Name: Crockpot 15 Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491922H55M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) bag 15 bean soup mix; 2 cups chopped ham; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion (diced); 1 cup chopped carrots; 3 stalks celery (chopped); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon; 6 cups no-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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As you step into your cozy kitchen on a chilly evening, the air is filled with the warmth of spices and savory aromas wafting from your trusty crockpot. The vibrant colors of vegetables swimming among a sea of tender beans invite you to gather around the table with loved ones. This Crockpot 15 Bean Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and nourishment, perfect for those crisp autumn evenings when the sun sets a little too early. Imagine diving into a bowl of hearty soup, its rich, velvety texture cloaked in a savory broth, making every spoonful a delight.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot 15 Bean Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot 15 Bean Soup

Growing up, my family often turned to hearty soups on the weekends, filling our home with mouthwatering fragrances and laughter. This recipe takes me back to those cozy evenings when we would sit together, sharing stories while the soup bubbled away in the background. Now, it’s your turn to create a nurturing tradition with your loved ones. Are you ready to warm your souls and fill your bellies with this delightful Crockpot 15 Bean Soup? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, and you can let the slow cooker do the magic.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a savory explosion that warms your soul.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful mix of beans and vegetables make for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner or a hearty lunch – great any day of the week!
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and adaptable for vegetarian diets by swapping ham for plant-based proteins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (20 oz) bag 15 bean soup mix: This mix offers a delightful variety of beans, adding texture and depth to the soup. Rinse, sort, and soak for best results—this helps with the cooking time and ensures even tenderness.
2 cups chopped ham: Adds a smoky flavor. Leftover ham works perfectly, or try an 8oz ham steak if you’re making a fresh batch.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: For a tangy balance in the broth. Keep the juice for added flavor!
1 medium onion (diced): Sweetens as it cooks, balancing the hearty beans beautifully.
1 cup chopped carrots: They provide sweetness and a pop of color.
3 stalks celery (chopped): Adds crunch and a fresh flavor contrast to the other ingredients.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: The aromatic quality cannot be overstated; it adds warmth and depth.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For a layers of umami richness, perfectly complementing the bean mix.
2 teaspoons chili powder: Delivers a gentle kick and warmth.
1 teaspoon cumin: The earthy notes of cumin enhance the overall flavor profile.
1 teaspoon oregano: Provides a fragrant herbal note to the soup.
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon: To boost the broth’s savory depth.
6 cups no-sodium chicken broth: The base of your soup; using low-sodium versions allows you to control the salt content better, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley): Fresh parsley brings brightness right before serving, while dried parsley can be infused during cooking.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the delicious flavors bubbling together.

How to Make Crockpot 15 Bean Soup

Prepare the Beans: Start by rinsing and sorting the 15 bean soup mix, eliminating any debris. Soak them in water overnight, or for at least six hours. This step helps reduce cooking time and ensures that all beans become perfectly tender in your **Crockpot 15 Bean Soup**.

Combine Ingredients: In a 7-quart or larger crockpot, add each ingredient, from the soaked beans to the diced tomatoes (don’t drain!). This is where the magic begins, as you layer the savory ham, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices. Stir it all together to marry the flavors, making sure everything is well coated.

Set the Cooker: Cover your crockpot and set it to cook low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. I recommend the low setting for the best flavor and texture; this allows the beans to absorb all the delicious broth and spices, transforming them into an irresistibly hearty dish.

Add Finishing Touches: Once the timer goes off, check to make sure the beans are tender. Before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. This step ensures that every bowl is bursting with flavor, just as it should be!

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into warm bowls, and consider serving it alongside cornbread, toasted crusty bread, or your go-to crackers. The combination is divine, and every spoonful of this **Crockpot 15 Bean Soup** feels like a warm hug!

Storing & Reheating

Store your leftover Crockpot 15 Bean Soup at room temperature for up to two hours after cooking. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to three months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave for 5-7 minutes, depending on the amount. Note that the flavors may deepen, and you can refresh the texture by adding a splash of broth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be mindful of over-soaking your beans; if they sit for too long, they might become mushy.
The smoky flavor of the ham is key, so if you don’t have ham, consider substituting with smoked sausage or a plant-based option like liquid smoke for a vegetarian version.
Timing is crucial; let the soup go long and slow to deepen the flavors with that well-loved comfort food feel.
If the soup seems too thick, simply add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Don’t skip the garnish; fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of cheese on top elevates the dish beautifully and adds a fresh touch.

As you savor your Crockpot 15 Bean Soup, you’ll find yourself captivated by its comforting qualities. It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and warmth you infuse into every step. Experiment with flavors, try different beans, and perhaps add in your favorite veggies. Each bowl tells a story—yours to create. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version of the Crockpot 15 Bean Soup, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add in some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that delectable smoky flavor that often comes from ham.

What if I forget to soak the beans?

No worries! If you’ve forgotten to soak your beans, you can do a quick soak by boiling them in water for an hour before adding them to the crockpot. This will help soften the beans, so they cook evenly and become tender in your delicious soup!

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or even spinach for added nutrients and color. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose; heartier options may need a little extra time to cook.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If your Crockpot 15 Bean Soup ends up thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water and let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.