Rocky Mountain Soup
Rocky Mountain Soup offers a hearty combination of bacon, beans, tomatoes, and rice, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Its savory profile is enhanced by garlic and seasoning, making it a satisfying choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon slices in a saucepan until crispy.
- Drain excess bacon fat and set bacon aside.
- Saute chopped onion and crushed garlic in bacon fat until onions are golden brown.
- Add remaining ingredients including bacon, beans, tomatoes, rice, salt, pepper, and water to the saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture for 60 to 90 minutes, adding water as necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you don't have Ranch Style beans, any seasoned bean variety will work, but be sure to adjust the salt accordingly. Feel free to swap the bacon for turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rocky Mountain Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside Hamburger And Vegetable Casserole, which complements the flavors of this soup perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftover Rocky Mountain Soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of water if it's too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rocky Mountain Soup contains roughly 722 calories, with 17g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1623mg per serving (71% 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?
Yes, you can easily make Rocky Mountain Soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. You might also enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky taste of bacon.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your soup turns out too watery, you can thicken it by pureeing a portion of the beans and returning them to the pot. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate and concentrate the flavors.
Is there a way to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make Rocky Mountain Soup in a slow cooker, cook the bacon separately, then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).