There’s nothing quite like the warm, hearty goodness of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with smoky, savory bacon and tender beans. This Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup is the perfect blend of rich flavors, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, bringing you comfort on even the busiest or coldest of days.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With the help of your slow cooker, you can create a deeply flavorful dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup
This soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Every spoonful is loaded with tender beans, smoky bacon, and a blend of aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can use canned beans for convenience or dried beans for an extra layer of homemade goodness. And if you’re a fan of smoky flavors, a couple of drops of liquid smoke will take this dish to the next level.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your home fills with the irresistible aroma of simmering soup. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish ready to enjoy.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this comforting soup:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small white beans, drained | 5 cans (15.5 oz each) | Or use 1 lb dried beans soaked overnight |
| Low-sodium chicken stock | 6 cups | Forms the rich, savory base of the soup |
| Carrots, diced | 1 ½ cups | Adds natural sweetness and color |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup | Adds freshness and texture |
| Onion, diced | 1 cup | Forms the aromatic base of the soup |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | Infuses the soup with rich flavor |
| Bacon, cut into pieces | ¾ lb | Provides smoky, savory goodness |
| Bay leaves | 2 | Adds subtle herbal notes |
| Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons | Enhances the depth and richness |
| Liquid smoke (optional) | 2 drops | Adds a smoky flavor, especially if skipping bacon |
| Green onions, chopped | For garnish | Adds a fresh, colorful finish |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Balances and enhances flavors |
How to Make Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by dicing the carrots, celery, onion, and bacon.
- Mince the garlic and set all the ingredients aside.
2. Sauté the Bacon (Optional)
- For added flavor, cook the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked bacon to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a simpler method, you can skip this step and add the raw bacon directly to the slow cooker.
3. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Place the drained beans, chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, tomato paste, and bacon into the slow cooker.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If you love smoky flavors, stir in two drops of liquid smoke.
4. Cook the Soup
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours.
- The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Finish and Serve
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness.
- Serve warm, with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
1. A Balanced and Nutritious Meal
This soup is packed with protein from the beans and bacon, fiber from the vegetables, and a flavorful broth that ties it all together. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal yet light enough to serve as an appetizer.
2. Budget-Friendly and Versatile
Using pantry staples like canned beans and affordable ingredients like carrots and celery, this recipe is easy on your wallet. Plus, it’s highly adaptable—you can swap out the vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or use vegetarian alternatives to fit your needs.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. You can even freeze individual portions for a quick and comforting meal anytime.
Tips for the Best Bean and Bacon Soup
- Use Dried Beans for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, using dried beans that have been soaked overnight can enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternatively, mash some of the beans with a fork before serving.
- Add a Smoky Kick: Even if you’re using bacon, a drop or two of liquid smoke can amplify the soup’s smoky flavor.
- Experiment with Spices: While Old Bay seasoning and thyme are classic choices, you can add paprika, chili powder, or even a dash of cayenne for some heat.
- Serve with Bread: A crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls are the perfect companions to soak up the rich broth.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the bacon. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor.
2. How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. It’s also delicious topped with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
5. Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute the white beans with navy beans, cannellini beans, or even pinto beans. The flavor and texture will remain delicious.
6. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
Why This Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, and this Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup delivers on every level. It’s flavorful, hearty, and easy to make, making it perfect for any day of the week.
The slow cooker allows you to create a restaurant-quality dish without hours of hands-on cooking. Plus, the combination of smoky bacon, tender beans, and savory broth will have everyone asking for seconds.
Final Thoughts: A Bowl of Comfort Awaits
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s both delicious and simple to make, this Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup is the perfect choice. Gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let the magic happen.
Whether you’re enjoying it with family, serving it at a gathering, or savoring it on your own, this soup is guaranteed to bring comfort and joy to your table. Don’t forget to garnish with green onions and serve with your favorite bread for the ultimate cozy experience!
Print
Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Warm, smoky, and hearty, this Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup is a comforting classic made simple. Packed with tender white beans, savory bacon, and wholesome vegetables, this soup is a perfect balance of rich flavor and creamy texture. Let your slow cooker do all the work while filling your home with the irresistible aroma of a delicious homemade meal. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy dinner!
Ingredients
- 5 cans (15.5 oz each small white beans, drained (or 1 lb dried beans, soaked overnight, see notes))
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 lb bacon (cut into pieces)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 drops liquid smoke (optional, for added smoky flavor)
- 3 green onions (chopped (green parts only, for garnish))
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by dicing the carrots, celery, onion, and bacon. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
- Sauté the Bacon (Optional): For a deeper flavor, you can cook the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess grease, and then add the cooked bacon to the slow cooker. If skipping this step, simply add the raw bacon directly to the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the drained beans, chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, tomato paste, and bacon into the slow cooker. Add salt and pepper to taste and, if desired, two drops of liquid smoke for extra smokiness.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Finish and Serve: Once the soup is done, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
- Using Dried Beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight (at least 8 hours), then drain before adding to the slow cooker. This ensures they cook thoroughly in the soup.
- Thicker Soup Option: For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup before serving. Alternatively, mash some of the beans with a fork.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the bacon. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American