccurate due to the nutrition app's inability to report data for the ham shank and bean soup mix. I added them manually from the nutritional information on the package.
    • If you don't want as much smokey flavor from the ham, cook the first 30 minutes in water, then pour out the water, measuring the amount you poured off. Add that amount of water or broth back into the pot and continue cooking for the additional 30 minutes.
    • If you want to add vegetables like onion or bell peppers, add them before the final 30 minutes of cooking to retain their shape and texture.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Looking for other soups or chowders like 15-Bean Soup?

    Try these:

    • Cam chowder and oyster crackers.
      Bar Harbor New England Style Clam Chowder Recipe
    • Soup with ground beef, vegetables, and crackers.
      Crockpot Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
    • Bowl of lemon chicken soup.
      Recipe for Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for Two
    • Bowl of clam chowder with bred and butter.
      Fresh Clam Chowder

    Cooking should be as enjoyable as eating. This easy 15-bean soup recipe ensures both. Whether you’ve been on the hunt for soup recipes that don’t break the bank or simply seeking great northern beans and large Lima bean combinations, this dish is for you. Garnish with a dash of lemon juice and serve it up in big bowls. From black beans to cranberry beans, every bite is packed with flavor. Even if you’re not a fan of yellow split peas or you’ve never tried bean blend soups, this is one recipe that’s bound to become a favorite. Here’s to heartwarming, pocketbook-friendly meals like my Lentil Soup.

    Bowl of lentil soup with boiled eggs.

    More Sides

    • A piece of cornbread on a white plate.
      Can You Make Easy Corn Casserole Without Creamed Corn? Yes!
    • Savory sweet potato and cranberry risotto.
      Vegetarian Butternut Squash Casserole with Sweet Potatoes
    • A plate of roasted sweet potatoes with pecans on it.
      Roasted Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes Recipe
    • A plate displaying a delicious fried green tomato recipe.
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Ranch Dipping Sauce

    Sharing is caring! Thanks for supporting us!

    2 shares
    • Facebook
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A woman wearing a vintage 1949 t - shirt.

    I am Mary, the blogger behind "Oh That's Good!" I live with my husband, Michael and our little mutt, Lucky in a lovely retirement community in northern California. We are cooking for two, without breaking the bank!

    more about

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    • Privacy Policy
    • Nutritional Disclaimer
    • Contact
    • Work With Me