Description
This hearty Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef Soup combines tender ground or stew beef with nutritious pinto beans and flavorful green chilies in a spiced tomato and beef broth base. This flavorful and comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and is garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, diced)
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild or hot)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups beef broth (or water)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Fats & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If using stew beef, brown it for 8-10 minutes until well-seared.
- Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add spices: Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their fragrance.
- Add beans and liquids: Pour in the pinto beans, diced green chilies, undrained diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and, if using stew beef, ensures the meat becomes tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed to suit your preference.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges to add brightness and freshness.
- Optional serving suggestion: Serve the soup hot with warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using stew beef will require slightly longer cooking to ensure tenderness.
- Adjust the level of heat by choosing mild or hot diced green chilies.
- Smoked paprika adds smoky depth but is optional depending on flavor preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit beef and use vegetable broth instead.
- The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southwestern / Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Pinto beans soup, beef and bean soup, green chile soup, hearty beef soup, southwestern soup, easy beef soup recipe, spicy bean soup
