Overnight Hearty Bean Soup
Hearty and comforting overnight bean soup with smoky bacon, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings during cooler months.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried navy beans ⓘ
- 1/4 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 cups elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf
- parsley ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine dried navy beans with 6 cups of cold water in a large bowl and refrigerate overnight.
- Next day, simmer the soaked beans, bacon cubes, and 1 teaspoon of salt for 2 hours, covered.
- Meanwhile, gently sauté sliced mushrooms, sliced onions, sliced celery, sliced carrots, and finely chopped garlic in hot olive oil without browning.
- Add chopped tomatoes, sage, thyme, oregano, and a bay leaf to the sautéed vegetables and stir to blend.
- Add the vegetable mixture to the simmered bean and bacon mixture.
- Cook elbow macaroni separately until al dente, drain, and add to the soup.
- Simmer the soup gently to combine flavors.
- Before serving, add chopped parsley, pepper to taste, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. You can substitute navy beans with great northern beans or cannellini if needed. To save time, use canned beans; just reduce the cooking time. Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hearty bean soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Butternut Or Acorn Squash for a cozy dinner. Garnish each bowl with extra parsley and Parmesan for a flavorful finish. For a more filling option, consider adding a side of Mini Potato Skins.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little water or broth to loosen the consistency as it may thicken over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Hearty Bean Soup contains roughly 539 calories, with 21g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (253% of the Daily Value), iron (174% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 888mg per serving (39% 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?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After soaking the beans, add all ingredients except the macaroni to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the macaroni in the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't become mushy.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing step. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to taste for those who prefer an extra kick.
What can I substitute for the elbow macaroni?
If you don’t have elbow macaroni, any short pasta works well, such as shells or penne. Alternatively, you can use whole grain pasta for a healthier option or even add cooked quinoa or barley for a unique twist.
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).