Cozy Homemade Navy Bean Soup to Warm Your Soul

Navy bean soup is a hearty and comforting classic American dish that warms the soul on chilly days.

This traditional soup combines simple ingredients with rich, satisfying flavors that have been cherished by families for generations.

Farmers and home cooks have long appreciated the nutritious qualities of navy beans, transforming them into a delicious and filling meal.

The creamy texture and robust taste of this soup make it a beloved staple in many households across the United States.

Protein-packed and incredibly nutritious, navy bean soup provides a wholesome dining experience that connects people to culinary traditions.

Robust seasonings and tender beans create a delightful symphony of flavors that appeal to both young and old.

What Goes With Navy Bean Soup

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a robust, full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, smoky bacon and earthy bean flavors.
• Crisp Sourdough Bread: Serve thick slices of crusty sourdough to soak up the soup's delicious broth and add a satisfying textural contrast.
• Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives to balance the soup's dense and savory profile, cutting through its richness.
• Tangy Goat Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle creamy, tangy goat cheese on top to add a bright, acidic note that enhances the soup's deep, hearty character.

Ways To Change Up Navy Bean Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. Swap bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon for protein and crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure broth is certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free tomato paste and check all ingredient labels carefully.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium broth and omit added salt. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or extra rosemary instead of salt.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace navy beans with cauliflower or zucchini. Use bone broth for higher fat content. Add additional heavy cream for thickness and increase bacon quantity for more fat.

Why Navy Bean Soup Feels So Comforting

• Quick Meal Prep: Effortlessly craft this hearty soup in under an hour using simple ingredients like canned beans, bacon, and fresh vegetables.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Seamlessly adapt the recipe for instant pot, stovetop, or slow cooker, making it perfect for any kitchen setup and cooking style.
• Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Packed with protein-rich beans, fiber-filled vegetables, and lean bacon, this soup delivers a wholesome and satisfying meal that nourishes body and soul.
• Easy Family Crowd-Pleaser: Customize with optional toppings like cheese or herbs, ensuring even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting and filling dish that appeals to all ages.

What You Need For Navy Bean Soup

• Navy Beans: Hearty legume that provides the soup's core texture and protein, choose canned or dried beans for convenience.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy topping, opt for thick-cut bacon for best results.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix base that builds deep flavor profile, fresh and crisp vegetables work best.
• Spinach: Adds fresh green color and nutrients, use fresh baby spinach for tender texture.
• Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated umami and depth to the soup, look for high-quality brands.

• Rosemary: Brings earthy, pine-like herb flavor, use fresh sprigs for maximum aroma.
• Bay Leaves: Adds subtle background complexity, remove before serving.
• Broth: Creates liquid base for soup, choose low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for balanced seasoning.
• Water: Helps blend and adjust soup consistency, use filtered water for best taste.

How To Cook Navy Bean Soup Step By Step

Step 1: Whip Up Bean Puree

• Canned navy beans
• Water

Blend beans and water until smooth and creamy, creating a silky base for the soup.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

In a large pot, cook bacon until golden and crispy. Transfer crisp bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving those delicious drippings.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Trio

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Chop vegetables and sauté in bacon drippings until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Build Soup Foundation

• Bean puree
• Whole navy beans
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Bay leaves

Pour everything into the pot and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables and beans become wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

Remove 2 cups of soup and blend until smooth. Return blended portion to the pot, creating a luxurious, thick consistency. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Crumble reserved crispy bacon on top for an irresistible crunch and smoky flavor.

Tips For Rich Navy Bean Soup

• Boost Bean Creaminess: Blend some beans with water to create a smooth, velvety base that naturally thickens the soup without added flour.
• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Cook bacon until extra crispy, then crumble it as a crunchy topping to add smoky depth and textural contrast.
• Enhance Vegetable Softness: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they're soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a rich flavor foundation.
• Customize for Diet Needs: Swap bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a vegetarian version, or use turkey bacon for a leaner protein option.
• Perfect Texture Balance: Blend a portion of the soup to create a creamy consistency while keeping some whole beans for a satisfying, chunky feel.

How To Keep Navy Bean Soup Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover navy bean soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed. Heat until steaming hot.
• Microwave Option: Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Navy Bean Soup FAQ Roundup

• Is navy bean soup nutritious?

Navy bean soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The combination of beans, vegetables, and bacon provides a balanced meal rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a similar depth of flavor. You can also add vegetable broth instead of regular broth.

• How can I make the soup creamier?

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, which helps create a thicker, creamier texture. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to increase the soup’s natural creaminess.

• Are navy beans good for weight management?

Yes, navy beans are excellent for weight management. They are low in fat, high in protein and fiber, which helps you feel full longer and supports healthy metabolism.

Heartwarming Navy Bean Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Navy Bean Soup celebrates classic comfort with rich, smoky ham and tender legumes simmered to perfection. Warm spices and creamy beans create a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Beans:

• 3 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans navy beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 slices center-cut bacon, chopped

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, chopped
• 3 cups baby spinach

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or a bouquet garni)

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Instructions

1. Pulverize one can of navy beans with water to create a smooth, creamy liquid base for the soup.
2. Render bacon in a cooking vessel until it transforms into crispy, golden fragments, then extract and reserve for garnishing.
3. Introduce diced onions, julienned carrots, and chopped celery into the same cooking surface, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
4. Incorporate tomato paste to deepen the flavor profile, stirring to integrate thoroughly with the vegetable medley.
5. Combine the bean puree, whole navy beans, aromatic broth, fragrant rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves into the pot, creating a rich, layered liquid foundation.
6. Simmer the mixture gently, allowing ingredients to meld and develop complex flavors, typically requiring 20-25 minutes of cooking time.
7. Extract and discard the rosemary and bay leaves to prevent overwhelming herbal notes.
8. Utilize an immersion blender to partially liquify approximately two cups of the soup, reintroducing the blended portion to enhance overall texture and consistency.
9. Fold fresh spinach leaves into the hot soup, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly.
10. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with the previously crisped bacon fragments for a satisfying crunch and additional flavor dimension.

Notes

• Experiment with different bean varieties like cannellini or great northern beans for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a rich, smoky undertone.
• Freeze extra portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and convenient meal for busy days.
• Boost protein content by adding diced chicken or ham, making the soup more filling an

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg