Hearty Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Warm, comforting bean with bacon soup brings memories of cozy winter evenings straight to your kitchen.

Rich, smoky flavors dance through each spoonful of this hearty classic.

Crispy bacon pieces add a delightful crunch and depth to the creamy base.

Home cooks have cherished this simple yet satisfying recipe for generations.

Dried beans slowly simmer with aromatic vegetables, creating a robust and filling meal.

Perfectly seasoned and packed with protein, this soup promises to chase away any chill.

Dive into a bowl of pure, soul-warming deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Bean With Bacon Soup

• Bacon: Provides a smoky, rich base flavor and crispy texture that elevates the entire soup's taste profile.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Creates a classic mirepoix foundation that builds deep, layered flavor and provides nutritional depth.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that enhances the overall savoriness of the soup.

• Navy Beans: Offers creamy, hearty texture and delivers substantial protein and fiber to the soup.
• Chicken Broth, Water: Develops a light yet robust liquid base that allows other ingredients to shine.
• Tomato Sauce: Introduces subtle tanginess and helps create a rich, well-rounded soup consistency.

• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky undertone that complements the bacon beautifully.
• Thyme: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with bean and meat flavors.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle, complex background flavor that deepens the soup's overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Crucial for balancing and enhancing all the ingredients' natural flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish and adds a pop of color to the final dish.

Tools You’ll Need For Bean With Bacon Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking bacon and creating the soup base with deep, even heat distribution.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon while keeping the fat in the pot for sautéing vegetables.
• Chef's Knife: Crucial for dicing bacon, chopping onions, carrots, and celery with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean, safe surface for chopping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Blender or Immersion Blender: Optional tool for creating a creamier soup texture by partially blending the soup.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup neatly into bowls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for best results.

Simple Way To Make Bean With Bacon Soup

• Bacon Foundation

Crisp up delicious bacon in a large pot, creating a rich, smoky base. Let the bacon sizzle until it turns golden and crunchy. Remove the bacon pieces, keeping the flavorful drippings right in the pot.

• Vegetable Harmony

Toss chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the bacon drippings. Let them dance and soften, releasing their sweet aromatics. Sprinkle in minced garlic for an extra layer of warmth, allowing it to bloom briefly.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in navy beans, chicken broth, water, and a splash of tomato sauce. Sprinkle smoked paprika, thyme, and a bay leaf to create a symphony of flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling point.

• Slow Simmering

Lower the heat and let the soup quietly simmer. Allow the ingredients to whisper their flavors together, melding into a harmonious blend for about 25 minutes.

• Texture Transformation

For a luxurious, creamy consistency, scoop out a portion of the soup and blend until silky smooth. Fold this back into the pot, creating a rich, velvety texture.

• Final Touch

Return the crispy bacon pieces to the soup, saving a few for a crunchy garnish. Season with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.

• Serving Moment

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top and add a handful of fresh parsley. Serve alongside a crusty slice of bread for the ultimate comfort experience.

Helpful Tips For Bean With Bacon Soup Flavor

• Bacon Bliss Boosters: Soup Secrets
• Bacon Fat Magic: Save every drop of rendered bacon fat for extra depth of flavor. This liquid gold adds a smoky richness that transforms the entire soup's taste profile.
• Bean Soaking Shortcut: Use canned navy beans to slash cooking time, or quick-soak dried beans by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them rest for an hour before cooking.
• Texture Transformation: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamy consistency, or leave it chunky for a more rustic feel. The choice depends on your personal preference and comfort level.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptations: Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh bacon to reduce fat content. Vegetarians can use smoked salt or liquid smoke to maintain that classic smoky flavor without meat.

How To Serve Bean With Bacon Soup Warm

• Cozy Bread Pairing: Slice a rustic sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread, toasted and brushed with garlic butter for an incredible flavor complement that soaks up the rich soup perfectly.
• Bacon Crunch Topping: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top just before serving, creating a delightful texture contrast and adding an extra layer of smoky goodness to each spoonful.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Chop fresh parsley or chives and generously scatter over the soup, bringing a bright, green freshness that cuts through the soup's deep, hearty flavors and adds a pop of color.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Grate some sharp cheddar or sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top, melting slightly into the warm soup and introducing a tangy, creamy dimension that enhances the overall taste experience.

How To Store Leftover Bean With Bacon Soup

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up a double batch and freeze extra portions in airtight containers for quick future meals. Portion into 2-3 cup servings for easy reheating.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep soup sealed in glass containers for maximum freshness. Consume within 4-5 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently on stovetop, adding splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent bottom burning.
• Flavor Enhancement Tip: Soup tastes even better next day as ingredients continue marinating. Let cool completely before storing to maintain robust bacon and bean flavors.

Hearty Bean With Bacon Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Quick comfort meets nostalgic flavor in this hearty bean with bacon soup crafted with smoky depths. Crispy bacon bits and creamy beans create a rustic meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 3 cups (710 ml) cooked navy beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz / 227 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) water (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Render bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until crisp and golden, creating a rich, flavorful base while generating aromatic drippings.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Utilize bacon fat to sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender, quickly introducing garlic to enhance the aromatic profile without burning.
3. Liquid and Seasoning Integration: Pour in chicken broth, water, tomato sauce, and incorporate navy beans, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
4. Simmering and Texture Development: Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the soup gently cook for approximately 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to soften and flavors to intensify.
5. Creamy Transformation: Remove two cups of soup and puree until smooth, then reincorporate into the pot to create a luxurious, velvety consistency that binds the soup’s elements.
6. Final Seasoning and Garnish: Fold most of the crispy bacon back into the soup, reserving some for topping. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
7. Serving Presentation: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with reserved crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread for a rustic, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Render Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon slowly to release maximum fat and achieve crispy, golden texture without burning, ensuring rich flavor foundation for the soup.
• Control Vegetable Sautéing: Dice vegetables uniformly and sauté until just softened, preventing overcooking that could diminish their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Manage Bean Texture: Simmer beans gently to maintain their integrity, avoiding aggressive boiling that might break down or turn them mushy, preserving their delightful bite and structure.
• Customize Soup Consistency: Use partial blending technique to create a creamy yet textured soup, allowing some beans to remain whole while incorporating a smooth background for enhanced mouthfeel.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg