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When life gets hectic, my trusty slow cooker bean soup swoops in to save the day. Nothing compares to walking into your home and catching that wonderful aroma of a thick, filling soup that's been cooking away while you're gone. It's just one of those comforting dishes that instantly lifts your spirits.
Extraordinary Bowl of Comfort
Forget what they say about soup not being filling enough. This baby's stuffed with protein-rich beans, crunchy bacon bits and plenty of vegetables. I turn to this when I need something that'll keep everyone at the table happy without me spending forever in front of the stove.
What You'll Need
- Bacon: Chop it into tiny bits and fry till golden for that incredible smoky touch.
- Olive Oil: A quick drizzle to sauté the vegetables.
- Onions: Whatever variety you've got works fine.
- Celery: Gives that wonderful snap and depth.
- Carrots: I prefer using mini carrots since they're already perfectly sized.
- Chicken Broth: Creates that lovely deep flavor base.
- Worcestershire Sauce: My hidden trick for flavor enhancement.
- Garlic Powder: Because nearly everything tastes better with garlic.
- Thyme: Dried or fresh both do the job nicely.
- Cumin: A small amount delivers that cozy, earthy note.
- Salt and Pepper: Add to match your taste buds.
- Great Northern Beans: They become wonderfully soft and velvety.
Time to Cook
- Bacon First
- Fry your bacon pieces until they're super crisp and put them aside for now you'll thank me later.
- Prep Your Slow Cooker
- Drop in your oil and veggies getting ready for that long cooking time.
- Throw Everything Together
- Now mix in your crispy bacon bits beans and all seasonings and don't miss adding that Worcestershire.
- Pour the Broth
- Add enough liquid to make sure everything's submerged.
- Walk Away
- Switch to high power and let it work for around 5 to 6 hours until beans feel totally soft.
- Dress It Up
- Sprinkle whatever you fancy cheese sour cream sliced green onions maybe extra bacon bits why not?
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Nutritious Choice
My crew can't get enough of this soup and I'm happy they're eating something wholesome. You can trim it down by switching to turkey bacon or dropping the meat completely and it still tastes fantastic.
Boosting the Creaminess
I'll often mix in a spoonful of sour cream or a splash of milk right before serving. It really makes everything richer and smoother. You can also add a bit of flour if you want something thicker.
Customize It
This soup welcomes changes. Try different bean types, swap the vegetables, or play with the seasonings. It's nearly impossible to ruin and really fun to tweak each time.
Insider Advice
Don't rush past getting that bacon nice and crisp at the start, it really transforms the taste. And if you're starting with dry beans, don't forget they need to soak overnight.
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Storing Leftovers
This soup stays good in your fridge for roughly 3 days. Just warm it gently and add a little extra broth if it's gotten too thick.
Freeze for Later
I typically cook more than needed so I can freeze some. Let it cool down, put it in containers and you've got a ready meal waiting. It stays good frozen for about two months.
Weekday Lifesaver
I'm a fan of cooking a large pot on Sundays to eat throughout the week. It's such a relief on those super busy evenings when cooking from scratch isn't going to happen.
Side Dish Ideas
There's something special about dipping fresh crusty bread into this soup. Sometimes I'll bake cornbread or just toss together a quick salad to go with it.
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Adding Zing
Try mixing in some smoked paprika or chili powder if you enjoy a bit of heat. Throw in handfuls of spinach or chunks of tomato too they blend in wonderfully.
Slow Cooker Magic
The slow cooker takes all the hard work away just load it up and forget about it. Plus it fills your home with the most amazing scents.
Family Friendly
Even my fussiest eaters happily dive into this soup. I let them add their own favorite toppings usually tons of cheese and they always finish every bit.
Total Comfort
This is definitely a feel-good dish that improves any day. Great for relaxing evenings at home or whenever you need something soothing in your life.
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Cozy Winter Dish
Coming home to this soup when it's freezing outside is just magical. That mix of beans with bacon simply warms you from inside out.
Budget Friendly
Using basic stuff like dried beans and common vegetables makes this really cheap to make. It's great when you need to feed many mouths without spending lots of cash.
Turning Up the Heat
I sometimes toss in chopped jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce. My hubby loves spicy food and it really makes the flavors pop.
Always Reliable
This soup never disappoints me. It's basic enough for regular dinners but good enough for guests too. And it makes everyone happy which is always what I aim for in my cooking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Should I soak my beans first?
You don’t need to! Slow cooking takes care of softening the beans during the long cooking time.
- → Why cook bacon in a pan first?
Frying the bacon until it’s crispy gives your soup better texture and adds a smoky richness to the flavor.
- → What are the best toppings?
Top it off with anything you like—cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, or extra crispy bacon for more crunch.
- → Can I use the low heat setting?
Yep, you can! Cook it on low for 8-10 hours instead of on high for 5-6 hours. Both work fine and soften the beans perfectly.
- → How can I save leftovers?
Pop leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It may get thicker in the fridge, so just add a splash of broth when reheating.
Conclusion
An easy, satisfying soup made with bacon, beans, and fresh veggies. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the flavors come together beautifully.