13 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

Bean soups have been a staple in kitchens for centuries, offering a combination of hearty, nutritious, and comforting flavors. Among the various bean soups, 13 Bean Soup stands out for its unique blend of different beans and lentils, which makes for a rich, filling, and protein-packed meal. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, a slow cooker is the perfect way to prepare this dish-allowing all the flavors to meld together while you go about your day.

This 13 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe brings you the ultimate in convenience and flavor, providing the depth and warmth we all crave in a cozy meal. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s easily customizable, giving you flexibility to experiment with your own preferences, yet still maintain the classic heartiness of the soup. Ready to dive into the world of beans? Let’s get started!

13 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The key to this recipe’s success lies in the variety of beans. A 13-bean blend typically includes a mix of different beans, legumes, and lentils. If you can’t find a pre-packaged 13-bean mix at your local store, don’t fret-you can always use a variety of beans that total 13 different types. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for the base of the soup:

• 13-bean mix (or a selection of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, lima beans, red beans, great northern beans, etc.)

• Vegetables

  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 2 celery stalks (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• Broth

  • 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth (feel free to use low-sodium)

• Seasonings & Spices

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp thyme (dried)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional

  • 1-2 tsp of hot sauce (for a bit of heat)
  • 1 cup of diced ham, smoked sausage, or bacon for a meaty flavor
  • 1-2 tsp of dried oregano
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Making this 13 Bean Soup in a slow cooker is super easy and requires minimal hands-on time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare The Beans

   If you’re using dry beans, you’ll want to rinse them thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. If you’re in a pinch, you can skip the soaking and proceed, though soaking the beans helps them cook more evenly and reduces the chance of digestive discomfort. Drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker.

2. Chop Your Veggies

   Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. If you’re using ham or sausage, chop that up too. This step is key to layering the flavors, as it allows the vegetables to release their natural sweetness while the beans absorb all the seasonings.

3. Add The Ingredients To The Slow Cooker

   Place the rinsed beans, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and any meat (if you’re using it) into the slow cooker. Pour in the broth, and toss in your bay leaves, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.

4. Set The Slow Cooker

   Set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beans should be tender, and the broth will have thickened into a rich, flavorful soup. If the soup looks too thick as it cooks, you can add more broth or water to adjust the consistency.

5. Finish And Serve

   Before serving, remove the bay leaves, and taste the soup for seasoning-add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce as needed. For added texture, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker for a creamier consistency. Serve with some fresh herbs on top or a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick!

Ingredient Insights

The magic of 13 Bean Soup lies in the variety of beans used. Each type of bean contributes unique characteristics to the dish, both in terms of texture and nutritional value. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table:

• Beans: The backbone of the soup, these legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. The mix of different beans, from creamy white beans to heartier black beans and lentils, gives the soup an interesting and satisfying texture.
• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables provide a subtle sweetness and crunch that balances the earthiness of the beans. Carrots are high in beta-carotene (vitamin A), and celery offers a boost of fiber.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are foundational for flavor-building. Onions add a savory sweetness, while garlic brings in that warm, aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with beans.
• Broth: This serves as the base for the soup. You can opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for a meatier flavor. Both options offer a depth of umami that infuses the beans with flavor as they cook slowly.
• Spices: Cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme add warmth and smokiness, elevating the soup’s flavor profile. The bay leaves contribute a subtle earthy note, and any optional seasonings-like hot sauce-can personalize the heat level.

Expert Tips

1. Soak your beans: Soaking beans helps reduce cooking time and ensures they cook more evenly. If you’re skipping the soaking process, just make sure to give the beans extra time to soften in the slow cooker.
2. Experiment with meats: While traditional recipes stick to the veggie version, adding a little ham, sausage, or bacon gives the soup a rich, smoky flavor. You can even use leftover holiday ham for an extra boost.
3. Balance the seasoning: When seasoning with salt, be cautious, especially if you’re using a salty broth or adding ham or bacon. It’s always easier to add salt later if needed.
4. Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar at the end adds a touch of brightness to the soup and balances the richness of the beans.
5. Make it your own: Feel free to get creative with additional herbs or spices. A dash of cinnamon or coriander can bring an unexpected depth, while a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before serving never hurts.

Recipe Variations

While the classic 13 Bean Soup is wonderful on its own, you can try these variations to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and use vegetable broth. Add more hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash for additional flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add a couple of diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Lentil & Bean Blend: If you want to focus on lentils, use a smaller amount of beans and bulk up the soup with lentils. You’ll still get that hearty texture but with a more protein-dense result.
• Creamy Version: After the soup has finished cooking, use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup to give it a creamy, thick texture. Alternatively, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese when serving.

Final Words

This 13 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone looking for an easy, nourishing, and flavorful meal. It’s a great dish for those chilly nights when you want something that’s warm, hearty, and satisfying. And because it makes such a large batch, it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Whether you stick to the traditional ingredients or make it your own with some twists, this soup will surely hit the spot.