Bean Soup Crock Pot Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Hearty Meal

Updated On: October 5, 2025

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade bean soup, especially when the weather turns chilly or you’re in need of a nourishing, wholesome meal. This vegetarian bean soup crock pot recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dish that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and your belly with plant-powered goodness.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or simply love cozy dinners, this recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight staple.

With a few minutes of prep in the morning, you’ll have a hearty, protein-packed soup ready by dinnertime—no babysitting required. Bursting with beans, vegetables, and herbs, this soup is as nutritious as it is flavorful.

Plus, it’s completely customizable to your taste and pantry staples. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious crock pot classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Preparation: Simply chop, pour, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Minimal hands-on time for maximum comfort.
  • Hearty & Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins thanks to a mix of beans and vegetables.
  • Customizable: Use any beans or veggies you have on hand. Perfect for clearing out your fridge or pantry!
  • Family-Friendly: Mild flavors make this soup a hit with kids and adults alike. Easily adaptable for picky eaters.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Makes a generous batch—ideal for leftovers, lunchboxes, or freezing for future meals.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients for a wallet-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Dried mixed beans (or use canned, see Tips) 2 cups (about 1 pound), rinsed
Yellow onion, diced 1 large
Carrots, peeled and chopped 3 medium
Celery stalks, chopped 3
Garlic cloves, minced 3
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (canned, with juices) 1 (15-oz) can
Vegetable broth 8 cups
Bay leaf 1
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon
Salt & black pepper To taste
Olive oil (optional, for sautéing) 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish) As desired
Lemon juice (optional, for brightening flavor) 1 tablespoon

Equipment

  • 6-quart crock pot (slow cooker)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander (for rinsing beans)
  • Large sauté pan (optional, for sautéing veggies)
  • Ladle (for serving)
  • Bowl and spoon (for enjoying!)

Instructions

  1. Prep the beans:

    If using dried beans, rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pick out any debris. Optional: Soak overnight in a large bowl of water for faster cooking and improved digestibility.
  2. Chop the vegetables:

    Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Tip: Keep your veggie pieces uniform for even cooking.
  3. Sauté for extra flavor (optional but recommended):

    In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute. Transfer to the crock pot.

    Pro Tip: Sautéing the veggies first adds depth of flavor, but you can skip this step to save time.

  4. Combine everything in the crock pot:

    Add the beans (drained if soaked overnight), sautéed veggies (if sautéed), diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cook:

    Set crock pot to LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. Check beans for tenderness—cooking time varies by bean type and age.
  6. Finish and adjust seasoning:

    Remove bay leaf. Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice if desired. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup, or mash some beans against the side of the pot.
  7. Serve:

    Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy hot with your favorite bread!

Tips & Variations

  • Bean Choices: Use a store-bought 15-bean soup mix, or create your own blend (kidney, black, navy, pinto, great northern, cannellini, etc.).
  • Canned Beans Shortcut: Substitute four (15-oz) cans of drained and rinsed beans for the dried beans. Reduce broth to 6 cups and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
  • Veggie Add-Ins: Add chopped bell pepper, zucchini, sweet potato, or spinach/kale in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients.
  • Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
  • Herbs: Swap thyme for oregano, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
  • Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan sour cream before serving.
  • Storage: Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
  • Batch Cooking: Double the recipe for a crowd or to stock your freezer.

“Don’t forget to try our Half Runner Beans Recipe for another delicious bean-based meal!”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 of 8)
Calories 220
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 38g
Fiber 9g
Fat 2g
Saturated Fat 0g
Sodium 640mg (varies by broth)
Vitamin A 35% DV
Vitamin C 20% DV
Iron 18% DV

Nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary with specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm slice of rustic bread, like this Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for an extra kick.
  • Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad or a tangy cabbage slaw for a refreshing balance.
  • Soup Toppings: Top with avocado slices, a dollop of vegan yogurt, or crunchy croutons.
  • Grains: Serve over cooked brown rice, quinoa, or farro to make it even more filling.
  • Leftovers: Use leftovers as a hearty filling for baked potatoes or stuff into bell peppers and bake.
  • For the Kids: Pair with homemade bread, like these Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe, for fun dipping.

“For a sweet finish to your meal, don’t miss our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe!”

Conclusion

This vegetarian bean soup crock pot recipe is everything you love about home-cooked comfort food—nutritious, hearty, and impossibly easy. With just a few affordable ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a meal that warms both the body and soul.

Feel free to make it your own with whatever beans or veggies you have on hand—this soup is a true celebration of flexibility and flavor. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly weeknight dinner, healthy meal prep option, or just a bowl of something cozy, this recipe delivers.

Give it a try, share it with friends, and let it become a staple in your kitchen. And don’t forget to explore more homemade goodness, like our Goats Milk Yogurt Recipe for breakfast or snacks!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Crock Pot Bean Soup

Description: This hearty vegetarian bean soup is easy to make in the crock pot and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy, nutritious meal any day of the week.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H15M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried mixed beans, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Add beans, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to crock pot.
  2. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
  3. Stir in thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until beans are tender.
  5. Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 1.5 g | Carbs: 35 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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