Lentil Soup, Chili, and Minestrone: 9 Cozy Bean Recipes Worth Staying in For

There's nothing quite like the combination of a warm flavor-packed broth and hearty, supple beans.

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The Serious Eats Team
The Serious Eats Team
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Published October 29, 2025
Lebanese brown lentil soup in a bowl with a dollop of yogurt served with pieces of potato and lentils visible

Serious Eats / Qi Ai

Beans are a crucial pantry resource, and one of the most intuitive ways to use them is in soups, stews, and chilis. Canned beans certainly have their place, but we vastly prefer cooking dried beans at home, and many of the recipes in this collection aptly demonstrate why. Simmering dried beans allows us to flavor them with onion, bay leaf, and other aromatics, and the cooking liquid lightly thickens soups, giving them a delightfully silky texture. Of course, we don't always have the time or inclination to soak and simmer a batch of beans, so you won't lose points with us for using whatever cans you have lying around. Below, find our favorite bean soup, stew, and chili recipes to bring on the cozy!

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