Smoky Bacon and Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with rich, smoky flavors from crispy bacon, tender beans, and aromatic seasonings. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or when you need a satisfying bowl of warmth and nourishment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and smoky flavor – Bacon adds a deep, savory taste to every spoonful.
- Hearty and filling – Loaded with protein and fiber from beans.
- One-pot meal – Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bacon, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Canned white beans (cannellini, navy, or great northern), drained and rinsed
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Diced tomatoes (canned)
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme (dried or fresh)
- Bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the beans, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until flavors meld.
- Finish with Bacon: Stir in the crispy bacon and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Meaty Version: Stir in smoked sausage or shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth, adding a little smoked paprika for flavor.
- Creamy Texture: Blend half of the soup for a creamier consistency.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! Soak dried beans overnight, then simmer for 1-2 hours before adding other ingredients.
What’s the best bacon for this recipe?
Thick-cut, smoked bacon gives the best flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook bacon separately, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad pair well.
How do I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium broth and rinse canned beans well.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or potatoes make great additions.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
Mash some of the beans or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
How do I get the smokiest flavor?
Use smoked bacon, smoked paprika, and even a touch of liquid smoke if desired.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the bacon and veggies, then pressure cook everything on high for 10 minutes with a natural release.
Conclusion
Smoky Bacon and Bean Soup is a rich, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner, meal prep, or a warming lunch, this soup is packed with bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. Pair it with your favorite bread and enjoy a comforting homemade meal!
PrintSmoky Bacon and Bean Soup
This Smoky Bacon and Bean Soup is rich, hearty, and loaded with tender beans, crispy bacon, and a deep smoky flavor. It’s the perfect cold-weather comfort food that can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed (or navy beans, cannellini beans)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 bay leaf
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra crispy bacon pieces
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
-
Cook the bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
-
Sauté the vegetables:
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the bacon grease. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
-
Simmer the soup:
- Add beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Blend for a creamy texture (optional):
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a thicker texture.
-
Serve & garnish:
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the crispy bacon and garnish with parsley, extra bacon, and Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy warm with crusty bread!
Slow Cooker Method:
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Transfer to a slow cooker, leaving some grease behind.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, paprika, thyme, black pepper, salt, beans, broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the bay leaf, stir in bacon, and serve!
Notes
- Extra Smoky Flavor: Use smoked bacon and add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika for flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Thicker Soup: Mash some of the beans or stir in ¼ cup heavy cream.