15 Bean Soup (Freezer Friendly)

Cooler weather calls for hearty and healthy soups and stews and this 15 Bean Soup tops the list.

This bean soup recipe is easy to make and jam-packed with goodness, this soup has a beautiful blend of ham and beans with a handful of flavorful veggies. It’s all simmered in broth until thickened, tender, and delicious.

I am excited to partner with Hurst’s HamBeens® to bring you this cozy soup recipe!

A Favorite Cozy Soup Recipe

I’m obsessed with bean soup.

• It’s easy to make with simple ingredients (most of which you likely have on hand!).
• 15 Bean Soup is the perfect way to fill hungry bellies on a budget!
• This is the perfect way to enjoy leftover baked ham (or even spiral ham) after a holiday meal.
• This soup needs very little prep, perfect for using leftover ham from Christmas or Easter dinner.
• This soup reheats and freezes well so make a batch for meals throughout the week!

A Good Soup Made Even Better

The only thing better than bean soup is adding fifteen different kinds of beans plus a seasoning packet that adds flavor into every bite.

Hurst’s HamBeens 15 Bean Soup Mix has a variety of beans and lentils like pintos, navy beans, baby limas, garbanzos, split peas, red & white kidney, black beans, yellow split peas, and more. Beans are low in fat and high in fiber and a known superfood that makes for easy and economical meals.

This makes a large pot of soup and leftovers heat well for the rest of the week and freeze beautifully!

Ingredients for 15 Bean Soup

Hurst’s HamBeens soup mix makes a savory meal in just one pot (we love less clean up)!  This recipe is made on the stovetop but you can also make Bean Soup in the Slow Cooker (or even the Instant Pot)!

Hurst’s HamBeens® 15 BEAN SOUP® is the base of this recipe. You can find these beans in the dry bean section of almost any grocery store (or you can order them online or here on Amazon). Along with the beans, a seasoning packet is included in each package.

Ham or smoked sausage can be added to this soup (or even smoked turkey).  If using a smoked ham hock, I like to boil it before adding the beans, this flavors the broth and ensures the meat is extra tender.

If using leftover holiday ham, a leftover ham bone (or smoked sausage) it can be added along with the beans. Ground beef can also be browned and added to this recipe.

Vegetables can be added to this soup if you’d like. Carrot and celery should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. If you’re a fan of kale or spinach, stir in a handful or two!

Tomatoes are added for zest but it’s important to add them AFTER the beans have softened. We use chicken broth but vegetable stock can be used too.

How to Make 15 Bean Soup (from Scratch!)

1. Rinse, sort, soak, and drain beans.
2. Cook meat and beans with onion, garlic, and broth/water.
3. Simmer the mixture until beans are tender and then pull the meat from the ham hock to add to the soup. (Optional, add vegetables at the end of the cooking time for about 30 minutes)
4. Add tomatoes, lemon juice, and seasonings.

Swap out the 15 Bean Soup Mix for Cajun Bean Soup to change the flavor.

Soaking is Optional

Soaking beans before cooking decreases cooking time and can remove some of the complex sugars, making them more digestible. Be sure to discard the soaking liquid and use fresh water for cooking.

To soak beans, rinse the beans and check for pebbles, rocks, or debris. Place the beans in a pot and fill with clean water 2″ above the beans. Let it sit overnight.

If beans are not soaked, add 1 cup extra liquid and cook 45-60 minutes longer (or until beans are tender).

How to Thicken Bean Soup

It’s so simple to thicken 15 Bean Soup!

1. Remove a cup of cooked beans and some of the broth and puree it in a blender.
2. Add the blended beans back into the pot for thicker stock.

Alternatively, use a potato masher to smash a few of the beans.

Recipe Tips

• All or some of the broth can be substituted for water. If using a smoked ham hock, use water or low sodium broth to keep it from being too salty.
• Soaking beans before cooking decreases cooking time and can remove some of the complex sugars, making them more digestible. Be sure to discard the soaking liquid and use fresh water for cooking.
• Soaking is optional. If beans are not soaked, add 1 cup extra liquid and cook 45-60 minutes longer (or until beans are tender).
• This soup is thick and hearty, for a thinner soup, add more broth.
• IMPORTANT: Add the tomatoes and lemon juice only when the beans are tender. Adding acidic ingredients to the beans before they are tender will keep them from softening like they should.
• Serve with a slice of cornbread on the side.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

15 bean soup is that it’s great for make-ahead meals and can be kept in the refrigerator and freezes perfectly. Simply scoop out servings and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. 15 bean soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 5 days.

Freeze soup by ladling it into freezer bags with the date written on the outside. Lay the bags flat in the freezer and when they are frozen, store them upright to save freezer space. Thaw in the fridge and heat on the stove or in the microwave.

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Did your family love this 15 Bean Soup? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!