15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Recipe
Introduction
15 Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for slow cooking lovers. Packed with a variety of beans and rich flavors from ham and spices, this soup warms you from the inside out. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry 15 bean soup
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 large ham bone or ham hock (optional)
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the dry beans thoroughly in a colander, sorting through them to remove any debris, then drain well.
- Step 2: (Optional) Soak the beans overnight or use a quick soak method to soften them, though this recipe works without soaking.
- Step 3: Add the beans, water or broth (reduce to 6 cups if beans are soaked), ham bone or ham hock, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lemon juice to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Cook on HIGH for 5 to 7 hours. Check beans after 5 hours for tenderness. Once tender, keep the soup warm until ready to serve.
- Step 5: Before serving, remove the ham bone, shred any meat remaining on it, and stir the meat back into the soup.
Tips & Variations
- Add vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and increase the vegetables, such as bell peppers, squash, or mushrooms.
- Use beef, chicken, or vegetable stock instead of water for a richer taste.
- Serve with freshly baked cornbread or warm biscuits to complement the soup.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in a slow cooker until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
Soaking is optional but recommended to help soften the beans and reduce cooking time. If you soak them, reduce the cooking liquid to 6 cups. The recipe can be made with dry beans using the no-soak method, but it will take longer to cook.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ham bone or ham hock and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth or water for added flavor.
Print15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This hearty 15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for slow cooking. Using a blend of 15 dry beans combined with flavorful ingredients like ham bone, diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic, it develops a rich and satisfying taste. This recipe offers flexibility with options for soaking beans, using broth or water, and accommodating vegetarian variations. Serve warm with freshly baked cornbread or biscuits for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional soaking time)
- Cook Time: 5 to 7 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Beans and Broth
- 1 pound dry 15 bean soup mix
- 8 cups water or chicken broth (6 cups if beans are presoaked)
- 1 large ham bone or ham hock (optional)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Rinse and Sort Beans: In a colander or sieve, thoroughly rinse the dry beans, sorting through to remove any debris or damaged beans, then strain well.
- Optional Soaking: Soak beans overnight or use a quick soak method to soften them if desired. This step helps reduce cooking time but is not necessary for this slow cooker recipe.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the beans to your crockpot along with water or broth (reduce to 6 cups if beans are presoaked), ham bone or ham hock, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, optional chili powder, and lemon juice. Stir everything to combine.
- Cook the Soup: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 5-7 hours. At around 5 hours, check the beans for tenderness. Once tender, you can switch the cooker to warm and keep until ready to serve.
- Remove Ham and Add Meat: Before serving, extract all the ham meat from the bone, chop or shred it, and add it back into the soup. Discard the bone afterwards.
- Serve: Ladle the hearty bean soup into bowls. For a classic pairing, serve with freshly baked cornbread or biscuits to complement the flavors.
Notes
- Feel free to add root vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra texture and nutrition.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and add extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, squash, or mushrooms.
- Substitute beef, chicken, or vegetable stock for water to enhance the flavor profile.
- This recipe works with no soak method; if you soak the beans, reduce liquid to 6 cups for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in a slow cooker set to low, stirring occasionally until hot.
Keywords: 15 bean soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker beans, hearty bean soup, easy bean soup recipe
