This hearty, comforting Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup is perfect for days when you want a fuss-free meal that fills your home with inviting aromas. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to slow down, cozy up, and dig into a bowl of richly flavored, smoky goodness. Even better, the slow cooker does all the tough work for you, so you can focus on family time or simply take a moment to recharge.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 2 cups) of 15-bean soup mix (rinsed and sorted)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped ham, smoked sausage, or a couple of smoky chipotle peppers for extra kick
Instructions
To bring this soup to life, start by rinsing and sorting your beans. While some folks love to soak beans in advance, you can skip the soaking step and still achieve a melt-in-your-mouth consistency in the slow cooker. After the beans are ready, add them to the slow cooker along with diced onion, garlic, and your favorite protein boost—such as cubed ham or sliced sausage. Next, sprinkle the smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin all over. Top the mixture with diced tomatoes and broth, giving everything a quick stir to make sure the beans are fully submerged.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for about 7 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can also cook it on high for around 4 to 5 hours, though the long, slow simmer creates a deeper, more rounded flavor. Throughout the cooking process, the beans will slowly soak up all those smoky spices, resulting in a velvety texture that’s downright irresistible. Taste for seasoning before serving, adjusting salt and pepper to your preference. Serve piping hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. It’s a budget-friendly meal that easily fits vegetarian or vegan diets (just skip the meat and use vegetable broth). A dash of onion powder or chili powder can amp up the flavor, while diced bell peppers bring a little sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this 15 Bean Soup is a winner.
Its high fiber and protein content make it a nourishing choice, and the warm, savory undertones make it infinitely comforting. Give it a try, and watch it become a regular in your slow cooker rotation.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
