If there’s one recipe that’s both comforting and nourishing, it’s a hearty bean soup. And when you think of bean soup, Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup is a classic. This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a welcoming aroma and warms you up on the coldest days. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly easy to prepare-especially when you use a slow cooker to let the ingredients meld together in the most magical way. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its rich, satisfying flavor but also in the versatility of the beans, which absorb all the spices and smoky flavors from the ham, creating a mouthwatering, savory blend.
So, let’s dive into the Hurst 15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Recipe! Whether you’re new to the world of slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to impress. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or just a cozy dinner for one or two. Let’s break down the recipe step by step, and I promise you’ll be making this again and again.
Hurst 15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This recipe uses a pre-packaged 15-bean mix, which makes it so much easier than buying beans individually and having to soak them overnight. Plus, Hurst’s mix includes a packet of seasoning, which ensures a perfectly balanced flavor.
The beauty of this soup is that it practically cooks itself in the crockpot. You just throw everything in, set the timer, and let the magic happen. Over hours, the beans soften and absorb all the flavors from the ham or turkey, and the seasonings really get a chance to infuse the entire pot. The end result? A thick, rich, and hearty soup that’s the perfect balance of smokiness and earthiness. Ready to learn how to make it?
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start making this delicious soup. Don’t worry-it’s a short list, and most of these items are pantry staples:
- 1 package of Hurst 15 Bean Soup mix (includes beans and seasoning packet)
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1 ham bone (or 1-2 cups of ham hocks or diced ham)
- The ham bone or diced ham is what gives this soup its rich, smoky flavor.
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1 medium onion, chopped
- Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor base.
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3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Garlic is a flavor powerhouse and pairs perfectly with beans and ham.
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1-2 medium carrots, diced
- Carrots add a bit of natural sweetness and color to the soup.
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2 celery stalks, diced
- Celery adds crunch and a savory taste to balance out the beans.
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6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or water if you prefer)
- The broth is the liquid base of the soup, making it rich and flavorful. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth.
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1 Tsp Of Dried Thyme
- Thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
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1/2 Tsp Of Ground Black Pepper
- Enhances all the flavors and adds a little bit of heat.
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Salt To Taste
- Depending on how salty your broth or ham is, you may not need much salt.
Cooking Instructions
Making this Hurst 15 Bean Soup in the crockpot is so easy that even beginner cooks can pull it off with success. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the beans: First, pour the 15-bean mix into a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Sometimes there’s debris or dust in the beans, so it’s good to give them a quick wash.
- Add all ingredients: Dump the rinsed beans into the crockpot. Add the ham bone (or diced ham), onion, garlic, carrots, celery, chicken broth, thyme, and black pepper.
- Season: Don’t forget to add the seasoning packet from the Hurst beans. It contains all the spices you need for a perfectly seasoned soup.
- Set it and forget it: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Check it towards the end of the cooking time. The beans should be tender, and the broth should have thickened slightly.
- Shred the ham: If you used a ham bone, once it’s done, remove it from the pot, pull off the ham from the bone, and return the shredded meat to the soup. Give everything a good stir.
- Taste and adjust: Taste your soup. Depending on your preferences, you may want to add a pinch of salt or a bit more pepper.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread on the side. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in the overall flavor and texture:
- The 15-bean mix: This mix typically contains beans like pinto, kidney, black beans, Great Northern, and more. Each type of bean contributes its own unique texture and flavor, which together create a hearty, filling base for the soup.
- Ham bone/ham hocks: These are packed with smoky, savory goodness. As the ham cooks in the slow cooker, it releases fat and flavor into the soup, enriching the beans and broth.
- Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery make up what’s known as a “mirepoix”-a foundational combination of vegetables that serve as the flavor base for many soups and stews. Together, they add natural sweetness, depth, and freshness to balance the richness of the beans and ham.
- Broth: Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) forms the liquid base of the soup, helping the beans cook and become tender. It also ensures the soup has a flavorful, savory profile.
Expert Tips
- Soak the beans (optional): While soaking beans is not strictly necessary when using a slow cooker, it can help to reduce the cooking time and ensure a more even texture. If you decide to soak the beans, rinse and soak them in water for 6-8 hours or overnight before starting the recipe. Drain and add them to the crockpot.
- Use leftover ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday or another meal, this recipe is a great way to repurpose it. You can use chopped ham, or even throw in a ham steak if you prefer.
- Make it spicy: If you like your soup with a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. The smokiness from the ham pairs well with a bit of heat.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes really well, so don’t hesitate to make a large batch. Just let it cool completely and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning: The seasoning packet from Hurst provides a lot of flavor, but feel free to adjust with extra spices like smoked paprika, oregano, or even a bay leaf for added complexity.
Recipe Variations
If you want to switch things up and make this soup your own, there are tons of variations you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian soup. You can add a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, for an extra boost.
- Meat Alternatives: Instead of ham, you could use turkey (a leftover turkey leg works great) or even bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Add Greens: Toss in some fresh kale, spinach, or Swiss chard in the last 30 minutes of cooking to add some leafy green goodness.
- Beans & Grains: Add a handful of quinoa or farro along with the beans for a slightly different texture and additional nutritional value.
- Tomato Base: Add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) for a little more acidity and sweetness. This adds a different layer of flavor and a pop of color to the soup.
Final Words
This Hurst 15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Recipe is more than just a soup; it’s an experience. The slow-cooked beans, tender ham, and aromatic vegetables combine to create something so comforting, so nourishing, that it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for a crowd, this is the kind of dish that always pleases. The best part is, it’s as simple to make as it is delicious!