12 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

If you’re in search of a comforting, hearty, and nutritious meal that’s as easy as throwing a few ingredients into a slow cooker, look no further than the 12 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe. This dish combines the richness of a variety of beans with the depth of flavor developed through slow cooking. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner, a meal prep option, or something that will keep you cozy during chilly days, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s filling, packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and has an earthy, savory flavor that gets better the longer it simmers.

What makes this soup even more delightful is that it’s incredibly versatile-whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to create a more balanced meal, this dish can be customized to suit your needs. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore all the ingredients, cooking instructions, and tips to make this soup truly outstanding.

12 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

This 12 Bean Soup is designed to be both hearty and wholesome. The combination of beans provides a variety of textures and flavors, which gives the soup more depth. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to get the perfect balance of cooked beans without overdoing it. All the ingredients simmer together for hours, infusing the broth with flavors that will make every bite feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients Needed

• 12-Bean Soup Mix: This is the base of the soup, typically a blend of various dried beans such as pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, split peas, lentils, and more. You can often find pre-packaged 12-bean mixes at the store, or you can mix them yourself if you have your preferred varieties.

• Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• Broth

  • 8 cups of vegetable broth (for a vegan or vegetarian version) or chicken broth (for a non-vegetarian version). You can also use a combination of both for a rich flavor.

• Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables (optional).

• Optional Add-ins

  • 1 can of diced tomatoes, for added acidity and sweetness.
  • A handful of spinach or kale, if you want to add greens for extra nutrition.
  • Cooked bacon or sausage, if you prefer some meat in the soup.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Beans: If you’re using a pre-packaged 12-bean mix, make sure to rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Some mixes might require soaking overnight, so read the package instructions to know if this is necessary. If you’re not using a mix, you can combine your favorite beans-just be sure to soak them beforehand if needed.
2. Sauté the Veggies (Optional): Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. This step helps build flavor, but you can skip it if you want to save time.
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Add your rinsed beans, sautéed veggies (if using), and all of the herbs and seasonings into the slow cooker. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the bay leaves.
4. Cook Low & Slow: Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans halfway through cooking with a potato masher.
5. Adjust Seasonings: After the cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or any additional herbs to suit your preferences.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of sour cream, depending on your taste.

Ingredient Insights

• Beans: Beans are not just filling; they’re also packed with protein, fiber, and important nutrients like iron and potassium. Each type of bean in the 12-bean mix brings something unique-lentils, for example, are rich in folate and iron, while black beans offer a great source of antioxidants.
• Carrots: These are not only rich in beta-carotene (which supports eye health) but they also add a natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the soup.
• Celery & Onion: These aromatics form the foundation of many soups. Celery adds crunch and a subtle, earthy flavor, while onions provide sweetness and complexity when sautéed.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic also contributes a robust, savory flavor that enhances the soup’s depth.
• Herbs and Spices: The combination of thyme, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika gives the soup an aromatic and slightly smoky flavor profile, making it comforting yet intriguing.

Expert Tips

1. Soak the Beans: If your beans require soaking (or if you’re using a mixed variety), be sure to do it overnight. Soaking beans helps them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. It also helps to eliminate some of the compounds that can cause gas.
2. Add Extra Flavor with Broth: If you want a deeper, more savory flavor, consider using homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought broth. Broth with a bit of umami (like chicken or bone broth) can elevate the soup in ways water cannot.
3. Add Greens: For added nutrition and color, consider tossing in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard toward the end of cooking. They cook down quickly and will add a wonderful earthiness to the dish.
4. Use a Ham Bone: If you’re not vegetarian, adding a leftover ham bone or some cooked sausage can deepen the flavor, making the soup even heartier.
5. Don’t Skip the Bay Leaves: They might seem like a small detail, but bay leaves provide a subtle, aromatic essence that pulls the flavors together.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Bean Soup: For a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. You can also add diced green chilies for a milder spice kick.
• Vegetarian Delight: Keep it purely plant-based by using vegetable broth and omitting any meat or animal products. This version is just as flavorful without sacrificing any heartiness.
• Tomato-Infused Soup: For a tomato-based version, add a can of diced tomatoes (with juices) in the first step. This adds a rich acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Hearty & Smoky: Try adding smoked sausage or a ham bone for a smokier, meaty flavor. This version is great for those who like the robust taste of smoked meats.

Final Words

Making 12 Bean Soup in the slow cooker is one of the best ways to get a nutrient-packed, comforting dish without spending much time on prep or cleanup. The variety of beans and vegetables makes it a satisfying meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. Plus, you can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week, with each reheating only enhancing the flavors.