Crock Pot Butter Bean Soup

Crock Pot Butter Bean Soup

This Crock Pot Butter Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful recipe, which includes creamy butter beans and smoked paprika. It’s a healthy twist on the classic, ready in about 7 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Butter Bean Soup Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
  • 1 onion, diced (any color)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) butter beans, drained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve

How To Make Crock Pot Butter Bean Soup

  1. Sauté aromatics (optional for more flavor): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–5 minutes until soft, then add garlic and spices. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. (Optional step—can be skipped for true dump-and-go.)
  2. Add ingredients to crock pot: Transfer sautéed mix (if using) to the crock pot. Add carrots, celery, whole butter beans, and the blended mixture of 1 1/2 cans of beans with 1 cup of water.
  3. Pour in broth and seasonings: Add vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
  4. Cook until tender: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are soft and the soup is thick and flavorful.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh black pepper.
Crock Pot Butter Bean Soup
Crock Pot Butter Bean Soup

Recipe Tips

  • Do I need to blend the beans? Blending some beans makes the soup creamy without adding dairy.
  • Can I skip the sautéing step? Yes, but it enhances flavor. You can add everything straight to the crock pot for convenience.
  • How spicy is it with cayenne? It adds a gentle kick. Omit or reduce for a milder soup.
  • Can I use dried beans? Yes, but cook them separately first, as dried beans won’t fully cook in a crock pot without soaking.
  • What can I add for more flavor? A splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar brightens up the soup.

What To Serve With Butter Bean Soup

This soup is comforting on its own or served with:

  • Crusty sourdough bread
  • Garlic herb croutons
  • Simple garden salad
  • Grilled veggie sandwiches
  • A side of roasted sweet potatoes

How To Store Butter Bean Soup

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Butter Bean Soup Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 218 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 1133mg
  • Potassium: 604mg
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Calcium: 70mg
  • Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this vegan?
Yes, it already is! Just double-check that your broth is plant-based.

Can I add greens like spinach or kale?
Yes, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely—it stores and reheats very well.

Can I use cannellini or navy beans instead?
Yes, though butter beans give the creamiest texture.

How to thicken the soup more?
Blend more beans or simmer with the lid off for 10–15 minutes.

Try More Recipes:

Crock Pot Butter Bean Soup

Recipe by Robert Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

7

hours 
Calories

218

kcal

A creamy, comforting, plant-based butter bean soup made in the crock pot with vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 2 medium carrots, diced

  • 2 celery ribs, diced

  • 2 cans (14 oz) butter beans, drained

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Sauté onion, garlic, and spices in olive oil (optional).
  • Add sautéed mix (if using), veggies, whole and blended beans to crock pot.
  • Pour in broth, add bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  • Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.