Ozark Mountain Bean Soup
Ozark Mountain Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender pinto beans, smoky bacon, and savory vegetables, perfect for comfort food and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked pinto beans, chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped bacon, salt, mustard, and catsup in a pot.
- Let simmer together until all ingredients are tender and flavors meld.
- If desired, remove the fat from the bacon pieces before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or some diced ham. You can substitute black beans for pinto beans if preferred. If you're looking to reduce sodium, use low-sodium bacon and catsup. This soup can also be made vegetarian by omitting bacon and using vegetable broth instead. For more hearty options, try pairing with Southern Style Beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ozark Mountain Bean Soup with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving with Ranch-Style Potato Slices, which make an excellent side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ozark Mountain Bean Soup contains roughly 284 calories, with 8g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2585mg per serving (112% 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 use dried beans instead of cooked ones?
Yes, you can use dried pinto beans. Simply soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. This will take longer but will enhance the flavor of the beans.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top when serving for an extra kick.
Can I freeze Ozark Mountain Bean Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
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).