22+ Delicious Navy Bean Soup Recipes to Try Today

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Navy bean soup is a timeless comfort food that offers hearty nutrition and rich flavors with every spoonful.

Known for its creamy texture and satisfying taste, navy bean soup can be prepared in a multitude of ways — from classic ham and bean recipes to vegetarian, smoky, and even curried variations. Whether you prefer a simple, wholesome bowl or a soup bursting with bold herbs and spices, navy bean soup provides endless possibilities to suit every palate.

In this article, we explore over twenty-two diverse navy bean soup recipes that are perfect for warming up your meals and nourishing your body.

22+ Delicious Navy Bean Soup Recipes to Try Today

With more than twenty-two navy bean soup recipes to explore, there’s no shortage of delicious and comforting options to add to your meal rotation.

From slow-cooked classics featuring smoky ham to inventive vegetarian and international-inspired soups, these recipes showcase the versatility of navy beans as a nutritious and satisfying ingredient.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, navy bean soup offers a flavorful, wholesome option for all occasions.

classic navy bean soup

Classic navy bean soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender navy beans simmered with savory ham, aromatic vegetables, and herbs.

This traditional soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a rich and satisfying meal that warms from the inside out.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Ham hock or diced ham
  • Onion, diced
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth or water
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and soak the navy beans overnight, then drain.
  2. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
  3. Add ham, navy beans, broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until beans are tender, about 1-2 hours.
  5. Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return to soup. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

This classic navy bean soup delivers a robust flavor and creamy texture from slow-cooked beans and smoky ham, making it a timeless favorite for family meals.

slow cooker navy bean soup

Slow cooker navy bean soup is an easy and convenient recipe that yields tender beans infused with smoky ham and rich seasonings.

Utilizing a slow cooker allows flavors to meld perfectly over time, creating a deeply satisfying and hands-off meal.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, rinsed and soaked
  • Smoked ham bone or diced ham
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, chopped
  • Celery, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients except salt and pepper in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for several hours until beans are soft and flavors meld.
  3. Remove ham bone, shred meat, and add back to the soup.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

The slow cooker method enhances the soup’s flavor while making preparation effortless, perfect for busy days when you want a nourishing, hearty meal ready when you are.

vegetarian navy bean soup

Vegetarian navy bean soup offers a meat-free alternative that’s just as hearty and flavorful.

Packed with beans, vegetables, and herbs, this version provides a comforting and nutritious meal without sacrificing taste or richness.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked and rinsed
  • Onion, diced
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Vegetable broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
  2. Add navy beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika.
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until beans are tender and soup thickens.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving.

This vegetarian navy bean soup offers a smoky, satisfying flavor using smoked paprika, making it a delicious option for vegetarians and those seeking a lighter, plant-based meal.

ham and navy bean soup

Ham and navy bean soup is a classic comfort food that combines smoky ham with tender navy beans and hearty vegetables.

This soup is slow-simmered to develop deep flavors, making it a perfect choice for warming up on a cold day or for a filling family meal.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Ham bone or diced ham
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, chopped
  • Celery, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and soak navy beans overnight, then drain.
  2. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
  3. Add ham bone, beans, broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender and soup is flavorful.
  5. Remove ham bone, shred meat, and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Ham and navy bean soup is rich and hearty with smoky undertones, perfect for a satisfying meal that nourishes the body and soul.

spicy navy bean soup

Spicy navy bean soup brings a kick to the traditional bean soup with the addition of chili powder and cayenne pepper.

This version is loaded with navy beans, vegetables, and bold spices, delivering warmth and depth in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Onion, diced
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Cumin
  • Bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
  2. Add soaked navy beans, broth, bay leaves, chili powder, cayenne, and cumin.
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Spicy navy bean soup offers a flavorful and warming experience, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their hearty meals.

creamy navy bean soup

Creamy navy bean soup is a smooth and velvety dish made by pureeing cooked navy beans with broth and aromatics.

This comforting soup is rich in protein and fiber, offering a satisfying texture and subtle, savory flavor.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked and cooked
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Carrots, chopped
  • Celery, chopped
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil or butter until softened.
  2. Add cooked navy beans and broth; simmer briefly.
  3. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
  4. Return soup to pot, add thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness if desired. Heat through and serve warm.

This creamy navy bean soup is a luscious and hearty option, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

italian navy bean soup

Italian navy bean soup is a flavorful and hearty dish inspired by rustic Italian cooking.

It features navy beans simmered with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of olive oil, creating a satisfying soup rich in Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.
  2. Add soaked navy beans, diced tomatoes, broth, rosemary, and thyme.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Italian navy bean soup combines comforting beans with vibrant Mediterranean herbs, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.

smoky navy bean soup

Smoky navy bean soup highlights the deep, rich flavor of smoked paprika and smoked meat, such as bacon or ham, blended with hearty navy beans and vegetables.

This soup is packed with smoky aroma and satisfying textures.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Bacon or smoked ham, diced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Smoked paprika
  • Bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook bacon or ham in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving fat in pot.
  2. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
  3. Add navy beans, broth, smoked paprika, and bay leaves.
  4. Simmer until beans are tender, then stir in cooked bacon or ham.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

This smoky navy bean soup is perfect for those who love deep, layered flavors and comforting, hearty meals.

navy bean and kale soup

Navy bean and kale soup is a nutritious and wholesome dish that pairs tender navy beans with vibrant kale and savory vegetables.

This soup is packed with fiber and vitamins, making it a healthy and hearty meal option.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Kale, chopped
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
  2. Add navy beans, broth, bay leaves, and thyme; simmer until beans are tender.
  3. Stir in chopped kale and cook until wilted.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Navy bean and kale soup offers a delicious balance of hearty beans and fresh greens, making it a nourishing and flavorful choice for any meal.

turkey navy bean soup

Turkey navy bean soup is a lean and hearty option that combines tender turkey meat with creamy navy beans and fresh vegetables.

This soup is perfect for a nutritious, protein-packed meal that is both flavorful and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Ground or diced turkey
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
  2. Add turkey and cook until browned.
  3. Add navy beans, broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Turkey navy bean soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s great for those seeking a lean protein and comforting flavors.

navy bean and sausage soup

Navy bean and sausage soup is a flavorful, rustic dish featuring smoky sausage paired with creamy navy beans and aromatic vegetables.

This soup is hearty and filling, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Smoked sausage, sliced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Brown sausage slices in a large pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same pot until softened.
  3. Add navy beans, broth, bay leaves, thyme, and cooked sausage.
  4. Simmer until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

This navy bean and sausage soup brings smoky richness and hearty beans together for a delicious, warming meal.

creamy garlic navy bean soup

Creamy garlic navy bean soup is a smooth and flavorful dish where navy beans are pureed with roasted garlic and herbs to create a comforting and velvety soup.

It’s perfect for a cozy meal packed with subtle yet rich flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked and cooked
  • Roasted garlic
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil or butter until soft.
  2. Add cooked navy beans, roasted garlic, and broth; simmer briefly.
  3. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  4. Return soup to pot, add thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Stir in cream or coconut milk for extra richness if desired. Heat through and serve.

This creamy garlic navy bean soup offers a luscious texture and gentle garlic flavor, perfect for a comforting and elegant meal.

smoky ham navy bean soup

Smoky ham navy bean soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that highlights the deep, smoky taste of ham paired with tender navy beans and a medley of vegetables.

This soup is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal any time of year.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Smoked ham hock or diced smoked ham
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
  2. Add soaked navy beans, smoked ham, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  4. Remove ham, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

This smoky ham navy bean soup delivers rich, savory flavors and a satisfying texture, making it a classic comfort food favorite.

mediterranean navy bean soup

Mediterranean navy bean soup offers a fresh and vibrant take on traditional bean soups, incorporating Mediterranean herbs, tomatoes, and olive oil.

This healthy and flavorful soup is perfect for a light yet filling meal.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Vegetable broth
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
  2. Add navy beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, and basil.
  3. Simmer until beans are soft and flavors combine.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice if desired.
  5. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Mediterranean navy bean soup is a wholesome, herbaceous dish that brings a sunny Mediterranean flair to your table.

loaded navy bean soup

Loaded navy bean soup is a hearty, protein-packed meal featuring navy beans, bacon, sausage, and plenty of vegetables.

This soup is rich in flavor and perfect for satisfying big appetites with its robust ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Bacon, diced
  • Smoked sausage, sliced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving fat in the pot.
  2. Brown sausage slices in the bacon fat, then remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same pot until tender.
  4. Add navy beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, bacon, and sausage.
  5. Simmer until beans are soft and flavors meld.
  6. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Loaded navy bean soup is a deliciously filling dish that combines smoky, savory meats with creamy beans and vegetables for a perfect comfort food experience.

creamy potato navy bean soup

Creamy potato navy bean soup is a comforting and hearty blend of tender navy beans and creamy potatoes, simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs.

This soup offers a smooth texture and rich flavor, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Potatoes, peeled and diced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Thyme
  • Bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil or butter until softened.
  2. Add diced potatoes, soaked navy beans, broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
  3. Simmer until potatoes and beans are tender.
  4. Remove bay leaves, then partially puree the soup for a creamy texture while keeping some chunks.
  5. Stir in heavy cream if desired, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

This creamy potato navy bean soup is perfect for those seeking a rich and satisfying meal with wholesome ingredients.

garden vegetable navy bean soup

Garden vegetable navy bean soup is a vibrant and nutritious soup packed with fresh seasonal vegetables and protein-rich navy beans.

This wholesome dish is flavorful, colorful, and ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Zucchini, diced
  • Bell peppers, diced
  • Carrots, diced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomato paste
  • Vegetable broth
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, celery, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers until tender.
  2. Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
  3. Add navy beans, zucchini, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano.
  4. Simmer until beans and vegetables are tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

Garden vegetable navy bean soup delivers fresh flavors and wholesome nutrition, perfect for a light yet filling meal.

smoked turkey navy bean soup

Smoked turkey navy bean soup is a delicious and hearty dish that combines smoky turkey meat with tender navy beans and savory vegetables.

This soup is ideal for a warming, protein-packed meal that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Smoked turkey leg or smoked turkey breast, diced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a large pot until soft.
  2. Add navy beans, smoked turkey, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  4. Remove bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Smoked turkey navy bean soup offers a rich, smoky flavor with a hearty and satisfying texture, perfect for a cozy meal.

lentil navy bean soup

Lentil navy bean soup is a wholesome and nutritious combination of protein-rich lentils and navy beans simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs.

This soup offers a hearty texture and robust flavor, perfect for a filling meal.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Lentils, rinsed
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Vegetable broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
  2. Add navy beans, lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, and cumin.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until beans and lentils are tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper and remove bay leaves before serving.

This lentil navy bean soup is a protein-packed, flavorful dish that provides a satisfying and healthy meal option.

beef and navy bean soup

Beef and navy bean soup is a rich and hearty dish that pairs tender chunks of beef with creamy navy beans and savory vegetables.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this soup is ideal for a comforting and filling meal.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Beef stew meat, cubed
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Beef broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef cubes in olive oil in a large pot, then remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same pot until softened.
  3. Add navy beans, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and browned beef.
  4. Simmer until beans and beef are tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, remove bay leaves, and serve hot.

Beef and navy bean soup is a robust, savory option perfect for cold days or whenever you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.

curried navy bean soup

Curried navy bean soup is a flavorful twist on traditional navy bean soup, infused with warming curry spices and creamy coconut milk.

This dish offers a unique blend of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors for an exciting and comforting meal.

Ingredients:

  • Navy beans, soaked
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Vegetable broth
  • Curry powder
  • Ground turmeric
  • Coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
  2. Add curry powder and turmeric, cooking briefly to release aromas.
  3. Stir in navy beans and vegetable broth; simmer until beans are tender.
  4. Add coconut milk and heat through without boiling.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Curried navy bean soup brings bold, exotic flavors to a classic dish, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy and creamy soup experience.

Conclusion

Exploring the variety of navy bean soup recipes reveals the incredible adaptability and nourishing qualities of this humble legume. These 22+ recipes provide something for everyone — whether it’s the smoky depth of ham, the vibrant freshness of Mediterranean herbs, or the warming spices of curry. Navy bean soup is a perfect dish for those who want a balance of hearty nutrition and comforting flavors. With these recipes, you can easily customize your soup to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile staple in any kitchen.

Ruth J. Pickett

Ruth J. Pickett is the founder of Foodline24.com, a website dedicated to sharing all kinds of recipes for cooks of every level. With a deep love for food and years of kitchen experience, Ruth curates simple, flavorful dishes that inspire everyday cooking. Her mission is to make cooking easy, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone.

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