# Hearty Bean Soup

A big, cozy pot of creamy pinto beans with carrots, celery, and smoky paprika, for just pennies a bowl.

- **Time:** 50 min

- **Servings:** 6 servings

- **Difficulty:** Easy

## Ingredients

- 1 lb dried pinto beans, soaked overnight

- 1 onion, diced

- 3 carrots, diced

- 3 celery stalks, diced

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 8 cups vegetable broth

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 tsp smoked paprika, plus salt to taste

## Instructions

- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.

- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a large pot with a splash of oil for 6 minutes.

- Add the garlic and smoked paprika and cook 1 minute.

- Add the beans, broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer 40 minutes until the beans are tender.

- Mash some beans against the pot with a spoon for a creamy texture.

- Remove the bay leaves, season with salt, and serve.

**Tags:** [Budget Recipes](/recipes/#budget)

## More recipes to try

- [Rice and Beans](/rice-and-beans/)
- [Crispy Potato Hash](/potato-hash/)
- [Lentil Sloppy Joes](/lentil-sloppy-joes/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does it take to make Hearty Bean Soup?

Hearty Bean Soup takes about 50 min from start to finish, which makes it a great fit for busy weeknights.

### Can I meal prep Hearty Bean Soup?

Yes. Cook Hearty Bean Soup as written, let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

### What can I substitute in Hearty Bean Soup?

You can swap the protein for a similar one, like turkey for chicken or chickpeas for white beans, and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Keep the seasoning amounts the same so the flavor stays balanced.