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

Scale

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)

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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