Baked Bean Soup Recipe

Baked bean soup is one of those comforting, hearty meals that seems to capture the essence of home-cooked goodness in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight dinner or a dish that delivers warmth on a chilly day, this baked bean soup recipe checks all the boxes. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with protein and fiber-making it a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by all ages. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to throw together, especially when you use canned baked beans as a shortcut. If you’re someone who loves a good one-pot meal that’s both simple and delicious, you’re in for a treat with this recipe.

So, let’s dive into what makes this dish a fan favorite, shall we? From the ingredients to the cooking instructions, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the perfect baked bean soup. I promise it’s going to be as delicious as it sounds.

Baked Bean Soup Recipe

This baked bean soup is a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s one of those recipes that always seems to taste even better the next day. The mix of savory beans, smoky bacon, and tender vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the broth pulls everything together for a soupy consistency that’s not too thick or too watery.

Here’s how you can whip it up:

Ingredients Needed

To make a batch of this amazing soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Canned Baked Beans (2 Cans, 15 Oz Each)

  The star of the show! Use your favorite brand, or even try a couple of different varieties for some added depth of flavor.

• Bacon (4 Slices)

  The bacon adds a smoky, savory depth to the soup, making it incredibly rich. You can also use ham if you prefer or want a different texture.

• Yellow Onion (1 Medium, Diced)

  Onions form the base of this soup’s flavor profile. You’ll want them finely diced so they blend seamlessly into the soup.

• Garlic (3 Cloves, Minced)

  Garlic brings the aromatics and works harmoniously with the onions and bacon. Don’t skimp on it; you want that savory aroma wafting through your kitchen.

• Carrots (2 Medium, Peeled And Chopped)

  Carrots add a natural sweetness and a slight crunch, giving the soup an additional layer of texture. They also complement the beans beautifully.

• Celery (2 Stalks, Chopped)

  Celery brings a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor. It’s not overpowering, but it adds a nice balance.

• Vegetable Or Chicken Broth (4 Cups)

  Broth serves as the liquid base of the soup. The choice of broth will impact the overall flavor-vegetable broth gives a milder flavor, while chicken broth adds more richness.

• Tomato Paste (1 Tablespoon)

  A little tomato paste helps deepen the flavor of the broth and gives the soup a richer color and texture.

• Bay Leaf (1)

  A bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor and is perfect for slow-simmered soups like this one.

• Salt & Pepper (to Taste)

  Season the soup to your liking. You can always adjust this later as you taste the soup during the cooking process.

• Olive Oil (for Sautéing)

  Just a splash of oil to sauté your vegetables and bacon. It’ll help everything cook up beautifully and prevent sticking.

Cooking Instructions

The beauty of this soup lies in how easy it is to make. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare The Bacon

   Start by chopping the bacon into small pieces. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Leave a little bit of bacon fat in the pot for the next step-it adds great flavor.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   In the same pot, add your chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.

3. Add The Tomato Paste

   Stir in the tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes. This helps to intensify the flavor and adds a subtle richness to the broth.

4. Combine The Beans And Broth

   Next, add in your canned baked beans (don’t drain them) and the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.

5. Season And Simmer

   Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well, and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

6. Add The Bacon Back In

   Once the soup is done simmering, return the crispy bacon to the pot. Stir it in and let it heat through.

7. Serve

   Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to appreciate why each ingredient in this soup matters:

• Baked Beans: Baked beans are already cooked and seasoned, so they provide a rich, sweet, and savory base for the soup. The sauce in the canned beans adds to the overall flavor profile, infusing the soup with tanginess and depth.
• Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a touch of smokiness that plays beautifully against the sweetness of the beans and vegetables. Plus, the rendered bacon fat adds extra richness to the soup.
• Onions & Garlic: These two ingredients are often considered the flavor foundation of any great soup. Onions bring sweetness and depth, while garlic offers an aromatic, savory punch.
• Carrots & Celery: These vegetables aren’t just for texture-they balance out the richness of the beans and bacon, giving the soup a slight freshness and crunch.
• Broth: Broth is the backbone of any soup. The choice of broth can completely transform the flavor. Chicken broth adds a savory richness, while vegetable broth keeps things lighter and more neutral.

Expert Tips

To make sure your baked bean soup turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t skip the bacon fat: Even if you think it’s too greasy, the bacon fat adds flavor that you won’t get from just the bacon alone. If you’re watching your fat intake, feel free to reduce the amount, but don’t skip it entirely.
• Simmer longer for richer flavor: The longer you let the soup simmer, the deeper and more cohesive the flavors will become. If you have the time, let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour.
• Adjust seasoning as you go: Because different brands of beans and broths have varying salt content, taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Add vinegar for a little brightness: If you want to cut through the richness and add a little zing to your soup, a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving can make all the difference.

Recipe Variations

This baked bean soup recipe is wonderfully versatile! You can switch things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly. You could also add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the meat.
• Add greens: Throw in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients and a pop of color. Just stir them in at the end of cooking until they’re wilted.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing process.
• Beans: Use different types of beans! While baked beans are the traditional choice, you could experiment with navy beans, kidney beans, or even a mix of beans.

Final Words

Baked bean soup is a fantastic dish because it’s both a simple and satisfying way to make the most of pantry staples. It’s one of those dishes that brings joy to the table without requiring hours of preparation. The combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors is irresistible, and with just a few ingredients, you can make a pot of soup that feels both comforting and special.