The EASY Bean with Bacon Soup

The moment the temperature drops, the kitchen calls for a hearty soup—a rich, savory bowl that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly economical. Bean with Bacon Soup is a true comfort food classic, a dish that proves that the simplest ingredients can yield the most complex and delicious flavors. This soup transforms humble dry beans and smoky bacon into a velvety, substantial meal.

I find that many people searching for soup recipes worry about the time commitment required for cooking dried beans. The key to this dish is using a simple soaking method or leveraging the quick-cooking nature of pre-soaked beans, allowing the soup to simmer just long enough for the flavors to meld perfectly.

This Bean with Bacon Soup recipe is the definitive answer—an incredibly simple and delicious one-pot meal that delivers that signature smoky flavor you crave. It layers savory aromatics, tender creamy beans, and rich pork broth to create a perfectly thick and satisfying texture.

This recipe is a must-pin for anyone searching soup recipes because it is a foundational, cost-effective meal that is also naturally high in fiber and protein. If you are looking for the BEST comfort food classic that is ideal for meal prep, this simple method is your guaranteed winner.

Why You’ll Love the Bean with Bacon Soup

This soup recipe is a staple because it delivers depth of flavor and incredible satiety using straightforward techniques and minimal ingredients.

The ULTIMATE Comfort Food Classic: This soup taps into nostalgic flavors. The combination of savory, salty bacon (often rendered until crispy) and slow-cooked creamy beans creates a powerful and deeply rewarding taste that defines comfort food classic.

The BEST One-Pot Meal Efficiency: Everything is cooked in a single large pot or Dutch oven, from rendering the bacon to simmering the beans. This one-pot meal method ensures minimal cleanup and allows all the flavor layers—especially the smoky bacon fat—to be integrated into the final broth.

Rich Smoky Flavor Base: The initial step of rendering bacon is crucial. This flavorful fat is then used to sauté the aromatics (onions, carrots, celery), ensuring that the distinctive smoky flavor permeates the entire broth, creating a richer base than simple stock alone.

Incredibly Hearty and Nourishing: This is truly a hearty soup. Beans, particularly navy or Great Northern beans, are packed with fiber and protein, making this an economical meal that keeps you full for hours. The long simmer helps the creamy beans break down slightly, naturally thickening the broth.

Jump to Recipe

Key Ingredients

The complex flavor and velvety texture of this Bean with Bacon Soup are built on a simple yet crucial combination of beans and aromatics.

The Base: You will need dry white beans (such as navy beans, Great Northern, or cannellini). These must be soaked overnight or quick-soaked to soften them before cooking. The bacon, cut into small pieces, is essential for rendering the fat and flavor.

The Aromatics: A classic trio of chopped onion, carrot, and celery (the mirepoix) is sautéed in the rendered bacon fat. Minced garlic is added for depth.

The Liquid: Chicken stock or vegetable stock is used, ensuring enough liquid to fully cover the beans and sustain the long simmer. A small amount of tomato paste adds color and savory richness.

The Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and simple herbs like dried thyme or bay leaves provide the final flavor notes.

Step by Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to ensure perfectly creamy beans and a rich, smoky flavor base for your soup.

1. Prep the Beans: If using dry beans, you must soak them overnight or quick-soak them for one hour in boiling water. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before cooking.
2. Render the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, place them on paper towels to drain, and set aside. Leave two to three tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pot.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté for five to seven minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
4. Simmer the Soup: Add the drained, soaked white beans and the chicken stock (or water). Add the dried thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook Until Tender: Cover the pot partially and let the soup simmer for one and a half to two hours, stirring occasionally. The beans are done when they are fully creamy and tender. If the soup becomes too thick during this time, add a splash of extra stock or water.
6. Blend (Optional) and Finish: For a thicker, more velvety soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend one-third of the soup until smooth. Stir the blended portion back into the pot. Alternatively, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
7. Serve and Garnish: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the hearty soup hot, topped with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

How to Store the Bean with Bacon Soup

This soup recipe is incredibly freezer friendly and stores beautifully, making it perfect for preparing large batches.

Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The soup will thicken considerably as it chills.

Reheating Hack: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to restore the consistency. Stirring as it warms will ensure the creamy beans are evenly distributed.

Freezing: This is an ULTIMATE freezer friendly meal. Freeze the cooled soup in individual portions or large containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Variations

Customize your Bean with Bacon Soup for different flavors, textures, and protein content.

Smoked Ham Hock: For even deeper smoky flavor, add a smoked ham hock to the pot when adding the liquid and beans. Remove the ham hock before serving, shred the meat, and return the meat to the soup.

Spicy Bean Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics for a warming kick.

Lentil and Bean Blend: Substitute half of the white beans with brown lentils for a slight difference in texture and a boost of fiber. Note that lentils cook faster (about 30-40 minutes) so add them accordingly.

Vegetarian White Bean Soup: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth and two tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the aromatics. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor without the meat.

Creamy Potato Addition: Add one large, peeled, and diced Russet potato to the pot along with the beans. The potato will break down as it cooks, naturally thickening the soup and adding a smooth texture.

FAQs

Do I have to soak the beans? Yes, soaking the dry white beans overnight is highly recommended. Soaking significantly reduces the cooking time, aids in digestion, and helps the beans cook evenly to a creamy texture.

Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans? Yes, for a 30 minute soup, you can use three cans of rinsed and drained canned beans. Add them along with the stock, and simmer for just 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. You will not need the full two hours of cooking time.

How do I make the soup thicker without blending? Simply remove about one cup of the creamy beans and broth, mash the beans with a fork until they form a paste, and stir the paste back into the soup. This adds body and richness naturally.

Why is my soup tasting bland? This soup relies heavily on salt and the quality of the broth. Ensure you season generously at the end and use high-quality chicken stock. The smoked flavor from the bacon is also key—do not skip that step.

What should I serve with this soup? This hearty soup pairs perfectly with slices of crusty bread or cornbread for dipping, or a simple crisp green salad.

Conclusion

The Bean with Bacon Soup recipe is the perfect blend of rich, smoky flavor and essential winter warmth. It’s the BEST soup recipe solution that guarantees an ULTIMATE hearty soup and delicious one-pot meal every time.

By mastering the bean prep and the initial bacon rendering technique, you ensure your kitchen is filled with wholesome, flavorful comfort food classic options.

Pin this comfort food classic today and enjoy the BEST ULTIMATE Bean with Bacon Soup!