Mexican Bean Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of Mexican Bean Soup, its rich aroma filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy evening at home, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal.

As the beans, vegetables, and spices simmer together, a delightful medley of flavors emerges, inviting you to savor every spoonful.

Let’s bring this comforting bowl of goodness to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 can opener

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Mexican Bean Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Setup (5 minutes):
   • Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes):
   • Chop the onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Open and rinse the black beans and kidney beans.
   • Measure out the spices, vegetable broth, and other ingredients.
3. Cooking (30 minutes):
   • Minute 0-5: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
   • Minute 6-8: Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for another 3 minutes.
   • Minute 9-10: Add cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
   • Minute 11-12: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Minute 13-15: Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and corn to the pot.
   • Minute 16-30: Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Final Touches (5 minutes):
   • Minute 31-32: Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and cilantro.
   • Minute 33-35: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño, cooking for another 3 minutes.

Add cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and corn to the pot.

Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for a satisfying crunch and to scoop up the hearty soup.
• Avocado Slices: Add creaminess and a fresh flavor contrast to the spicy soup.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping and soaking up the rich broth.
• Lime Wedges: Enhance the citrusy kick by squeezing extra lime juice before eating.
• Sour Cream or Shredded Cheese: Top the soup for added creaminess and a rich flavor boost.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Mexican Bean Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers. Leave some room for expansion.

Label with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat Mexican Bean Soup, use a stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally until hot.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl.

Cover it to retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Bean Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table.

This soup isn’t only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients and flavor.

It can be customized to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it spicy or mild.

The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices creates a rich and satisfying meal.

Serve it with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete and comforting dining experience.

Enjoy this delicious soup as a main course, and savor the warmth and flavor it brings to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Vegetable Broth?

Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. It’ll add a richer depth to the flavor profile. Measure precisely, using 4 cups. Make certain it complements other ingredients, maintaining the soup’s harmony and enhancing its taste.

Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for the Cilantro?

You can replace cilantro with fresh parsley for a milder flavor or try fresh basil for a different twist. Both herbs complement the dish well. Use 2 tablespoons of either herb to maintain similar flavor profiles.

How Can I Make This Soup More Filling?

To make it more filling, add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice. You can also include 1 cup of diced sweet potatoes or 1 cup of chopped spinach. These additions boost texture and nutritional value.

What Can I Serve Alongside the Soup?

Serve warm, crusty bread or cheesy quesadillas for a satisfying side. Add a revitalizing avocado salad with lime dressing to enhance flavor. For a twist, offer a side of Mexican rice with cilantro and lime zest.

Can I Substitute Another Type of Beans for Black Beans?

Absolutely, you can substitute black beans with pinto or cannellini beans. They offer a similar texture and absorb flavors well. Use the same can size, ensuring they’re rinsed and drained, for a seamless shift.

Mexican Bean Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 can opener

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 jalapeño seeded and chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño, cooking for another 3 minutes.
• Add cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine.
• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
• Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and corn to the pot.
• Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and cilantro.
• Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños. If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding the lime juice and cilantro.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.