The moment the steam rises from my Instant Pot, carrying the deep, earthy aroma of simmering beans and rich broth, I feel instantly transported to a cozy kitchen on a chilly evening. This Hearty Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup has quickly become my go-to recipe for those nights when comfort food is a must, yet time is of the essence. With a colorful medley of 15 different beans, pepped up by aromatic vegetables and your choice of savory meats or delightful seasonings, it’s packed full of flavor and nutrition.
In just 60 minutes, dry beans transform into a thick, warm hug for your taste buds, offering both high protein and fiber without the fuss of slaving over the stove. Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner option, this soup is not only versatile but also brimming with heartiness that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you’re seeking a gluten-free vegetarian delight or a meaty masterpiece, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s dive into crafting this delicious, wholesome dish together!
Why will you love this 15 Bean Soup?
Comforting Warmth: Each bowl delivers a cozy experience, perfect for chilly evenings.
Flavor Explosion: A delightful medley of beans and spices creates a rich, savory depth.
Easy and Efficient: The Instant Pot simplifies preparation, turning dry beans into soup in just an hour.
Customizable: Tailor the recipe to your taste with various meats, veggies, or seasoning options.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is as healthy as it is hearty.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will enjoy this satisfying dish, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
15 Bean Soup Ingredients
• Dive into this flavorful 15 Bean Soup, packed with protein and fiber!
For the Soup Base
• Butter or Olive Oil – Adds richness and depth to the soup; substitute with any cooking oil for a lighter option.
• Yellow Onion – Provides a savory base flavor; can be replaced with shallots or omitted for a milder taste.
• Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color; substitute with parsnips or omit if needed.
• Celery – Contributes a fresh crunch and flavor; can be omitted if unavailable.
• Garlic – Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic properties; adjust according to personal preference.
• Dry Bean Mix (20 ounces) – A blend of 15 bean varieties for nutrition and texture; feel free to use any mix you prefer.
• Low Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth (7 cups) – Serves as the soup base; ensure it’s low sodium to control overall salt levels.
• Dried Bay Leaves – Adds complexity in flavor; remember to remove before serving.
• Diced Tomatoes (14 ounces, drained) – Brings acidity and balances the soup; use fresh tomatoes if preferred.
• Cooked Meat (1 cup, optional) – Enhances richness and protein content; options include ham, bacon, sausage, or chicken.
For Seasoning
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Brightens flavors and adds a slight tang; lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon) – Adds herbal flavor; replace with Italian seasoning or thyme if desired.
• Celery Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances seasoning; use regular salt instead to control sodium levels.
• Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Provides heat and balance; adjust to taste.
• Liquid Smoke (2 dashes) – Imparts a smoky flavor characteristic of traditional bean soups; omit if a lighter flavor is preferred.
How to Make 15 Bean Soup
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Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, then heat the butter or olive oil until it sparkles. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.
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Add Veggies: Toss in the chopped yellow onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the veggies are softened.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the dry bean mix, low sodium broth, bay leaves, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, and liquid smoke. Mix everything well to ensure the beans are coated with those flavorful ingredients.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and seal the vent. Choose manual pressure cooking for 45 minutes. Allow the anticipation to build as the soup cooks to creamy perfection!
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Quick Release: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the steam. Carefully open the lid and stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked meat, and apple cider vinegar for a bright flavor boost.
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Warm Up: Put the lid back on and let it sit on the warm setting for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Optional: Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for 15 Bean Soup
- Perfectly Seasoned: Taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning as needed. It’s easy to overlook salt in a thick soup.
- Thickening Trick: For a heartier texture, mash some beans with a fork and stir them back into the soup.
- Leftover Love: Use any leftover cooked meat to enhance flavor and protein content; it’s a great way to reduce waste!
- Storage Essentials: Refrigerate leftovers for up to a week; just remember to re-season after reheating as flavors may fade.
- Veggie Versatility: Feel free to toss in frozen vegetables like corn for added nutrition and color; they’ll heat through quickly!
Make Ahead Options
These Hearty Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup make-ahead options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify meal prep! You can chop the vegetables and combine the dry bean mix in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Additionally, cooked meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days if you’re adding it. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, sauté the veggies as instructed, then combine with the previously prepped ingredients and broth. This way, you’ll have just as delicious a soup with minimal effort, ideal for those hectic weeknights!
15 Bean Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with your soup; there’s no limit to the delicious twists you can add!
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Vegetarian Delight: Omit meat and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version that’s still packed with flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a bold heat that elevates each spoonful. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
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Smoky Flavor Boost: Use smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke for a subtle depth while keeping things simple.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of coconut milk before serving for a luxuriously creamy texture that complements the beans perfectly.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro right before serving to brighten the flavors and add a beautiful pop of color.
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Cheesy Finish: Top your soup with grated cheese, like sharp cheddar or crumbled feta, for an indulgent finish that brings another layer of satisfaction.
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Extra Veggies: Bulk up your soup with frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for extra texture and nutrition.
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Citrus Brightness: Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice over the soup before serving to enhance the flavors and give a refreshing zing!
Enjoy experimenting with these variations, and make this comforting bowl uniquely yours!
What to Serve with 15 Bean Soup?
Delight in a cozy meal where every bite is perfectly paired for warmth and flavor.
- Crusty Bread: The crunchy crust paired with soft, warm bread is perfect for soaking up every delectable drop of soup.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the rich heartiness of the soup, adding a delightful crunch.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top adds creaminess and an extra layer of tang to enhance the soup’s robust flavor.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Melty cheese and crispy tortillas create a delicious contrast, making every spoonful even more enjoyable.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet, fluffy cornbread complements the savory soup perfectly, providing a comforting, nostalgic touch.
- Pickled Jalapeños: These add a spicy kick, cutting through the richness of the soup while bringing a bright flavor to each bite.
- Red Wine: A glass of bold red wine elevates the meal, matching the depth of flavors found in the hearty bean soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies add a lovely sweetness and texture, creating a colorful plate that’s aesthetically pleasing and nutritious.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the savory elements, providing a cleansing contrast to the hearty soup.
How to Store and Freeze 15 Bean Soup
Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Before reheating, taste and adjust seasoning, as flavors may soften over time.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, heat the soup on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving the soup out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety—always refrigerate leftovers promptly!
Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the 15 Bean Soup, I recommend looking for a mix that contains various beans like kidney, navy, black, and pinto. When selecting dried beans, ensure they are clean and dry, with no visible dark spots or cracks, as these can indicate spoilage. A well-balanced mix offers different textures and flavors that contribute to the soup’s richness.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store your Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To maintain the best flavor, I suggest tasting the soup before reheating, as sometimes the flavors can mute over time. Just a pinch of salt or some fresh herbs can really help revive the taste!
Can I freeze 15 Bean Soup for later?
You certainly can! To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then pour it into airtight containers or freezer bags—leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. This soup can be frozen for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
What should I do if my soup turns out too thick?
If your 15 Bean Soup is too thick for your liking, don’t worry! Simply add a bit of broth or water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and taste to ensure the flavor remains robust. Alternatively, you can mash a few beans with a fork and mix them back in for creaminess—that’ll thicken it up naturally!
Is this soup safe for people with food allergies?
Of course! This soup can be gluten-free, vegetarian, and even vegan if you omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Always check the labels on your broth and any added ingredients for potential allergens. If you’re serving others, consider asking about dietary restrictions to ensure everyone can enjoy this hearty dish!
How can I make this soup more flavorful?
For a truly flavorful Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup, I encourage you to experiment with spices! You can start with the classic dried oregano, but feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for heat or some smoked paprika for depth. Additionally, adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving gives it a delightful freshness that enhances the overall taste.
Savory 15 Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, then heat the butter or olive oil until it sparkles.
- Toss in the chopped yellow onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the dry bean mix, low sodium broth, bay leaves, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, and liquid smoke.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and seal the vent. Choose manual pressure cooking for 45 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the steam and stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked meat, and apple cider vinegar.
- Put the lid back on and let it sit on the warm setting for an additional 10 minutes.