15 Bean Soup: A Hearty, Vegetarian Comfort Meal in 5 Simple Steps!

Looking for a wholesome, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping? This 15 Bean Soup is here to warm your soul! Loaded with a colorful mix of beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this hearty soup is not only nutritious but also incredibly flavorful. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

What You’ll Need:

• 1 (20 oz) package 15 bean soup mix (seasoning packet not used)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or more as needed)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 12 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 15 cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 7 stalks celery, chopped
• 6 leaves dinosaur kale, chopped
• 4 leaves red Swiss chard, chopped
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 12 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Step 1: Soak the Beans

First, soak the bean soup mix in cool water overnight (8+ hours). Strain and rinse the beans thoroughly before using.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Next, heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

After, add the carrots, mushrooms, celery, kale, chard, and garlic. Cook until slightly tender, about 5-10 minutes. This step builds the soup’s flavor base.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings

Then, pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add bay leaves, rosemary, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Finally, add the soaked beans and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning as needed.

The Best Time to Enjoy Your 15 Bean Soup

This 15 Bean Soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Its rich, hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Serve it with a slice of Italian Bread or a side of Classic Waffles for a comforting meal.

For a complete vegetarian feast, pair it with Butternut Squash Soup or Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. This soup is also a great addition to your comfort food recipe collection!

Frequently Asked Questions About 15 Bean Soup

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Rinse and drain them before adding to the soup. Reduce the cooking time to 30-40 minutes.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can add smoked sausage, ham, or bacon for extra flavor. Cook the meat with the onions before adding the vegetables.

Pro Tips for Perfect 15 Bean Soup

Want to make your 15 Bean Soup even more delicious? Here are some expert tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:

1. Soak the Beans Overnight: Soaking the beans reduces cooking time and helps them cook evenly. If you’re short on time, use the quick-soak method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit for 1 hour.
2. Add Salt Early: Season the soup with salt when adding the beans. This helps the beans absorb the flavor and prevents the soup from tasting bland.
3. Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh rosemary or basil, use 1 tbsp of fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
4. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach based on what’s in season or your preferences.
5. Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your 15 Bean Soup to keep it tasting fresh:

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Perfect Pairings for 15 Bean Soup

Looking for the perfect dishes to serve alongside your 15 Bean Soup? Here are some delicious pairings to complete your meal:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of Italian Bread or Classic Waffles for dipping.
• Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or Cranberry Brie Bites for a light starter.
• Grilled Cheese: Enjoy with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a classic comfort meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for added nutrition.
• Beverages: Pair with a glass of Golden Milk or Pumpkin Spice Latte for a cozy experience.

We hope you enjoyed making and savoring this 15 Bean Soup as much as we did! This hearty, vegetarian soup is packed with flavor, protein, and wholesome goodness, making it the ultimate comfort meal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or simply craving a cozy bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, tips, or variations in the comments below. Did you add extra vegetables, swap the herbs, or try a creative topping? Let us know how it turned out!

For more hearty and healthy recipes, check out our Butternut Squash Soup or our Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. And if you’re in the mood for more vegetarian dishes, don’t miss our Creamy Tortellini Soup or Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! Tag us on social media using #15BeanSoup and let us know how it turned out. For more exclusive recipes and cooking tips, subscribe to our newsletter below. Happy cooking!

Emma,
The Recipe Team