Heartiest Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

On a chilly afternoon, this hearty bean with bacon soup could become your ultimate comfort companion.

Crisp winter winds whisper memories of grandma’s kitchen and warm, nourishing meals.

Smoky bacon pieces dance through tender beans, creating a rich, soul-satisfying flavor profile.

Robust ingredients mingle effortlessly, promising a delightful culinary experience that warms from within.

Simple pantry staples come together in remarkable harmony, crafting something truly magical.

Unexpected depth emerges from classic components, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

We promise this recipe will become a cherished favorite you cannot wait to share.

Helpful Tips for Bean with Bacon Soup Success

• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Slowly render bacon fat to develop deep, rich flavor profiles without burning the meat, ensuring every bite carries delicious smoky undertones.
• Boost Bean Tenderness: Soak dried navy beans overnight to reduce cooking time and enhance overall soup texture, creating a more creamy and smooth consistency.
• Perfect Blending Technique: When partially blending the soup, use an immersion blender for smoother control, allowing some beans to remain whole for added texture and visual appeal.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use turkey bacon for a lighter protein option without compromising taste.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make a large batch and freeze in portion-sized containers for convenient, hearty meals that reheat perfectly within 10-15 minutes.

Storing Bean with Bacon Soup the Right Way

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming hot throughout.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to avoid hot spots.

Dishes That Go with Bean with Bacon Soup

• Select a robust Syrah or Zinfandel with smoky undertones that complement the bacon's rich flavor profile and enhance the soup's depth.
• Choose a rustic, hearty sourdough bread with a crispy exterior and soft interior to soak up the soup's delicious broth and add textural contrast.
• Opt for a chilled, slightly tangy apple cider that cuts through the soup's richness and provides a refreshing palate-cleansing effect between spoonfuls.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with sharp vinaigrette to introduce bright, peppery notes that counterbalance the soup's dense, savory character.

Variations of Bean with Bacon Soup to Try

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains a rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Substitute low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and use fresh herbs to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to transform the soup into a zesty, southwestern-inspired dish with a kick of heat.

Bean with Bacon Soup FAQs

• Why use navy beans for this soup?

Navy beans are small, white beans with a mild flavor and creamy texture that absorb other ingredients perfectly. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making the soup nutritious and filling.

• Can I use different types of beans?

While navy beans are traditional, you can substitute great northern or cannellini beans. Each will slightly change the soup’s texture and taste, but they’ll still work well in the recipe.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add diced cooked chicken or ham alongside the bacon. You can also stir in some crumbled bacon after blending to increase the protein content and add extra flavor.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, the soup is relatively healthy. Navy beans provide nutrients, vegetables add vitamins, and using lean bacon in moderation keeps it balanced. The homemade version controls sodium and avoids processed ingredients found in canned versions.

Bean with Bacon Soup for a Hearty Meal

• Transform ordinary ingredients into a heartwarming soup that wraps you in cozy flavors.
• Whip up this delicious soup in under 45 minutes with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Easily adapt the recipe by blending partially for a creamy texture or keeping it chunky, letting you personalize each bowl to your liking.
• Use simple, affordable ingredients like navy beans and bacon to create a filling, nutritious soup that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

Bean with Bacon Soup Ingredients Guide

• Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture; choose thick-cut for better results; adds depth to the soup.

• Navy Beans: Creamy white beans that create the soup's base; provides protein and hearty texture; dried or canned work well.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that adds sweetness and depth; fresh vegetables create better flavor profile.
• Garlic: Enhances overall taste with aromatic notes; fresh garlic recommended for best results.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the soup's liquid foundation; low-sodium broth allows better control of salt levels.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds slight acidity and rich color to the soup; can substitute with crushed tomatoes.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes deep, smoky undertone; complements bacon perfectly.
• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Provides herbal background notes; dried herbs work well in this recipe.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to personal taste preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh color and light herb flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Bean with Bacon Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Grab your large pot or Dutch oven and toss in the bacon pieces. Cook them over medium heat until they turn wonderfully crispy and golden brown. Fish out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but keep all that delicious bacon fat right in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Medley

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Swirl them around until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the garlic and let it dance in the pot for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Navy beans
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Tomato sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Thyme
• Bay leaf

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.

Step 4: Let Flavors Mingle

Lower the heat, pop on the lid, and let everything simmer quietly for 20-25 minutes. This is where the magic happens and all the flavors get to know each other.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Want extra smoothness? Scoop out about 2 cups of soup and blend until silky. Pour it back into the pot.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir the crispy bacon back into the soup, saving a few pieces for topping. Season with salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top and add a handful of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Grab some crusty bread and dive in!

Bean With Bacon Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty bean with bacon soup brings rustic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your table. Smoky bacon and creamy beans blend into a soul-warming meal that satisfies you down to your toes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Beans:

• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 3 cups navy beans, cooked (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium flame until achieving a crisp, golden-brown texture. Extract the bacon pieces using a perforated utensil, preserving the flavorful fat within the cooking vessel.
2. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery into the residual bacon drippings. Sauté the vegetable medley until they soften and become translucent, approximately 6-8 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and briefly toast for 30-45 seconds to release its aromatic essence.
4. Pour navy beans, chicken broth, water, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf into the pot. Elevate the mixture to a gentle, bubbling state.
5. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and allow ingredients to harmonize for 22-28 minutes, enabling flavors to develop fully.
6. For enhanced creaminess, extract approximately two cups of soup, transform into a silky purée using a blender, then reintegrate into the main pot.
7. Fold the previously crisped bacon back into the soup, reserving a small portion for garnishing. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, crown with reserved bacon fragments and optional fresh parsley. Accompany with rustic, crusty bread for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to create a lighter, lower-fat version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Remove bay leaf before blending to prevent accidentally grinding tough leaf fragments into the soup.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced cooked chicken or ham during the final simmer for extra heartiness.
• Use vegetable broth and omit bacon for a complete vegetarian adaptation that maintains rich, smoky undertones through smoked paprika.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg