Oh, let me tell you about my favorite comfort food—bean with bacon soup! It’s the ultimate cozy dish that warms you from the inside out. Whenever I make this soup, the rich aroma of crispy bacon fills my kitchen, and it just feels like a hug in a bowl. The combination of tender navy beans and smoky bacon creates such a hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just in need of some soul-soothing goodness, this soup delivers! Plus, it’s super versatile; you can serve it as a main dish or a side, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients for Bean with Bacon Soup
- 1 pound bacon, chopped: This is where the magic begins! You’ll want to chop it into bite-sized pieces to ensure it gets nice and crispy.
- 1 onion, diced: A medium onion works perfectly here. Dicing it finely helps it blend into the soup beautifully and adds a wonderful sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic really elevates the flavor! Mince it finely so it spreads throughout the soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Use a good quality broth for the best flavor. You can also use homemade if you have it on hand!
- 2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed: These little beans are creamy and perfect for this soup. Draining and rinsing them helps reduce the sodium.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: Dried thyme adds a lovely herbal note. If you have fresh, feel free to use that instead!
- 1 bay leaf: Just one leaf adds a depth of flavor that’s essential for a hearty soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These are key for seasoning, so don’t be shy! Adjust to your preference.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the onion and garlic and adds a nice richness to the soup.
How to Prepare Bean with Bacon Soup
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! I promise you, it’s as easy as pie and so rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of bean with bacon soup simmering on your stove in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and cook it until it’s perfectly crispy. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes, and oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Once the bacon is crispy, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these together for about 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This will build that incredible flavor base.
- Next, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This step is crucial to ensure all those flavors meld together.
- Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients—drained and rinsed navy beans, thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir everything well, and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 30 minutes, which allows the beans to soak up all that smoky goodness.
- After 30 minutes, give it a taste and season with salt and pepper according to your liking. Don’t forget to remove that bay leaf before serving—it’s just for flavor!
And there you have it! You’re now ready to serve up a bowl of warmth and comfort that’s sure to please anyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and comforting: This bean with bacon soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Simple ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up this delicious soup without any fuss.
- Quick prep time: You can have this meal on the table in about an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-packed: The smoky bacon combined with tender navy beans and aromatic herbs creates a rich, satisfying taste that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with some crusty bread for a delightful side. It’s perfect for any meal of the day!
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later—just reheat and enjoy!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make your bean with bacon soup absolutely perfect! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll elevate your soup to a whole new level!
- Choose quality bacon: The bacon is the star of the show, so pick a good-quality, thick-cut bacon. It adds that delicious smoky flavor that you just can’t replicate!
- Experiment with beans: While navy beans are traditional, you can swap them out for great northern or even black beans for a different twist. Just make sure they’re canned, drained, and rinsed!
- Add veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider throwing in some diced carrots or celery when you sauté the onion and garlic. They’ll add a nice depth to the soup.
- Fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or parsley on hand, sprinkle some in at the end for a burst of freshness. It really brightens up the flavors!
- Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker soup, just mash a portion of the beans with a fork or potato masher before serving. It’ll give you that creamy texture without adding cream!
- Serve with a garnish: Top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for that extra touch. It’s all about making it look as good as it tastes!
- Taste as you go: Don’t forget to taste your soup while it simmers. Adjust the seasoning as needed! Sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a bean with bacon soup pro in no time! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep your delicious bean with bacon soup fresh for later! Proper storage is key to maintaining that amazing flavor and texture, so here’s what I do.
First, once your soup has cooled down a bit, transfer it into an airtight container. This helps seal in all the yummy flavors and keeps it safe from any funky fridge smells. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable bag. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. I like to label my containers with the date so I know exactly when I made it. Trust me, when you’re in need of a quick meal, you’ll be so glad you have this soup on hand!
When it’s time to reheat, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, heat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it’s looking a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to get it just right. You can also microwave individual servings; just make sure to cover your bowl and stir halfway through for even heating. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into this hearty bean with bacon soup! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each comforting bowl.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
This soup is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal option. Just keep an eye on the sodium if you’re watching your intake! Enjoy every spoonful, knowing it’s hearty and wholesome.
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! One of the great things about this bean with bacon soup is its flexibility. While navy beans are traditional for their creamy texture, you can easily swap them out for great northern beans, black beans, or even pinto beans. Just make sure they’re canned, drained, and rinsed, so you keep that delicious flavor without any excess sodium. Feel free to get creative!
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
No problem at all! To make a vegetarian version of this bean with bacon soup, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add in some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give it that smoky flavor that bacon usually brings. Throw in some sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for added depth and protein. Trust me, it’ll still be hearty and satisfying!
What can I serve with bean with bacon soup?
This soup is wonderfully versatile, and there are so many delicious sides that pair beautifully with it! I love serving it with crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great option to balance out the richness of the soup. For something a little heartier, try some cornbread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to enhance your meal experience!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken.
Print
Bean with Bacon Soup: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty bean with bacon soup that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the navy beans, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: bean with bacon soup
