Hearty Tomato-Bean Soup
A hearty, flavorful tomato-bean soup with smoky bacon and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for chilly days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp, then crumble and set aside.
- In the bacon drippings, cook onion and celery until crisp and tender.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, kidney beans, condensed tomato soup, water, sugar, and thyme leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with the crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with an extra can of diced tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. This dish can also be enhanced with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan can enhance the presentation. It pairs beautifully with Easy Baked Beans And Bacon for a comforting family dinner. For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Tomato-Bean Soup contains roughly 341 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas if preferred. Both options will work well and add a different flavor profile to the soup.
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).