Welcome to your new favorite comfort food! This 15 bean soup recipe is incredibly easy, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work. Imagine a rich, flavorful, and wonderfully wholesome meal simmering away all day with minimal effort from you. Best of all, there is no need to pre-soak the beans, making this a truly beginner-friendly, budget-conscious dish perfect for any busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This 15 Bean Soup
You’ll quickly fall in love with making this hearty 15 bean soup for so many fantastic reasons:
- Effortless & Hands-Off: Just combine the ingredients, and your slow cooker does the rest.
- Nourishing & Flavorful: Packed with protein, fiber, and deep, satisfying flavors.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Made with pantry staples, it’s incredibly economical for families.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite meats, vegetables, or spices.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.
- Hearty, Satisfying Comfort: A warm bowl is the ultimate cozy food on a chilly day.
Hearty Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup (No Soak Method)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the dry 15‑bean mix thoroughly in a colander and discard any debris; do not soak.
- Add the rinsed beans to the slow cooker along with the diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and water or broth.
- Stir to combine everything in the slow cooker, then cover with the lid.
- Cook on HIGH for 6–7 hours until the beans are tender and the soup is thick and flavorful.
- Once the beans are tender, add the can of diced tomatoes, chili powder (if using), and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH so the tomatoes and flavors meld into the soup.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.
Notes
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this easy 15 bean soup recipe is simple. These wholesome staples come together to create a truly delicious meal.
- 1 pkg HamBeens® 15 BEAN SOUP®
- 8-10 cups water OR chicken/beef/vegetable broth for added flavor (use 9-10 cups for a “brothier” soup)
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, ground sausage (browned), ham hocks, or diced ham. A leftover hambone with meat works wonderfully too!
- 1 medium size onion, diced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
- 1 tbsp. chili powder (optional)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Optional: Hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your 15 bean soup! Different brands of bean mixes are fine; just ensure it’s a dry 15-bean variety. For meat, smoked turkey or cooked shredded chicken are great alternatives to ham. To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth. The included Ham Flavor packet is excellent, but you can adjust seasonings with cumin, smoked paprika, or a bay leaf.
Equipment
You don’t need much specialized equipment to whip up this amazing 15 bean soup. Keep it simple!
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Large colander or sieve
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Making this slow cooker 15 bean soup is incredibly simple, following our easy no-soak method. Just a few steps stand between you and a wonderfully hearty meal.
Preparation
First, prepare your beans and aromatics. In a colander or sieve, rinse the dry 15 bean soup mix thoroughly under cool water. Sort through them carefully, inspecting for any small stones or debris, and discard anything unwanted. Next, dice your medium onion into small, even pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely. If using ground sausage, brown it in a pan on the stovetop before adding it to the slow cooker; drain any excess fat. If using a ham hock or hambone, no pre-cooking is needed.
Slow Cooker Assembly
Now, it’s time to assemble your delicious soup. Drain the rinsed beans and pour them directly into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add 8-10 cups of water or broth; use more liquid if you prefer a thinner, “brothier” soup. Incorporate the diced onions, minced garlic, and your chosen meat (smoked sausage, ham hocks, browned ground sausage, or hambone). Remember, do not add the diced tomatoes or lemon juice yet, as acidic ingredients can sometimes prevent beans from softening properly.
Initial Cooking
Give all the ingredients a good stir to combine everything well. Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to the HIGH setting and let it cook for approximately 6-7 hours. After about 6 hours, gently check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft and creamy, not tough or hard. If they need more time, continue cooking until they reach your desired consistency. The soup can simmer longer, developing even deeper flavors.
Finishing Touches
Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the hambone, if you used one. Any meat that has fallen off the bone can be shredded or chopped and returned to the pot. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, the included Ham Flavor packet, and the optional chili powder for an extra layer of warmth. Finally, add the fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavor and adds a wonderful zing to the finished soup.
Final Simmer
Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the new ingredients are well incorporated. Let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH or until thoroughly heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and black pepper to your preference. Serve your warm, comforting 15 bean soup and enjoy every spoonful! Remember, opening the lid often prolongs cooking time.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect slow cooker 15 bean soup every time with these helpful tips and tricks.
- Lid Off = Longer Cook Time: Resist the urge to frequently open the slow cooker lid, as this releases heat and significantly extends cooking time.
- Adjust Liquid: For a thicker soup, use 8 cups of liquid; for a thinner, more brothy consistency, opt for 10 cups.
- Brown Ground Meat: If using ground sausage or beef, browning it first adds a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the entire soup.
- Quality Broth: Using a good quality chicken, beef, or vegetable broth instead of just water adds incredible depth and complexity.
- A Dash of Heat: For those who like a kick, stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- Extra Richness: Before adding the beans, sauté your onions and garlic in a tablespoon of bacon fat for an incredibly rich, smoky base.
- Undercooked Beans: If beans are still hard after extended cooking, they might be old. Try adding a pinch of baking soda (1/4 tsp) to the pot, which can help soften older beans.
- Overly Salty Soup: If your soup tastes too salty, add a few chunks of raw potato during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The potatoes absorb excess salt, then simply remove them before serving.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile 15 bean soup is wonderful on its own, but can be elevated with simple pairings and changes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty 15 bean soup with a warm slice of freshly baked cornbread or a crusty artisan bread for dipping. For an even heartier meal, spoon it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Offer toppings like a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for extra indulgence.
Storage Instructions
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, divide the cooled soup into individual portions or larger freezer-safe bags/containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Recipe Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion and garlic for a pleasant heat.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
- Smoked Turkey Option: Swap the ham for smoked turkey legs or wings for a leaner, yet equally flavorful alternative.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit all meat products and use vegetable broth to create a delicious and wholesome vegetarian 15 bean soup. Consider adding mushrooms for umami flavor.
Nutrition Information
This slow cooker 15 bean soup is generally a healthy and hearty meal, packed with beneficial nutrients. Each serving provides a good source of fiber and plant-based protein, contributing to satiety and digestive health.
Research highlights the numerous health benefits of adequate dietary fiber intake, including improved cardiovascular and digestive health.
While estimates can vary significantly based on the specific type and amount of meat, broth, and optional toppings used, it’s a robust choice for a balanced diet. Furthermore, incorporating plant-based protein sources into your diet can support overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 ½ cups
- Calories: ~350-450 (varies based on ingredients)
- Protein: ~20-30g
- Fiber: ~15-20g
- Fat: ~10-20g (less if using lean meat or vegetarian)
- Carbohydrates: ~40-50g
Disclaimer: These are approximate nutritional estimates. For precise figures, we recommend using an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
FAQ
Got questions about this fantastic 15 bean soup? We’ve got answers!
Do I have to soak the beans?
No, you don’t! This recipe uses a convenient no-soak method, relying on the slow cooker to tenderize the beans over several hours.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 35-45 minutes with a natural release, adjusting liquid as needed.
How long does 15 bean soup last?
The soup lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Smoked turkey, lean ground beef, or even leftover shredded chicken are all delicious options.
Why are my beans still hard?
This is often due to very old beans or adding acidic ingredients too early. Ensure your beans are relatively fresh and add tomatoes/lemon juice only at the end.
Conclusion
There you have it: a wonderfully easy and incredibly satisfying slow cooker 15 bean soup recipe that promises warmth and flavor with minimal fuss. This hearty dish proves that wholesome, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. We encourage you to try this comforting recipe soon. Let us know how it turned out and if you added any of your own special touches! Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness.
