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Navy Bean Soup with Bacon

This is “THE” Navy Bean Soup recipe you’ve been looking for. Less than 10 ingredients, loads of flavor and easy to make!

Navy Bean Soup with Bacon. This is the only bean soup I've ever made where I got TWO double-takes at the table after the first bite and LOADS of compliments! Smooth, creamy, flavorful and guaranteed to make the whole family dinner happy :)

Cook your bacon. Cook your onions in the bacon fat. Simmer it all then blend it until it’s creamy and smooth. Top with bacon, coarsely crushed peppercorns and a drizzle of a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Serve a good crusty bread on the side and you’ll be in Navy Bean Soup HEAVEN.

This Navy Bean Soup is one of the best you’ll ever enjoy. I’m telling you, it’s really good. Every time I serve it, I hear those “oohs” and “aahs” that makes every chef smile with satisfaction.

Here’s the thing: I leave ALL the bacon fat in the pan. No “reserving two tablespoons” for cooking. Nope, not for this Navy Bean Soup recipe. And once you taste it, you’ll be glad you left it in there, too.

Navy Bean Soup with Bacon. This is the only bean soup I've ever made where I got TWO double-takes at the table after the first bite and LOADS of compliments! Smooth, creamy, flavorful and guaranteed to make the whole family dinner happy :)

There are a lot of good things for you in this navy bean soup, too. BEANS, for starters. Carrots, onions and celery for a few more. And with less than 10 ingredients you’ll be making it all the time!

You may wonder why my recipe doesn’t call for soaking the beans overnight. You can certainly do this, however I’ve found that it’s really not necessary. It may take some extra cooking time until the beans are at their perfect soft texture but I prefer to plan for that rather than a long overnight soak. Either way, I’m sure you’ll love this Navy Bean Soup recipe as much as my family and friends do!

Navy Bean Soup with Bacon. This is the only bean soup I've ever made where I got TWO double-takes at the table after the first bite and LOADS of compliments! Smooth, creamy, flavorful and guaranteed to make the whole family dinner happy :)

More delicious soup recipes:

Navy Bean Soup with Bacon. This is the only bean soup I've ever made where I got TWO double-takes at the table after the first bite and LOADS of compliments! Smooth, creamy, flavorful and guaranteed to make the whole family dinner happy :)

Navy Bean Soup with Bacon

Yield: 0

The cooking time states "4-6 hours" because it's impossible to know how old your particular beans are (the older the beans, the longer they take to cook). You may soak your beans overnight will reduce the cooking time.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1/2 large sweet onion, chopped (or 1 whole medium)
  • 2 carrots, sliced (nope, don't even bother peeling 'em!)
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced (chop the leaves and use 'em if they have 'em)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 16 oz bag dried navy beans
  • 64 oz low-sodium chicken broth, 8 cups
  • 1 bay leaf
  • kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a plate lined with paper towels; set aside (don't worry if you don't get every last piece of bacon, it's okay to leave some stragglers in the pot).
  2. Add onion, carrots and celery; cook about five minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent. Add garlic, stir and cook another minute. Stir in tomatoes. Add beans, chicken stock and bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 4-6 hours, or until beans are soft. Remove bay leaf and serve.
  3. Optional: Using a hand blender, puree soup until about half is smooth, leaving some intact for texture.
Kristy Bernardo
Latest posts by Kristy Bernardo (see all)

Derrik

Saturday 4th of February 2023

Delicious…this recipe is a keeper. Thanks for sharing!

Shay Arcarese

Saturday 19th of November 2016

I love soup season! I just made a creamy black bean soup, which was uh-mazing, but can't wait to make some navy bean now!! Mm and ALWAYS use every last drop of that bacon grease, hello!

Kristy Bernardo

Wednesday 23rd of November 2016

Right?? You have to use the bacon grease :) Thanks, Shay!

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Salsa Verde • The Wicked Noodle

Monday 4th of April 2016

[…] you still need a few more healthy recipes to round things out, don’t forget to check out the alli® recipe resource! You can surf their recipes by your “target” then by breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks. You […]

Jennifer | Bake or Break

Thursday 7th of January 2016

This looks SO good! I just want to curl up with a big bowl!

Kristy Bernardo

Saturday 9th of January 2016

Thanks, Jennifer!

J at Bless Her Heart Y'all

Wednesday 6th of January 2016

This looks so warm and inviting (and tasty!). Just what I need on a cold winter night!

Kristy Bernardo

Saturday 9th of January 2016

Oh yeah, it's perfect for that!

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