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On busy days my slow cooker bean soup saves dinner every time. There's nothing better than walking through the door to the smell of a rich hearty soup that's been simmering all day. It's one of those cozy recipes that just makes you feel good.
Not Your Average Soup Bowl
Don't let anyone tell you soup isn't a real meal. This one's loaded with protein packed beans crispy bacon and tons of veggies. It's my go to when I need something that'll keep the whole family satisfied without hours in the kitchen.
Everything You Need
- Bacon: Dice it up small and crisp it til perfect adds amazing smoky flavor.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash for cooking those veggies.
- Onions: Any kind works I usually grab what's in my pantry.
- Celery: Adds such nice crunch and flavor.
- Carrots: I love using baby carrots already the perfect size.
- Chicken Broth: Makes everything rich and delicious.
- Worcestershire Sauce: My secret weapon for extra flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Because everything needs garlic.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried both work great.
- Cumin: Just a bit for that warm earthy taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Season it how you like it.
- Great Northern Beans: They get so creamy and perfect.
Let's Get Cooking
- Start with Bacon
- Get that bacon nice and crispy in a pan save it for later trust me it's worth it.
- Load Up Your Slow Cooker
- Add your olive oil veggies get everything ready for a long slow cook.
- Everything In
- Now add that crispy bacon beans and all your seasonings don't forget the Worcestershire.
- Add Your Broth
- Pour in enough broth to cover everything up.
- Set It and Forget It
- Turn it on high let it go for about 5 to 6 hours until those beans are perfectly tender.
- Make It Pretty
- Top it however you like cheese sour cream green onions more bacon why not.
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Good for You Too
My family loves this soup and I love that it's packed with good things. You can make it even lighter by using turkey bacon or just skip the bacon altogether it's still delicious.
Making It Extra Creamy
Sometimes I stir in a dollop of sour cream or splash of milk at the end. It makes everything so rich and creamy. A little flour works too if you want it thicker.
Make It Your Way
This soup is super flexible. Switch up the beans add different veggies play with the seasonings. It's pretty hard to mess up and fun to experiment.
My Best Tips
Don't skip crisping that bacon first it makes all the difference in flavor. And if you're using dried beans remember to soak them the night before.
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Saving Some for Later
This soup keeps really well in the fridge about 3 days. Just warm it up slow and steady add a bit more broth if it's thick.
Stock Your Freezer
I always make extra to freeze. Let it cool down pop it in containers and you've got dinner ready for another day. It'll keep for a couple months.
Perfect for Busy Weeks
I love making a big batch on Sunday to enjoy all week. It's such a lifesaver on those crazy busy days when cooking isn't happening.
What to Serve With It
Nothing beats dunking some crusty bread in this soup. Sometimes I make cornbread or just serve it with a simple salad on the side.
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Spice It Up
Try adding some smoked paprika or chili powder if you like things with a kick. Toss in some spinach or tomatoes too they work great.
Why I Love My Slow Cooker
The slow cooker makes everything so easy just set it up and let it do its thing. Plus it makes the whole house smell amazing.
Kids Love It Too
Even my picky eaters dig into this soup. I let them add their own toppings lots of cheese usually and they always clean their bowls.
Pure Comfort
This is one of those recipes that just makes everything better. Perfect for cozy nights in or when you need a little comfort in your day.
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Perfect Winter Warmer
Nothing beats coming home to this soup on a cold day. The combo of beans and bacon just warms you right up.
Easy on the Budget
Using simple ingredients like dried beans and basic veggies makes this so affordable. It's perfect when you need to feed a crowd without spending too much.
Adding Some Heat
Sometimes I throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. My husband loves it spicy and it really kicks things up.
A Recipe You Can Count On
This soup never lets me down. It's simple enough for everyday but special enough for company. Plus it makes everyone happy which is always a win in my kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do I need to soak the beans first?
Unlike stovetop cooking, beans don't require pre-soaking for slow cooker recipes. The long cooking time ensures they'll become tender.
- → Why cook the bacon separately?
Cooking bacon until crispy before adding it to the slow cooker ensures better texture and richer flavor in the final soup.
- → What toppings work best?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, and extra bacon. Choose your favorites for added flavor and texture.
- → Can I cook this on low instead?
Yes, you can cook on low for 8-10 hours instead of high for 5-6 hours. Both methods will result in tender beans.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The soup may thicken when chilled; thin with broth when reheating if needed.
Conclusion
A hearty and convenient soup that combines the rich flavors of bacon, beans, and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection with minimal effort.