The simple 15 bean soup is so many things I am craving right now. Similar to this Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup, it’s hearty and filling, without being food-coma-inducing, a much-appreciated hiatus between the moments of holiday excess. It’s incredibly economical (like this Crockpot Lentil Soup), helpful at this time of year when we end up spending extra everywhere else. It yields a generous portion, so it is ideal for feeding a large crowd or eating a few days later on a night when you’re short on time to cook. And of course, it calls for a loaf of crusty bread, which in every way speaks straight to my heart.
How to Make 15 Bean Soup
Don’t worry, you won’t have to buy 15 types of beans for this easy bean soup recipe (and you only need three for this Three Bean Salad). Rather, you start with a bag of something called “bean soup mix.”
Beans are high in protein and fiber, meaning this soup will keep you full.This recipe also includes an ample amount of carrots, which are high in beta carotene, antioxidants, potassium, vitamins, and fiber.
Once you have that secured (look for it in the dried bean section of your grocery store), the rest of the ingredients are easy staples that are likely already in your pantry.
The Ingredients
15 Bean Soup Mix. Look for anything called “bean soup mix.” Some mixes have 13; some have 16. This is the exact bean soup mix I used (if you have some mix left over, try my favorite Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup). If your bean soup mix comes with a seasoning packet, simply discard it; this soup is already seasoned.
Bacon. Adding bacon adds to the soup’s rich, hearty flavor, and the drippings are perfect for sautéing the other ingredients. (I also love the smokiness bacon lends this Shrimp Corn Chowder.)
Vegetables. For added flavor and nutritional value. I chose to add the golden soup trifecta of onion, carrots, and celery.Ham Bone. Leftover ham bone in your future? Go ahead and add it here! Omit the salt and swap the chicken broth for water so that your soup isn’t too salty, then season to taste at the end.
Broth. If you’re not using the ham bone, chicken broth will help add flavor to your soup.
Spices. A blend of favorites to give the soup big-time flavor, including smoked paprika. It gives this soup (and this Vegan Potato Soup) bewitching smokiness that makes the soup taste complex and will have your spoon wandering back to the bowl for more.Fire-Roasted Tomatoes. One of my pantry staples! The tomatoes add extra flavor and liquid to the soup.Red Wine Vinegar. For a touch of acid and brightness. Don’t skip it; it brings the soup to life.Parmesan Cheese. The perfect finish for a touch of creaminess. (It’s also a must for finishing a bowl of Minestrone Soup.)
The Directions
Of course, this 15 bean soup can be vegetarian, or you can use a different meat. We did bacon, and I have ideas for making 15 bean soup with sausage, kielbasa, ham hocks, or chicken below for you too.
What to Serve with 15 Bean Soup
While this 15 bean soup can certainly be a full meal on its own, here are a few ideas of what you could serve with it.
Bread. For delicious dunking, serve this soup with Crock Pot Bread or one from your favorite local bakery. It would also pair nicely with either this Mexican Cornbread or Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread.Salad. Let the soup flavors shine with a light and fresh salad like this Anytime Arugula Salad.Tater Tots. For a hearty, easy side that everyone will love, serve this soup with some homemade Tater Tots.
How to Store and Reheat 15 Bean Soup
To Store. Store leftover bean soup in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To Reheat. Rewarm soup on the stove over medium-low heat until hot. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave until heated through.To Freeze. Place soup in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recommended Tools to Make 15 Bean Soup
Dutch Oven. A kitchen tool that will cook beside you for years.Ladle. Perfect for transferring this soup to bowls and storage containers.
This 15 bean soup is cheery and yummy and appropriate for beginner cooks too. We polished off the last of the container last week, and I’m already craving it again. I hope you are craving it too!
