Campbell's Bean and Bacon Soup

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly smoky, Campbell's Bean and Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food classic, perfect for chilly evenings or any day you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal. This homemade version elevates the canned favorite with tender navy beans, crispy thick-cut bacon, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth infused with smoked paprika and a hint of tomato paste. The secret to its irresistible texture lies in blending just a portion of the soup, giving it a creamy base while retaining hearty chunks. Easy to make and brimming with protein and rich, savory flavor, this soup is best served hot, garnished with parsley and a sprinkle of reserved bacon for an elegant touch. Pair it with crusty bread for a meal that's both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried navy beans
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the navy beans under cold water and sort through to remove any debris.

Step 2

Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the soaked navy beans to the pot along with the chicken broth, water, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 8

Using an immersion blender, blend a small portion of the soup directly in the pot to create a slightly thicker consistency. Be careful not to over-blend; you want to retain some texture. Alternatively, remove 2 cups of soup, blend in a blender, and return to the pot.

Step 9

Stir in the cooked bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with the reserved bacon and fresh parsley, if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2450.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1374.3

Total Fat 40.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 60mg	0%
Sodium 7829.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.9g	0%
Total Sugars 26.6g
Protein 100.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 596.8mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 5952.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.4%

Protein: 28.1%

Carbs: 46.5%