There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s a chilly evening, and the wind howls outside. As the aromas of the Crockpot 15 Bean Soup waft through your home, you’re enveloped in a cozy embrace of spices and savory goodness. The tender beans, vibrant veggies, and delicious ham come together in a way that feels like a hug in a bowl. Visually, the medley of colors dances together, making each spoonful as enticing as the last.

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

I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and the chatter of family while she stirred her pots, her secret to happiness echoing through the clinks of silverware. That cherished moment inspired me to make my own variations, always aiming to capture the same love and warmth. This Crockpot 15 Bean Soup is perfect for gatherings or simply when you want a wholesome meal to come home to after a long day. So, let’s get started on this delightful creation that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping takes just 15 minutes, so you can get back to your day or cuddle up with a good book.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tender beans, hearty vegetables, and zesty spices creates a dish that’s both hearty and full of personality.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The visual medley of beans and bright veggies makes serving it a pleasure.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or served at gatherings; everyone will love it!
Diet-Friendly Options: Great for gluten-free diets and easily adaptable for vegetarians or vegans—just skip the ham and add extra spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

15 Bean Soup Mix (1 bag, 20 oz): This blend of beans includes a variety of textures and flavors, bringing depth to the soup. If you can’t find a pre-packaged mix, you can create your own combination of beans.
Chopped Ham (2 cups): Adds a smoky flavor and protein to the soup. Use leftover holiday ham or an 8 oz ham steak for convenience. For a vegetarian option, substitute with smoked paprika and diced tempeh.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): The perfect base for your broth; the acidity balances the dish beautifully. Choose fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra flavor kick.
Medium Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth. Yellow onions are perfect here, but white will work too.
Chopped Carrots (1 cup): They not only enhance the sweetness but also add a pop of color. Fresh carrots are best, though frozen ones can work in a pinch.
Chopped Celery (3 stalks): Provides a nice crunch and aromatic flavor. If you don’t have celery, consider using fennel or leeks for an exciting twist.
Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon): This ingredient elevates the basic broth to something special with its robust flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): A splash of umami and tang. If you’re avoiding soy, a liquid aminos alternative works wonders.
Chili Powder (2 teaspoons): This spice blend packs bold flavor without overwhelming heat.
Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and earthiness. A must for depth.
Oregano (1 teaspoon): Introduces a pleasant herbal note; fresh oregano can also be used if available.
Chicken Bouillon (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable bouillon.
Chicken Broth (6 cups, no-sodium): The scrumptious base for your soup. Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought works perfectly too.
Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped or 2 tablespoons dried): Brightens up your soup with fresh flavor. Fresh parsley is recommended for those vibrant flavors.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors—don’t skip tasting before serving!

How to Make Crockpot 15 Bean Soup

Prepare the Beans: To get the best results, rinse, sort, and soak your 15 bean mix overnight. Soaking helps to soften the beans, making them tender and reducing cooking time. If you’re pressed for time, a quick soak can be done by placing the beans in boiling water for an hour. Drain before using.

Combine Ingredients: In a 7-quart or larger crockpot, add all the ingredients—rinsed bean mix, ham, diced tomatoes, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, chicken bouillon, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure the beans and veggies are evenly distributed throughout the savory broth.

Set the Temperature: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours. If you prefer a deeper flavor and tender texture, I highly recommend going with the low setting. The beans become perfectly seasoned over time.

Finish with Freshness: When your soup is ready, reveal the delicious aroma as you open the lid. Stir in the fresh parsley for that burst of color and help enhance the flavor profile. It’s key to adding this step just before serving to keep the freshness vibrant.

Serve & Enjoy: Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve warm. Pair it with crusty bread, fluffy cornbread, or your favorite crackers to complete the meal. The delightful combinations will leave everyone craving more!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours after serving. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 4 days. For longer storage, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. Your soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply defrost overnight in the fridge then reheat on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot. You might find a little extra broth is needed to maintain texture after freezing—just stir in a splash of water or broth while reheating to refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Keep an eye on your beans: They can overcook if not monitored. For firmer beans, test a little before the recommended cooking time ends.
Want extra creaminess? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Make it spicy! Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to heat things up if your palate craves it.
Feel free to customize: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite vegetables or even a touch of smoked sausage for another layer of flavor.
Serve it up differently: This soup is also excellent as a filling for burritos or tacos!

The Crockpot 15 Bean Soup offers the comforting taste of a homemade meal with minimal effort. Each bite is a gentle reminder of heartwarming family moments, and it opens up the space for you to be creative in the kitchen. Your family and friends will appreciate the delightful flavors as much as the effort you put into making this nourishing dish.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of a 15 bean mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer using dried beans, just make sure to soak them overnight. Combine a variety of beans such as pinto, kidney, and black beans for a similar effect. Watch the cooking time, since some beans may take longer to soften.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels, especially for pre-packaged items like Worcestershire sauce and bouillon, to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are included.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Certainly! Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add in extra spices or smoked paprika for depth, and turn it into a delicious plant-based meal.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?

If you find that your soup is thinner than you’d like, simply mash a few beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a quick thickening boost.