Pioneer Woman Bacon Bean Soup

This Pioneer Woman Bacon Bean Soup is a hearty, slow-simmered classic made with dried white beans, thick-cut bacon, and fresh vegetables.
Perfect for chilly days, it’s rich, smoky, and filling—comfort food at its coziest. Plus, it makes a generous batch that’s perfect for meal prep or freezing for later!

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Bean Soup Recipe

• A Bowl of Comfort: Smoky bacon, tender beans, and savory veggies create a soup that warms you from the inside out.
• Feeds a Crowd: One pot serves about 10, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
• Nutritious & Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies—it’s a complete meal in every spoonful.
• Leftovers That Get Better: This soup tastes even richer the next day and reheats beautifully.

Pioneer Woman Bacon Bean Soup Ingredients

• 1 lb dried white beans (like Great Northern)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 lb thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• Optional: 3 roma tomatoes, chopped
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Pioneer Woman Bacon Bean Soup

1. Finish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in optional tomatoes. Ladle into bowls and top with reserved bacon and parsley.
2. Soak the Beans: Rinse and sort the beans. Soak overnight in water, covering them by at least 2 inches.
3. Simmer the Beans: Drain beans, place in a large pot with chicken stock and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-low until just crisp. Transfer to paper towels. Reserve 1/3 for garnish; add the rest to the beans.
5. Sauté the Veggies: Discard excess bacon fat, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper for 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes more.
6. Combine & Simmer: Add veggies and bay leaves to the bean pot. Stir well. Simmer covered over low to medium-low heat for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water or broth if needed.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Don’t Oversalt Early: Bacon adds saltiness—taste at the end and adjust.
• Creamy Option: Blend a cup or two of the soup and stir it back in for extra creaminess.
• Quick-Soak Beans: Forgot to soak overnight? Boil beans for 2 minutes, then soak for 1 hour.
• Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely before freezing in meal-size portions.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • Sausage Swap: Substitute some bacon with smoked sausage or chorizo.
• Tuscan-Style: Stir in chopped kale and rosemary for a Mediterranean twist.
• Creamy Comfort: Blend half the soup for a velvety finish.
• Vegetarian: Skip bacon, use veggie broth, and add smoked paprika for depth.

Storage Instructions

• In the Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers with headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Bacon Bean Soup

• Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5–8 minutes until warmed through.
• Slow Cooker: Transfer soup to slow cooker and warm on low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Do I have to soak the beans overnight?
  Yes, soaking helps them cook evenly. In a pinch, use the quick-soak method: boil for 2 minutes, then soak for 1 hour.
• Can I use canned beans instead?
  Yes! Use 3–4 cans (drained and rinsed). Adjust cooking time and reduce added liquid accordingly.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  Absolutely. Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours.
• How do I prevent mushy beans?
  Avoid adding salt too early and don’t overcook. Soaking helps, too!
• How do I thicken bacon bean soup?
  Mash a few beans or blend a cup of soup, then stir it back in.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer woman Homemade Cream Of Chicken Soup
• Pioneer Woman Muffaletta Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Butter Chicken

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 9g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 15g