Becky'S 13 Bean Soup
Hearty 13 bean soup with savory ham, tomatoes, and spices offers rich flavor and comforting warmth, perfect for family dinners or cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. 13 beans soup mix ⓘ
- 1 1/2 qt. water ⓘ
- chopped lean ham ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup for about 5 hours, stirring occasionally if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream or grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil before adding them to the pot. You can substitute the chopped ham with smoked turkey for a lighter option or even use a vegetarian protein like tempeh for a meatless version. Adjust the spices to your taste; adding a dash of hot sauce can also enhance the soup's warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 13 Bean Soup hot, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Hambone Hush Puppies for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Becky'S 13 Bean Soup contains roughly 663 calories, with 18g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2527mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and is a convenient option for busy days.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add cooked sausage or shredded chicken to the soup to boost its protein content. Alternatively, adding a can of drained beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, can also enhance the protein and texture without the need for meat.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).