If you’re craving a cozy, hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly days, this Bacon Lentil Soup is just what you need. Packed with smoky bacon, tender red lentils, and a medley of vegetables simmered in savory chicken broth, it’s a delicious way to warm up on busy weeknights. Whether cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this comforting soup is sure to become one of your favorite recipes.

I love making this hearty bacon lentil soup every New Year’s Day—it’s become a cherished tradition in our home. In Italian culture, lentils are believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the year ahead because their coin-like shape symbolizes wealth. There’s something so comforting about starting the new year with a pot of this smoky, flavorful bacon lentil soup soup simmering on the stove, filling the house with its rich aroma. It’s the perfect way to gather with family and warm up on a chilly day, and I always find it’s even better when enjoyed the next day as the flavors meld together.

If you love this recipe, try my Carrot & Lentil Soup, Wonton Soup, Butternut Squash Soup, Minestrone Soup, Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, Spanish Bean Soup, and Tomato and Garlic Soup.

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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
🥘 Ingredients
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
👩🏼‍🍳 Tips & Notes
🍴 Serving Suggestions
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
📋 Recipe
🌡️ Food safety
💬 Reviews

🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe

Hearty and Comforting: This bacon lentil soup is a perfect hearty soup for chilly days. The combination of smoky bacon, tender red lentils, and rich chicken broth creates a delicious meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Easy to Prepare: Made with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic cloves, and a can of crushed tomatoes, this lentil soup recipe comes together quickly on medium heat in a large saucepan or dutch oven. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal in under an hour.
Great for Leftovers: This bacon lentil soup thickens beautifully when stored in an airtight container, making it even more flavorful the next day. Plus, it’s easy to reheat for meal prep, ensuring you have a healthy, satisfying soup ready whenever you need it.

🥘 Ingredients

Red Lentils: Red lentils are my absolute go-to when I’m in the mood for a hearty soup that’s both filling and healthy. I love how quickly they cook down, practically melting into the broth to create that creamy, comforting texture we all crave on chilly days. A quick rinse under cold water is all they need before adding to the pot—no soaking required. Plus, they’re packed with protein and fiber, making this soup not just delicious but nutritious, too!
Smoky Bacon: I’ll admit it—there’s something magical about the smell of smoky bacon sizzling away on a cold afternoon. Those crispy bacon bits and that flavorful bacon fat infuse the soup with so much rich, savory goodness. Sometimes, I’ll swap in turkey bacon if I’m looking for a lighter option, but nothing quite beats the deep flavor of classic smoky bacon. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Chicken Broth: I always keep a carton of chicken broth on hand because it’s the secret to turning simple ingredients into a savory, hearty soup. I go for low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the seasoning. And if you’re going for a vegetarian twist, vegetable broth works just as well—I’ve made it both ways, and it’s always a hit.
Crushed Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes brings that bright, tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the smoky bacon and creamy red lentils. There’s something so satisfying about pouring those tomatoes into the pot and watching everything come together. Sometimes, when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a dollop of tomato paste for an even richer flavor.
Olive Oil: I can’t start cooking without my trusty bottle of olive oil. It’s the base of so many of my favorite recipes. Sautéing chopped onions and garlic cloves in olive oil is like a little ritual—once the kitchen fills with that smell, I know something delicious is about to happen.
Bay Leaf & Thyme: These little herbs are like the quiet heroes of this soup. Just toss in a bay leaf and a sprinkle of dried thyme, and let them work their magic as the soup simmers away. There’s something so cozy about letting these flavors meld together over medium heat. I always fish out the bay leaf before serving (learned that the hard way after biting into one once!).
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are a must for me. There’s nothing quite like that savory kick they add, especially when paired with the smoky bacon. I love the way the garlic perfumes the whole pot as it softens. It’s truly the base of the soup’s rich flavor.
Carrots & Celery: These veggies remind me of childhood soups my mom used to make. They add natural sweetness and make the soup feel heartier. I like to cut the carrots and celery into thin slices so they soften quickly. On days when I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll toss in some different vegetables like French green lentils for a little extra texture.
Black Pepper & Salt: I’ve learned the hard way to go easy on the salt—especially with bacon and chicken broth already bringing their own saltiness. A sprinkle of black pepper at the end adds just the right amount of heat to wake up all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: To me, a soup isn’t complete without a sprinkle of something fresh on top. Chopped fresh parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a bright, herbaceous finish that ties everything together. It’s a small touch, but it makes the bowl feel special, like a little bit of love went into every spoonful.

See recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Pot: Place a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up until shimmering.

Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion, carrot, & celery to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden and translucent and vegetables are soft.

Add the Bacon: Stir in the smoky bacon pieces and cook for 5 minutes, or until the bacon releases its fat and begins to brown. For better browning, you can push the vegetables to the side or temporarily remove them from the pot.

Add the Garlic: Add the crushed garlic cloves to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to release its aroma without burning.

Add Tomatoes and Lentils: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add the rinsed red lentils, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the pot.

Season and Add Broth: Drop in the bay leaf and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that all ingredients are fully submerged. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils have softened and are starting to collapse.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Be careful, as the bacon and broth may already add enough saltiness.

Finish with Fresh Parsley: Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf. Stir in a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy it right away. It’s perfect for chilly days, and even better the next day after the flavors have melded together!

👩🏼‍🍳 Tips & Notes

Rinse the Lentils: Always rinse your red lentils under cold water before adding them to the pot. This helps remove any debris or small rocks and reduces excess starch, resulting in a cleaner, smoother soup.
Choose Smoky Bacon: For that rich, smoky depth of flavor, opt for regular smoky bacon rather than turkey bacon. The rendered bacon fat adds a wonderful base to the soup, but if you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon can be used.
Low and Slow Simmer: Letting the soup simmer on medium-low heat ensures the lentils break down slowly, thickening the broth without turning mushy. This creates that perfect hearty soup consistency without losing the texture of the vegetables.
Broth Matters: Using a good-quality chicken broth as your base enhances the flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian lentil soup, simply swap it with vegetable broth. You can also add a little water if the soup thickens too much during cooking.
Avoid Over-Salting: Be cautious when adding salt—bacon and chicken broth often contain plenty of salt. Taste the soup towards the end of the cooking time and adjust seasoning as needed.
Leftovers are Better: This hearty lentil soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Consistency Tip: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup. For a chunkier consistency, simply stir and break down the lentils with a spoon.
Don’t Forget the Bay Leaf: Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving! It adds a lovely depth of flavor during cooking but isn’t meant to be eaten.
Add a Splash of Acid: A small splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the bacon fat.
Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for a burst of color and a touch of heat.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Wine Pairing: Pair this hearty bacon lentil soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti. The earthy, smoky notes of the soup complement the rich, fruity flavors of these wines. For a lighter option, a dry rosé or a crisp Chardonnay works beautifully to balance the savory richness.

Cozy Winter Dinner: This bacon lentil soup is perfect for chilly days, making it an ideal main course for a cozy family dinner. Serve it with a side of crusty baguette slices or garlic bread to soak up all the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the richness of the soup.

Leftover Lunch: This soup gets even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Pack it up for an easy lunch and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal. Pair it with a small piece of baguette or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Meal Prep: This soup is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch on the weekend, store it in an airtight container, and have a nutritious, ready-to-go dinner or lunch throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and thickens, so add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

Light, Healthy Option: For a lighter meal, serve this soup as a starter before a main dish like roasted chicken or a vegetable gratin. The soup is hearty enough to satisfy but light enough not to overwhelm the palate.

Comforting Holiday Dish: Add this to your holiday menu for a comforting and warming starter. It’s a great way to welcome guests during festive gatherings, especially when served with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for a pop of color.