The BEST 15 Bean Soup with Bacon

Are you craving a warm and comforting meal? Look no further than our mouthwatering 15 Bean Soup with Bacon recipe. This hearty dish is packed with smoky bacon and a medley of flavorful beans, creating a satisfying and delicious combination. Whether you're a fan of beans or simply looking for a comforting meal, our 15 Bean Soup with Bacon is sure to hit the spot. Try it today and indulge in a bowl of pure comfort and flavor.

Looking to add a touch of freshness to your 15 Bean Soup with Bacon? Consider garnishing it with some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, before serving. The vibrant green herbs not only add a pop of color to the dish but also bring a burst of freshness and brightness to each spoonful. You can also squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the soup to enhance the flavors and add a tangy twist. These simple additions can elevate the overall taste and presentation of the soup, making it even more enjoyable to savor.

Chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers can add extra flavor and texture to the soup.

If you're looking to make your 15 Bean Soup with Bacon even heartier, consider adding some additional ingredients to the mix. Chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers can add extra flavor and texture to the soup. You can also throw in some diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a touch of acidity and richness. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give the soup a spicy kick. Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

A cozy meal on a cold day or a nutritious option to add to your weekly meal rotation,

With its comforting flavors, nutritional benefits, and endless customization options, our 15 Bean Soup with Bacon is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal on a cold day or a nutritious option to add to your weekly meal rotation, this soup is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor the deliciousness of our 15 Bean Soup with Bacon.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes (+ time to soak beans)
Cook time: 1½ hours
Serves: 6-8

Jump to:

• Chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers can add extra flavor and texture to the soup.
• A cozy meal on a cold day or a nutritious option to add to your weekly meal rotation,
• Ingredients needed to make 15 Bean Soup with Bacon
• How to make 15 Bean Soup with Bacon
• Variations on the 15 Bean Soup with Bacon recipe
• Equipment used in making 15 Bean Soup with Bacon
• Storage for the 15 Bean Soup with Bacon
• Top tips to know when making 15 Bean Soup with Bacon
• Related
• Pairing
• 15 Bean Soup with Bacon

Ingredients needed to make 15 Bean Soup with Bacon

2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided: This ingredient is used to sauté the pork shoulder country-style ribs and vegetables, adding flavor and richness to the soup.

2 lbs. pork shoulder country-style ribs: The pork shoulder ribs are a key ingredient in this soup, providing a meaty and savory flavor. They are typically browned in the olive oil before adding the other ingredients.

2 large stalks celery, chopped small: Celery adds a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor to the soup. It also provides a nice crunch and texture.

1 large carrot, chopped small: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. They also contribute to the overall flavor and texture.

1 medium white onion, chopped small: Onions are a staple ingredient in many soups, including the > 15 Bean Soup. They add a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the soup. It enhances the overall taste and complements the other ingredients.

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste: These seasonings are used to enhance the flavors of the soup. Adjust the amount according to your personal preference.

2 whole bay leaves: Bay leaves are commonly used in soups and stews to add a subtle earthy flavor. They are typically added during the cooking process and removed before serving.

1 14-oz. bag dried multi-bean blend, rinsed and picked over: This is the main ingredient of the soup, providing a variety of beans such as pinto beans, navy beans, black beans, kidney beans, and more. The beans are rinsed and picked over to remove any debris before adding them to the soup.

6 c. chicken broth or water: The choice between chicken broth or water depends on personal preference. Chicken broth adds a rich and savory flavor, while water can be used for a lighter taste. The broth or water serves as the base for the soup.

1½ t. dried thyme, 1½ t. dried parsley, 1½ t. dried oregano, 1½ t. dried herbs de Provence: These dried herbs add aromatic flavors to the soup. Thyme, parsley, oregano, and herbs de Provence are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and complement the other ingredients well.

2” Parmesan rind: The Parmesan rind is added to the soup to infuse it with a subtle nutty and salty flavor. It is typically removed before serving.

3 T. fresh basil leaves, chopped: Fresh basil leaves are added at the end of the cooking process to add a bright and herbaceous flavor to the soup. They provide a fresh and aromatic touch.

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying 15 Bean Soup. The combination of beans, pork, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings results in a hearty and comforting dish. Enjoy!

2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 lbs. pork shoulder country-style ribs
2 large stalks celery, chopped small
1 large carrot, chopped small
1 medium white onion, chopped small
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 whole bay leaves
1 14-oz. bag dried multi-bean blend, rinsed and picked over
6 c. chicken broth or water
2 whole bay leaves
1½ t. dried thyme
1½ t. dried parsley
1½ t. dried oregano
1½ t. dried herbs de Provence**
2” Parmesan rind
3 T. fresh basil leaves, chopped

How to make 15 Bean Soup with Bacon

1. Soak beans overnight or use the quick soak method according to package directions. Set aside.
   
2. Add olive oil to a 6 quart or larger Dutch oven set over medium heat. Season pork ribs with salt and black pepper, to taste, and add to Dutch oven. Sear on both sides, approximately 6-7 minutes per side or until the meat easily releases from the bottom. Transfer ribs to a plate and set aside.
   
3. Add the remaining olive oil, celery, carrot, onion, and garlic to the Dutch oven. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to develop some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
   
4. Return ribs to Dutch oven and add soaked and drained beans, chicken broth (or water), bay leaves, and dried herbs. Season with additional salt and black pepper, as desired, and stir to combine.
   
5. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce heat to just below medium for one hour and 15 minutes or until pork falls easily off the bones and the beans are tender, but not mushy.
   
6. Remove from heat and remove the bones from the Dutch oven. Pull the pork apart with two forks to create bite-sized pieces. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Stir in fresh chopped basil and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Variations on the 15 Bean Soup with Bacon recipe

Here are 10 different variations you can apply to the 15 Bean Soup to add variety and customize the flavors:

Spicy Mexican Twist: Add diced jalapenos or green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to give the soup a spicy kick. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Smoky Bacon and Ham: Cook some diced bacon and ham along with the vegetables for a smoky and meaty flavor. The bacon adds a crispy texture, while the ham enhances the richness of the soup.

Italian-Inspired: Replace the dried herbs with Italian seasoning and add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine for an Italian twist. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Mediterranean Delight: Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to give the soup a Mediterranean flair. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the pork and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

Thai-Inspired: Add Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and a squeeze of lime juice for a flavorful and creamy Thai twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts.

Smoky Chipotle: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor. The adobo sauce adds depth and richness to the soup. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Moroccan-Inspired: Add Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric to give the soup a warm and aromatic flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh mint and a drizzle of honey.

Southwest Style: Add corn kernels, diced green bell peppers, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a Southwestern twist. Top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese.

Asian Fusion: Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to infuse the soup with Asian flavors. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

These variations will allow you to experiment with different flavors and create a unique twist on the classic 15 Bean Soup. Enjoy exploring these delicious options!

Equipment used in making 15 Bean Soup with Bacon

Dutch oven set

Storage for the 15 Bean Soup with Bacon

15 Bean Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is important to properly store the soup to maintain its freshness and prevent the growth of bacteria. Here are some tips for storing 15 Bean Soup in the fridge:

Allow the soup to cool: Before storing the soup in the refrigerator, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature. Placing hot soup directly in the fridge can raise the temperature inside and potentially spoil other food items.

Use airtight containers: Transfer the soup to airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. This helps to prevent air and moisture from entering the container, which can cause the soup to spoil faster.

Label and date the containers: It's a good practice to label the containers with the name of the soup and the date it was prepared. This will help you keep track of how long the soup has been stored and ensure you use it within the recommended time frame.

Store in the coldest part of the fridge: Place the containers of 15 Bean Soup in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back of the bottom shelf. This area maintains a more consistent temperature, which helps to keep the soup fresh.

Reheat properly: When reheating the soup, make sure to heat it thoroughly until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This helps to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage.

It's important to note that the storage time may vary depending on the ingredients used and the specific recipe. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual texture, it's best to discard the soup to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.

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