Just what you need on a cold winter’s night is a warm, comforting bowl of bean soup. Not only is it a nutrient-rich meal that’s packed with protein and fiber, but the variety of textures and flavors beans add to the dish make it truly special.
In this post, I’ll be sharing seven bean soup recipes that showcase the versatility of this humble ingredient, from classic combinations to unique and creative twists.
Instant Pot Bean Soup
Working with a variety of 15 different beans, this Instant Pot Bean Soup recipe creates a hearty and flavorful meal. The addition of sautéed onion, carrot, celery, and garlic adds a depth of flavor and nutritious ingredients to the soup. A carefully selected seasoning blend further enhances the flavor profile, while the option to include cooked meat provides an extra boost of protein.
With its straightforward preparation method in the electric pressure cooker, this Instant Pot Bean Soup is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
Southwestern Three Bean Soup
Renowned for its rich and satisfying flavor profile, Southwestern Three Bean Soup is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the perfect blend of chili beans, black beans, and white kidney beans. The addition of smoked sausage, corn, onions, and garlic elevates the dish to new heights, creating a depth of flavor that’s both complex and tantalizing.
Bean Soup
Keeping in mind that versatility is key when it comes to meal planning, Bean Soup stands out as a prime example of a dish that can cater to various dietary needs. Packed with protein, fiber, and an assortment of vegetables, this hearty soup provides a nutritious and wholesome option for a one-pot meal. The incorporation of sautéed aromatics, diced ham, and an array of herbs and spices lends depth and richness to the soup.
Whether cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or utilizing the convenience of an Instant Pot, this bean soup recipe proves to be a delicious and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Three Bean Chicken Soup
Embracing the chill of winter nights, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Three Bean Chicken Soup to comfort the soul. This nourishing soup is packed with an impressive array of healthy ingredients, including three types of beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. The strategic addition of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and garlic powder elevates the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic depth to the soup. The best part?
This recipe is remarkably easy to prepare, resulting in a hearty and deliciously satisfying soup that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Optional garnishes like sour cream, cheese, and tortilla strips offer an extra layer of flavor and texture, further enhancing the overall experience. For those who adore bean-based soups, Three Bean Chicken Soup is an absolute must-try recipe.
Comforting Seven Bean Stew
Welcoming the chill of winter, Comforting Seven Bean Stew is a hearty and delicious vegan and gluten-free stew that features a medley of dried lentils, pinto beans, navy beans, black eyed peas, kidney beans, and black beans. This comforting meal is perfect for cold weather, providing warmth and nourishment to those who try it.
The recipe can also be made with canned beans for added convenience, making it an accessible option for busy individuals looking for a satisfying and nutritious seven bean soup.
Chicken Bean Soup
Among the various hearty and flavorful soups available, Chicken Bean Soup stands out due to its unique combination of protein-rich ingredients and bold flavor additions. This savory stew features tender chicken as the base, paired with an assortment of beans that provide a boost of fiber and nutrients. A surprising yet essential component is fresh salsa, which injects a spicy kick and contributes a variety of colorful vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and onions to the dish.
The combination of these ingredients, simmered in rich chicken broth, results in a comforting and satisfying meal with a distinct Southwest-inspired twist on traditional chicken soup.
Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup
Just like many other soups, the Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup has gained immense popularity among families due to its delectable taste and nutritional value. A key ingredient in this soup is dried navy beans, which are cooked along with an assortment of vegetables and a special blend of herbs and spices that enhance the flavor and texture. This carefully curated combination results in a mouth-watering and nutritious meal that’s packed with essential nutrients.
The slow cooker method allows for perfect integration of flavors, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup that’s hard to resist. When served with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top, it becomes an even more comforting and healthy meal option.
Instant Pot Vegetable Bean Soup
Preparing this Instant Pot Vegetable Bean Soup is a breeze, as it requires just a few minutes of prep time before cooking. The rich combination of vegetables and plant-based protein from kidney beans creates a delicious and healthy dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Packed with fiber and protein, this one-pot recipe can be made in under 35 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy days.
Its low calorie count and versatility allow you to customize the soup by adding more beans or chicken for extra protein, making it a fantastic choice for a flavorful and wholesome meal. Whether stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, this Instant Pot Vegetable Bean Soup is an excellent option for any time of year.
Hearty Mixed Bean Soup
Just as any other hearty soup recipe, Hearty Mixed Bean Soup relies on a combination of fundamental ingredients to achieve its signature flavor profile. A medley of dried beans – including kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans – is paired with an aromatic trio consisting of sautéed onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery. The addition of diced carrots adds a pop of color and sweetness, while canned chopped tomatoes bring a burst of tanginess to the dish.
A ham hock can be incorporated for added depth and richness, but it’s just as easily omitted for a vegetarian iteration.
Weight Watchers Kale Bean Soup
Notably, the Weight Watchers Kale Bean Soup recipe is a nutritious and low-calorie vegetarian option that combines an array of wholesome ingredients. These include sautéed garlic and onion, vegetable broth, Cannellini beans, carrots, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. With only 1 Blue Plan point and 7 Green Plan points, this soup is an ideal choice for those following the Weight Watchers program, making it a guilt-free main dish or appetizer option.
Ham and Bean Soup
Hearty and comforting, Ham and Bean Soup is an excellent way to repurpose leftover holiday ham into a nutritious and filling meal. Rich in nutrients and bursting with flavor, this soup combines the tender sweetness of white beans with the savory goodness of smoked ham, carrots, and onions. A key ingredient that elevates this dish is the smoked ham hock, which infuses the soup with an unbeatable depth of flavor reminiscent of a slow-cooked stew.
Additionally, using canned bean water as a thickening agent allows for a velvety texture similar to a long-simmered bean soup without sacrificing precious time. Best of all, this recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when a satisfying meal is needed quickly.
Navy Bean Soup
Authenticating the taste of a classic comfort food, this navy bean soup recipe combines smoked ham shanks, a medley of vegetables, and aromatic spices to create a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. The result is a soothing and satisfying soup that is sure to become a favorite among family members. The blend of navy beans, tender smoked ham, and carefully chosen seasonings produces a rich and full-bodied broth that’s worth savoring over a leisurely period.
Whether served with crusty bread or alongside a steaming plate of rice, this soup provides a complete meal experience.
Mayocoba Bean Soup
Joining the ranks of delicious slow-cooked soups, Mayocoba Bean Soup stands out with its simplicity and healthiness. Made with mayocoba beans, onions, celery, garlic, smoked paprika, and parsnip, this hearty dish is a perfect option for lunch or dinner. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be cooked in either a slow cooker or Instant Pot, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comforting and nutritious meal that won’t compromise on flavor.
Pinto Bean Soup
Oozing with flavor and warmth, this vegan pinto bean soup makes for an excellent comfort food option. The process of preparing the soup is remarkably straightforward, as it only requires pre-soaking the beans overnight, eliminating the need for extensive cooking time. The end result is a thick, satisfying, and nutrient-rich soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening meal.
However, it’s worth noting that this dish can be slightly underwhelming in terms of flavor if not properly seasoned with salt and pepper.
Kale, Quinoa & White Bean Soup
Zeroing in on nutritious meals, Kale, Quinoa & White Bean Soup stands out as an excellent choice. This hearty and healthy option is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal meal for those seeking a nutrient-dense option. The soup’s ingredients, including white beans, quinoa, kale, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, work in harmony to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
This one-pot recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for a hassle-free meal that won’t break the bank. Furthermore, its affordability makes it an attractive option, especially when considering the generous amount of leftovers it yields. These can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer, providing a convenient solution for future meals. Overall, Kale, Quinoa & White Bean Soup is a delicious and nourishing option that caters to the needs of any soup enthusiast.
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Notably, the Tuscan White Bean Soup recipe embodies the simplicity and richness of Italian cooking. With just 7 essential ingredients – good-quality chicken stock, pancetta, cannellini white beans, garlic, fresh rosemary sprigs, a sautéed onion, and a fragrant bay leaf – this soup is remarkably easy to prepare and offers a comforting reprieve from the chill of winter. Serve it with freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and rustic bread for a complete and utterly satisfying experience.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
