Campbell’s Pork And Bean Soup Recipe

Campbell’s Pork and Bean Soup is one of those comforting, hearty meals that can bring back memories of family dinners or cozy nights. Whether you’ve had it from the can or you’re looking to recreate it from scratch, the combination of tender pork, soft beans, and flavorful broth can’t be beaten. This soup is a fantastic balance of savory, meaty goodness and a subtle sweetness from the beans, with just enough seasoning to bring everything together. The best part? It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that doesn’t require a ton of time or complicated ingredients.

But even though the idea is simple, there’s a lot more to this soup than meets the eye. I’m going to take you through all the details, from the ingredients to expert tips and even some variations to suit your taste. So, whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned pro, you’ll find something to love here.

Campbell’s Pork And Bean Soup Recipe

Here’s how you can make a homemade version of Campbell’s Pork and Bean Soup. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal, a chilly day, or even a quick lunch. With its easy-to-follow ingredients and steps, this recipe is all about giving you that nostalgic flavor with a bit of a homemade twist.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb pork shoulder (you can also use ham or bacon for different flavor profiles)
• 2 cups dried navy beans (or 3 cans of canned beans for convenience)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth works for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (this gives that subtle sweetness you often find in pork and bean dishes)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth and umami)

You’ll notice the ingredients are pretty simple. It’s the perfect combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it both accessible and delicious.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is relatively easy, and once you start, the house will smell like heaven. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Prepare The Pork

   • If you’re using a pork shoulder, start by cutting it into small chunks or cubes. Brown it in a large pot with a little bit of oil. You want to get some color on the pork, which adds flavor to the broth.
   • If you’re using ham or bacon, just chop it into small pieces and sauté them in the pot to render the fat. It’ll give your soup that signature smokiness.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and the onion is translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You don’t want to burn the garlic!

3. Simmer The Soup

   • Add the beans (if using dried beans, make sure they’ve been soaked overnight) and the chicken broth to the pot.
   • Toss in the bay leaf, salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re using canned beans, you can cut the simmering time down to about 45 minutes, just long enough for the flavors to meld.

4. Check The Beans

   • If you’re using dried beans, check them after 1.5 hours to make sure they’re tender. If not, let them cook longer.
   • Once the beans are tender and the pork is falling apart, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Serve

   • Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers. You can also garnish with a bit of fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that rich, savory flavor that defines pork and bean soup.

• Pork Shoulder: The key to this soup is the pork. Pork shoulder is relatively inexpensive but offers a lot of flavor. It’s a cut that becomes incredibly tender when simmered, releasing its fat into the broth, which helps deepen the soup’s richness. If you choose ham or bacon, they add their own smokiness and saltiness to the dish.
• Navy Beans: These small, white beans are the classic choice for this kind of soup because they absorb the flavors of the broth so well. They’re also mild enough that they won’t overpower the pork. If you’re using dried beans, make sure to soak them overnight to cut down on cooking time.
• Brown Sugar: This is the secret ingredient. It balances out the savory pork and beans by adding a touch of sweetness. You won’t taste it directly, but it brings everything together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds umami and depth. It’s a small amount, but it’s crucial for giving the soup a savory, complex flavor that hits all the right notes.

Expert Tips

• Soaking Dried Beans: If you’re using dried beans, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time. If you forgot to soak them, you can do a quick soak by bringing them to a boil for 5 minutes, then turning off the heat and letting them sit for 1 hour. This will still help them cook faster.
• Cooking the Pork: Browning the pork before adding the other ingredients is essential because it caramelizes the meat and adds flavor to the broth. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water as needed. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for longer to allow the broth to reduce.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can make this in a slow cooker! Brown the pork and veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Pork and Beans: If you love a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions. It’ll give your soup a nice kick without overpowering the flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the pork entirely and use vegetable broth. Add more hearty vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes for a filling, vegetarian alternative.
• Smoky Flavor: If you don’t have bacon but want that smoky flavor, try adding a couple of teaspoons of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
• Adding Greens: For a bit of color and nutrition, toss in some chopped spinach or kale at the end of the cooking process. They’ll wilt nicely without losing their texture.

Final Words

This homemade version of Campbell’s Pork and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple yet deeply flavorful, and you can adjust it based on what you have in your kitchen or your personal taste preferences. The rich, hearty broth, tender pork, and soft beans make this soup a true winner for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a bowl of warmth on a cold day, this recipe will not disappoint.