I have finally accepted that fall is here (although the weather lately isn’t very fall like). And with that, I had a hankering the past few weeks for bean soup. Not just any bean soup, I wanted something nice and thick and almost stew-like. But I also didn’t want to spend a lot of time hanging out over a stove. So many demands!
So I looked at a few different recipes online and then decided to whip up my own version. There are oh so many things to love about this recipe. Not only is it simple and makes your whole home smell fantastic, but it is also very friendly on the budget. I made this recipe for under $10 and it lasted us for at least six big meals. This is also a vegetarian recipe with the option to add a little meat too.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. dry white navy beans
6-8 chopped carrots
4 stalks chopped celery
1 large onion diced
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 can tomato paste
Dash of salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley, basil, thyme
8 cups of water
Optional: Diced pancetta
Directions:
Give your beans a quick rinse. Add all of the ingredients into your slow cooker and set it for 8 hours on low. You can speed this up a bit and do 4 hours on high, but I think it is so awesome to let those flavors sit in there and really combine.
This is a great vegetarian/meatless meal. However, I love the added flavor that ham can bring to a bean soup. But I am lazy and didn’t want to find a chunk of ham so I grabbed a package of diced pancetta and this was the perfect addition. I just threw it right into the mix and let the flavors combine.
I also added a little parmesan cheese on top at the end for a nice salty addition.
What other soups do you like to make in the slow cooker? Are you starting to get in the mood for fall too?
Running On Healthy 
I love baked beans and that looks fantastic!! I am really getting into the mood for fall. Love all the home cooked comfort foods!
This has a nice thick consistency like baked beans. Yes, it is time for fall. But I will sure miss you summer!
This looks so delicious! We are still hovering in the 70s here, but when the temps drop I love making soup! I wasn’t feeling so well this week and almost made a pot of chicken soup…I see that in my very near future, along with your bean soup 🙂
Yes, we have the 70’s hovering here and I am not complaining. Funny how my mind was begging for soup already though. And with it being so easy to throw together and do other things, I couldn’t resist. I hope you are feeling better.
The slow cookers has come out in our house that’s for sure! I’ve never made bakes beans or beak soup – might have to give this a try!
We loved this. It was my first bean soup too.
I’ve never used the slow cooker to cook dry beans. What a great idea!
It was my first attempt with dry beans and we really loved it. I’m a a huge fan of the slow cooker.
I love easy slow cooker recipes & this one sounds fantastic!
I think this might be out year that we really embrace the slow cooker!
Great recipe! This will definitely be dinner one night soon!
Awesome. I love hearing that!
I made almost the exact same soup today! I threw in some kale and cayenne because once I start a soup I tend to keep adding stuff until its more like a stew. The slow cooker is a very good friend to have. Happy fall!
It is a great friend to have indeed. The kale is a wonderful addition. I’m definitely going to give that a try.
i’ve never made soup in my life (unless you count tofu chili, like, years ago), but so many of my girlfriends love it and i always see other bloggers totally killing it…so maybe this year i’ll try. i’m into the butternut squash idea!
Two years ago I started to make soups. Was never into it before then. But it is such an easy way to get meals in and super healthy too.
Reblogged this on My Meals are on Wheels.
Thanks for sharing! I hope you enjoy!