A warm, filling soup that tastes like home.
introduction
This soup mixes soft white beans and crisp bacon for a simple, cozy meal. I like to make it when I want something easy and warm. For a different comfort-food idea, see a guide to making a rich sauce that pairs with fried foods like chimichangas at a white cheese sauce copycat.
why make this recipe
This recipe uses pantry staples and cooks fast. It fills you up and warms you on cold days. The bacon adds a smoky taste that lifts the plain beans. If you enjoy creamy potato soups, you might also like an Outback-style potato soup for another simple meal.
how to make White Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup
This soup is easy. Cook the bacon first, then use the drippings to build flavor with the vegetables. Add beans and broth, simmer, and finish with bacon and parsley. If you want a creamier version, mash some beans or blend part of the soup. For tips on making soups smooth and creamy, check a recipe that shows a thick potato soup method at Outback-style potato soup.
Ingredients :
2 cups white beans (canned or soaked and cooked), 4 slices of bacon, chopped, 1 onion, diced, 2 carrots, diced, 2 celery stalks, diced, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 bay leaf, Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the white beans, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf, and if desired, mash some of the beans for a thicker consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
how to serve White Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Add the crispy bacon on top and sprinkle fresh parsley. Offer crusty bread or a simple salad on the side. For a fuller meal, pair it with a rich sidedish or dip like a white cheese sauce for fried or breaded sides at a white cheese sauce copycat.
how to store White Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup
Cool the soup to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until hot. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make White Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup
- Cook the bacon until very crispy so it stays crunchy as a topping.
- Use canned beans for speed or soaked dry beans for a fresh taste.
- Mash some beans with a spoon or potato masher to make the soup thicker without cream.
- Taste and add salt at the end because bacon and broth can be salty.
- For more ideas on thick, creamy soup texture, read about methods used in potato soups at Outback-style potato soup.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped kale or spinach near the end for greens.
- Stir in a splash of cream for a richer soup.
- Swap bacon for pancetta or smoked ham for a different smoky note.
- Use cannellini or great northern beans if you prefer one texture over another.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Skip the bacon and use olive oil for cooking. Use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
Q: Can I use dried beans?
A: Yes. Soak them overnight and cook them until soft before using. Or cook them in a pressure cooker to save time.
Q: How long does the soup take to make?
A: About 40 minutes if you use canned beans. Longer if you soak and cook dried beans first.
Q: Can I freeze this soup with the bacon in it?
A: You can freeze the soup, but the bacon may lose crispness. For best texture, add some fresh cooked bacon when you reheat.
Q: Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
A: Yes. Remove the bay leaf before serving because it is not pleasant to bite into.
Conclusion
Try a classic version or use ideas from another take on this dish, such as WhiteCrock Pot Beef And Bean Soup for a trusted simple method. For a creamier, richer style, see the creamy take at Creamy White Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup | Table for Two. For a modern plated version and tips on presentation, check White Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup | The Modern Proper. If you want a home-style version with step-by-step photos, look at White Bean and Bacon Soup • The View from Great Island. For another home-cook tested recipe, read Homemade Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup – Taste and Tell.
White Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the white beans, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf, and if desired, mash some of the beans for a thicker consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
