Easy 15 Bean Soup
A hearty, flavorful bean soup blending smoky tomatoes, zesty lemon, and chili powder, perfect for cozy meals and suitable for vegetarians and bean lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried 15 bean soup in water overnight.
- Next morning, empty the can of Ro-Tel into the crock-pot along with the rinsed beans.
- Add enough water to cover the beans, include the flavor packet from the bean package, and squeeze in the lemon juice.
- Cook on high for 6 hours, then turn to low and cook for an additional 4 hours.
- Add chili powder during the last hour of cooking.
- Serve the soup with Mexican cornbread and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even heartier soup, consider adding diced bell peppers or onions to the mix. If you can't find dried 15 bean soup, any variety of mixed beans will work, but ensure they are soaked properly. Adjust the spice level by using different types of chili powder or adding jalapeños for heat. If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the beans after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy 15 Bean Soup alongside Mexican cornbread for a delicious meal. A fresh garden salad or a side of crusty bread also complements it nicely. This soup pairs beautifully with 3 Bean Salad(Diabetic) for a well-rounded lunch or dinner. Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy 15 Bean Soup contains roughly 250 calories, with 12g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1052mg per serving (46% 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 regular pot instead of a crock-pot?
Yes, you can definitely make this soup on the stovetop! After soaking the beans, combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring that any additional toppings, like sour cream or cheese, are plant-based. You can also enhance the flavors by adding cumin or smoked paprika for a deeper taste without any meat.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer a meatier soup, consider adding diced ham, sausage, or bacon. You can add it at the beginning of the cooking process so it infuses the broth with flavor. Just be mindful of adjusting seasonings, as meat can add additional saltiness.
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).