Favorite Bean Soup
A hearty bean soup featuring tender white beans, savory tomatoes, and seasoned ground beef, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the beans overnight.
- Add bay leaf, garlic, salt, and pepper to the soaked beans.
- Simmer the beans for several hours or until tender.
- Saute chopped onions and green pepper until softened.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for several minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier soup, consider blending a portion of the beans before adding them back in. If you don't have small white beans, you can substitute with cannellini or navy beans. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; try adding thyme or basil. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used, but reduce simmering time significantly. To amp up the flavor, include a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness. It pairs beautifully with Quick Skillet Macaroni for a comforting dinner. For a complete meal, consider a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Bean Soup contains roughly 827 calories, with 45g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (277% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1949mg per serving (85% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like lentils or mushrooms for added texture. You can also enhance the umami flavor by adding soy sauce or nutritional yeast. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, ensuring you still enjoy a hearty and satisfying soup.
How can I adjust the spice level of the soup?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and peppers. Alternatively, you can serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicier. Adjusting the amount of black pepper can also help control the spice level.
What can I serve with this soup?
This bean soup is wonderfully versatile. Serve it alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. You might also enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For a different twist, pair it with Beefy Rice Dinner for a filling family meal.
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).