Use butter to sauté the carrots and celery in a large sauce pan until tender.
Add onion, beans, broth, ham, garlic, pepper, garlic salt and bay leaf to the pot.
Add in the sauteed carrots and celery.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Easy ham and bean soup is perfect for using up leftover ham. It is warm, hearty, and full of savory flavors!