If you’re craving a bowl of soul-warming goodness, look no further than this comforting, vegetarian 15-bean soup. Loaded with colorful vegetables and perfectly seasoned, it’s the kind of meal that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, filling your home with enticing aromas all day long.
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) bag of 15-bean mix, rinsed and picked over
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Chopped fresh herbs, diced avocado, or a dollop of yogurt
Instructions
Begin by giving your 15-bean mix a quick rinse and checking for any small stones or debris. While you can opt to soak the beans overnight, it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe—your slow cooker has you covered.
In a small skillet, warm the olive oil and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery for a few minutes until they start to soften. This brief step enhances their natural sweetness and sets the foundation for the soup’s hearty flavor. Once fragrant, transfer the vegetables to your slow cooker.
Add the rinsed beans, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper, then cover and cook on low for about 7 to 8 hours. As the beans simmer, they release their starchy richness, thickening the soup into a velvety texture. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings. Feel free to ladle in a touch more broth or water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Serve this fragrant 15-bean soup in warm bowls and top with chopped herbs, diced avocado, or a dollop of your favorite yogurt. A slice of crusty bread on the side brings the meal together beautifully.
This recipe is a terrific option for busy families, vegans, and vegetarians alike—it’s high in protein and fiber, while loaded with vitamins from the vegetables. You can easily swap or add in different veggies or spices based on what you have on hand. If you’re craving something extra, add a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice just before serving. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch, cozy dinner for guests, or a simple meal-prep solution, this slow cooker 15-bean soup checks all the boxes for comfort, versatility, and flavor.
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.
