13 Bean Soup Winco Recipe

If you’ve ever walked down the soup aisle of a grocery store and spotted a bag of 13 Bean Soup mix, you’ve probably thought about how simple and comforting a hearty bean soup can be. What you might not have realized is that 13 Bean Soup is more than just a quick meal-it’s an explosion of flavor, texture, and nutritional value all packed into one bowl. This dish is the perfect way to take advantage of affordable pantry staples to create a rich, satisfying meal that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day, need a nourishing dinner after a long day at work, or are prepping a meal for a group, this soup is your answer. And if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both easy to follow and absolutely delicious, look no further than the famous Winco 13 Bean Soup recipe. This soup is not only satisfying but also versatile, offering tons of potential for ingredient swaps and flavor experiments.

Winco’s version of 13 Bean Soup is a comforting and simple recipe that relies on a mix of beans, vegetables, and spices. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity-each ingredient has the chance to shine, and together they create a deliciously savory and filling meal.

Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare the classic 13 Bean Soup inspired by Winco’s recipe:

Ingredients Needed

13 Bean Mix – You can find this pre-packaged at most grocery stores. It typically includes beans like kidney beans, navy beans, great northern beans, garbanzo beans, and others. The blend provides an assortment of textures and flavors.
Ham or Ham Hocks – Adds depth, smokiness, and a touch of richness. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can skip this and opt for a plant-based protein.
Onion – A staple aromatics base that gives the soup a nice foundation of flavor.
Garlic – Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor that complements the beans perfectly.
Carrots – Chopped carrots add a subtle sweetness and texture contrast to the soup.
Celery – The crunchiness of celery provides a nice balance to the other soft ingredients.
Bay Leaves – These will infuse the broth with a subtle, herbal undertone that enhances the overall flavor.
Thyme – A great herb to complement the earthy beans and smokiness of the ham.
Vegetable Broth – For a vegan or vegetarian option, use vegetable broth in place of chicken or beef broth.
Water – You’ll need water to cook the beans to the perfect texture.
Salt and Pepper – To taste, of course. These are essential to bring the flavors together.
Cumin (Optional) – If you want to add a bit of warmth and spice, cumin is a fantastic addition.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For those who like a little heat in their soup.

Cooking Instructions

Prep the Beans: The first step is to rinse the 13-bean mix thoroughly. Beans can sometimes have debris or small rocks, so make sure to give them a good rinse. After rinsing, soak the beans in water for at least 8 hours (or overnight) to help them cook evenly. You can skip this step if you’re in a rush, but soaking beans is always best for a smoother, more consistent texture.
Cook the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally until they start to soften-about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
Simmer the Beans: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together, and then pour in enough vegetable broth and water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
Add the Ham and Seasoning: If you’re using ham or ham hocks, add them now. Toss in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. If you’re using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, the cooking time will be significantly reduced to around 30 minutes.
Final Adjustments: Check the seasoning and adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cumin. Once the beans are tender, remove the ham (if using) and shred or chop it before returning it to the soup.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients in 13 Bean Soup will help elevate your appreciation for the dish. Let’s break down some of the key elements:

The 13-Bean Mix: This is the backbone of the soup. The variety of beans not only contributes different textures but also enhances the nutritional profile, offering protein, fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals. Some beans, like lentils, cook faster than others, so they’ll blend perfectly with the slower-cooking varieties.
Ham: The smoky, rich flavor of ham adds depth to the broth, making it hearty and savory. Ham hocks are often used in traditional recipes because they release a lot of flavor while cooking, but they can be a bit bony, so be prepared to pick out the pieces if you’re using one.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions form the classic mirepoix-a French term for this aromatic base. Together, they create a balanced flavor profile that enhances the earthiness of the beans.
Herbs & Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, and optional cumin bring that satisfying layer of earthy, aromatic flavor. The herbs are essential for balancing out the richness of the beans and ham.

Expert Tips

Soak Your Beans: Even if you’re short on time, try to soak the beans for at least 4 hours. This reduces cooking time and helps the beans cook more evenly.
Flavor Depth: If you want to boost the flavor, try sautéing the ham or ham hocks with the vegetables to render out some of the fat and intensify the smokiness.
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: If you want a set-it-and-forget-it option, a slow cooker or Instant Pot works wonders for 13 Bean Soup. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. In an Instant Pot, use the ’bean’ setting for about 30 minutes.
Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Beans have a natural, neutral flavor, so don’t be afraid to season generously. Taste the soup as it cooks, adding extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth as the base. You can add mushrooms for an earthy flavor or a plant-based sausage for some richness.
Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra kick. A few dashes of hot sauce before serving can also add a fun layer of heat.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to boost the nutritional content. These add a fresh element and vibrant color to the soup.
Meatless Protein: If you’re trying to make the dish more protein-packed without using meat, tofu or tempeh can easily be added. Sauté the tofu to give it a crispy texture before tossing it into the soup.

Final Words

13 Bean Soup is more than just a simple, hearty meal. It’s a flexible and affordable dish that can be personalized to your taste and dietary preferences. The beauty of the recipe lies in its simplicity, with the beans, vegetables, and seasoning combining to create a delicious, soul-satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using the prepackaged Winco 13 Bean mix, this soup is a perfect solution for a nourishing and flavorful dish that won’t break the bank.

13 Bean Soup Winco Recipe