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Close-up of a hearty bowl of 15 bean soup with sausage, various beans, and vegetables, ready to be enjoyed.
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Hearty Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup (No Soak Method)

A rich, comforting, and hearty 15‑bean slow cooker soup made without pre‑soaking the beans — simmered all day with savory aromatics, ham, tomatoes, and lemon for deep flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 bowls
Course: Main, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 1 20 oz 15‑bean soup mix, dry rinsed, do not soak
  • 8 cups water or broth chicken or vegetable broth gives more flavor
  • 1 lb diced ham or ham hock
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder optional
  • juice of 1 lemon added at end
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker / Crock‑Pot
  • Large mixing bowl (for rinsing beans)
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Rinse the dry 15‑bean mix thoroughly in a colander and discard any debris; do not soak.
  2. Add the rinsed beans to the slow cooker along with the diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and water or broth.
  3. Stir to combine everything in the slow cooker, then cover with the lid.
  4. Cook on HIGH for 6–7 hours until the beans are tender and the soup is thick and flavorful.
  5. Once the beans are tender, add the can of diced tomatoes, chili powder (if using), and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH so the tomatoes and flavors meld into the soup.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Notes

This no‑soak 15 bean soup cooks dry beans directly in the slow cooker, saving prep time while still yielding deeply flavorful, tender results. Adding tomatoes and lemon at the end brightens the hearty soup. Leftovers refrigerate or freeze well for meal prep. For variations, try adding leafy greens like kale near the end of cooking. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}