There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Ham & 15-Bean Soup on a chilly day. This hearty dish fills your home with the comforting scents of smoky meats and Cajun spices. It’s a great way to bring some warmth and flavor into your kitchen!
This recipe saves time on weeknights, stretches a budget with pantry beans, boosts fiber and protein, adapts to meatless or spicy tastes, and yields leftovers.
I used to struggle with dinner ideas on busy nights, especially when I wanted something filling yet easy to prepare. This recipe solves that problem, needing just ten minutes of prep time. The slow cooker does all the hard work while I focus on other things.
What I love most about this soup is how the different beans come together to create a thick, satisfying texture. Plus, you don’t have to soak any beans beforehand, which makes getting started a breeze. After about seven hours, you’ll have a delicious stew waiting for you.
If you enjoy comforting classics, then you might also like making some sweet treats. If you want something delightful to serve alongside, check out my Salmon and Asparagus Orzo Salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty Texture : This soup has a rich, thick texture that feels satisfying with every spoonful. It’s the kind of cozy dish that warms you up from the inside.
- Bold Flavor : The Cajun spices really shine through, making each bite hearty and savory with a little kick. It’s packed with smokiness from the meats, too.
- Effortless Prep : With just 10 minutes of prep, this dish practically cooks itself. Toss it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you do your thing.
- Freezer-Friendly : Got leftovers? No problem. You can freeze this soup for up to six months, making it easy to enjoy later on those busy days.
Easy Cajun 15 Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: low fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cajun 15 Bean Soup ready in a slow cooker with smoky ham and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 oz/453.6 g) Cajun 15 Bean Soup mix, dry beans with seasoning packet
- 1–2 (1.5-3 lb) ham hocks or 1 ham bone
- 12 oz (340 g) andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into medallions
- 1 medium (150 g) sweet onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups (1920 ml) chicken broth
- 10 oz (284 g) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- juice from 1 lemon
- 11/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 11/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 11/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/21/2 teaspoon pepper
- 11/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 11/2 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
- 1/4 – 1/21/2 teaspoon cayenne powder to taste
- 1/21/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep the Ham: Start by cutting your ham into bite-sized pieces. Get a whiff of that smoky aroma; it will set the stage for the soup. This adds rich flavor, so do not skip this step. If the pieces are too large, they might not infuse enough flavor.
- Add Beans & Stock: Toss the 15-bean mix into your slow cooker along with the broth. The beans will look a bit dry at this point, but do not worry; they will soak up the liquid as they cook. If you forget the broth, your soup will end up too thick and dry.
- Season with Spices: Sprinkle in that Cajun seasoning, adding a nice kick. You will smell the spices enveloping the mixture, which is always a good sign. Just be cautious with the salt if you are watching your sodium intake; it can make things too salty.
- Set It & Forget It: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook for seven hours. You will want to walk by and get a whiff of that mouthwatering aroma filling your home. Just avoid lifting the lid too often; it will release steam and extend cooking time.
- Stir & Add Fixings: Once the time’s up, give your soup a gentle stir. The beans will be tender, but be cautious if you want a chunkier texture; over-stirring can break them apart. If you want to add veggies or more meat, now is the time to do it!
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup ends up too thick for your liking, slowly stir in more broth until it feels just right. You will want a slightly soupy consistency that will warm you up. If it is still too salty, gradually add more liquid to mellow the flavor.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Cajun 15 Bean Soup can be frozen and reheated; store in a freezer-safe container and consume within 6 months.
- Expert Tips: For a thinner soup, add more chicken stock gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- If the beans are still firm after cooking, consider extending the cooking period or making sure there is enough liquid present during cooking.
- When you find the soup too salty, diluting it with extra broth or water will help reach the desired taste.
- If a thicker soup is desired, gradually adding more liquid can help adjust the consistency to your preference.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a slow cooker on low until heated through, about 1-2 hours, or in a pot on the stove over medium heat until it reaches a simmer, stirring occasionally for even heating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over cooked rice for a filling meal or pair with cornbread for a classic comfort food experience. Top with fresh herbs for brightness before serving.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute different types of sausage for varied flavors or add diced carrots and celery for extra veggies. Incorporate greens like kale or spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
- Ingredient Notes: Ensure you select high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor infusion in the soup. Substitutions can include plant-based meat substitutes if making a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 544.3
- Sugar: 2.3g
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 33.2g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: 29.8g
- Fiber: 6.6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 7.8mg
Recipe Tips
- If the beans are still firm after the cooking time, consider extending the cooking period or making sure there’s enough liquid in the pot.
- When you find the soup is too salty, diluting it with extra broth or water will help reach the desired taste.
- For a soup that’s thicker than you like, gradually adding more liquid can help adjust the consistency to your preference.
- If a thinner soup is desired, gradually stirring in additional chicken stock will help achieve that lighter texture.
- When adding tomatoes or lemon juice, do so at the end of the cooking to avoid toughening the beans during the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bean soup over cooked rice for a filling option. Pair it with cornbread to create a comforting meal.
This soup works well as a base for stews, or in burritos and wraps. It also complements rice bowls, salads, and quesadillas.
Top each bowl with fresh herbs for added brightness. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use turkey sausage or kielbasa instead of andouille or smoked sausage for different flavor profiles.
- Add 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup diced celery for extra veggies and a boost of nutrition.
- Either add in some chopped bell peppers or throw in a cup of corn for an extra layer of flavor.
- If you want to cook a larger batch, use 2 bags of Cajun 15 Bean Soup and double the remaining ingredients accordingly.
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How to Store?
To keep your Easy Cajun 15 Bean Soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method keeps flavors intact.
Freezing: Place cooled soup in a freezer-safe container. This allows for storage up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Warm soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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