Last Updated on February 14, 2026 by Barbara

There is something about a bowl of 15 Bean Soup that just feels right when the temperature falls. When looking for a comforting “meal in a bowl,” this is exactly where I turn. It’s a soulful blend of different beans, fresh vegetables, and tender meat that creates a depth of flavor you just can’t get from a can.

I let my slow cooker do all the hard work while I go about my day. You can serve 15 Bean Soup as the star of the show or use it as the perfect side accompany a plate of fried fish or crispy pork chops. It’s a recipe that is guaranteed to keep you warm and leave your family asking for seconds. Let’s pull out the crockpot and I will show you how to make this soulful favorite.

Table of Contents

How to Make 15 Bean Soup

This easy recipe is made in a crock pot or slow cooker. Cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld which will give you give you great flavor.

Watch Me Make 15 Bean Soup (Video Tutorial)

Ingredients:

15 Bean Soup Mix, Andouille Sausage, Chicken Breasts, Chicken stock, Onion, Garlic, Celery, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt and Black Pepper.

Instructions for 15 Bean Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the andouille sausage and chicken breasts into small pieces. Set them aside for later use.

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with the onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Combining Ingredients

preparation for slow cooker, crock pot 15 bean soup

Add the sliced andouille sausage and the dry 15 bean soup mix in the slow cooker with the seasoned chicken.

Next add the aromatics – Chop the celery, onion, and garlic cloves, then add them to the slow cooker alongside the other ingredients.

adding the chicken stock to 15 bean soup

add the chicken stock and water to the slow cooker, then cover. Ensure the liquid level adequately covers the beans and meats for proper cooking.

Step 3: Cooking the Soup

Set the slow cooker on high and allow the soup to cook for approximately four hours. This duration ensures the beans soften, the meats tenderize, and the flavors meld together. After 4 hours check the beans for your desired tenderness then it is ready to serve.

Common Questions:

How can I thicken my 15 bean soup?

Thickening the soup can be done by taking some of the cooked beans out of the pot, about a cup, and putting it into a separate bowl. Using a fork, mash the beans then return them to the slow cooker and mix well.

Another way of thickening the soup is to simply add a slurry of water and cornstarch to the soup and mix well.

Tips and Variations:

Soaking Beans: This crock pot recipe uses a no soak method. If you like, soak the dry beans overnight or use the quick soak method to reduce cooking time.
Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes to enhance the flavors of the soup.
Spice Level: You can adjust the spice levels by choosing a milder or spicier variety of andouille sausage or by adding cajun or cayenne seasonings for that extra kick.
Storage and Reheating: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the soup’s consistency. This soup can also be frozen.

Soul Food Cooking 101 — Classic Soul Food Recipes: Preserving the Legacy of Authentic Southern Cooking.

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