Mixed Bean Soup Recipe: Hearty, Healthy ($1 Per Serving)

We love this 16 Bean Soup Recipe because it’s hearty, healthy, and so easy to make, with rich flavor, cozy comfort, and a big satisfying bowl of goodness in every spoonful.

Step By Step 16 Bean Soup Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bag of 16 Bean Soup mix (16 oz)
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 1/2 onion, chopped (large)
• 2 garlic, sliced
• 1 tablespoon oregano, dried
• salt and pepper
• 3 cups of water
• 1/2 cup orzo

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Rinse Beans
   • Sort through beans and remove any debris. Rinse 2-3 times well under cold water.
2. Prep Vegetables
   • Chop 3-4 celery sticks, 3 carrots, 1/2 onion, and 2 garlic.
3. Add to Slow Cooker
   • Add beans, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp tomato sauce, 1 tsp oregano, salt and pepper and 4-6 cups water.
4. Cook
   • Cover and cook on High for 4 to 5 hours, or until beans are tender.
5. Check During Cooking
   • Stir once or twice if possible. If mixture becomes too dry, add a little more water.
6. Add Orzo
   • Stir in 1/2 cup orzo during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Season
   • Adjust the taste before serving.
8. Serve
   • Spoon into bowls and serve warm.

🫘 Beans in a Typical 16 Bean Mix + Their Nutrition Benefits

• Pinto beans – High in fiber and protein; supports heart health and stable blood sugar
• Navy beans (white beans) – Rich in folate and fiber; good for digestion and cholesterol support
• Black beans – High in antioxidants; supports brain and heart health
• Kidney beans (red beans) – Great source of iron and protein; supports energy and blood health
• Great Northern beans – Mild flavor; high in fiber for gut health
• Lima beans (butter beans) – Good source of magnesium and potassium; supports muscle and heart function
• Black-eyed peas – High in folate; supports energy and cell health
• Pink beans – High fiber and protein; helps keep you full longer
• Small red beans – Rich in antioxidants; supports immunity
• Yellow split peas – High in protein and fiber; helps digestion and fullness
• Green split peas – Good plant protein; supports steady energy
• Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) – High in protein and iron; supports muscle and blood health
• Cranberry beans (borlotti beans) – Rich in antioxidants and fiber; supports heart health
• Baby lima beans – High in potassium; supports blood pressure balance
• White kidney beans (cannellini beans) – High in fiber; supports digestion and heart health
• Mung beans (sometimes included) – Easy to digest; supports gut health and energy

Pin for later:

🌱 Overall Nutrition of 16 Bean Mix

• High in plant-based protein
• Very high in dietary fiber
• Rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate
• Supports heart health, digestion, and steady energy
• Low in fat and naturally cholesterol-free
• Budget friendly

A mix of beans provides important nutrients such as:

• Iron (supports healthy blood)
• Magnesium (supports muscle and nerve function)
• Potassium (helps regulate blood pressure)
• Folate (important for cell health)

Budget-Friendly 16 Bean Soup – Under $1 Per Serving!

This hearty 16 bean soup is not only filling and healthy, but incredibly affordable—perfect for feeding a family on a budget.

Total Cost (5–8 Servings) $5.40 – $6.10 per pot. Only $0.70 – $1.00 per serving

Ingredient Cost Breakdown (2026)

• 16 bean mix (16 oz): $3.00
• Celery: ~$0.95
• Carrots: ~$0.50–$0.70
• Onion: ~$0.30–$0.50
• Garlic: ~$0.15–$0.25
• Orzo: ~$0.30–$0.50
• Seasonings + water: ~$0.20

How to Make 16 Bean Soup with Orzo (Stovetop)

1. Rinse Beans (16 oz)
Rinse and sort beans. Optional: soak overnight.

2. Cook Vegetables
Heat 1–2 tbsp oil. Cook 1 chopped onion, 3-4 chopped celery, and 3 chopped carrots for 5–7 minutes.
Add 2 minced garlic and cook 1 minute.

3. Add Beans & Liquid
Stir in beans, 1 tbs tomato sauce, 1 tsp oregano, salt,and pepper.
Add 4–6 cups water or broth.

4. Simmer
Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer:

• Soaked: 60–90 min
• Unsoaked: 2–3 hours
  Stir and add liquid if needed.

5. Add Orzo (1/2 cup)
Cook for last 10–15 minutes.

6. Serve
Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Try These Next Time