Hearty Pinto Bean Soup
This Hearty Pinto Bean Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly, and incredibly filling one-pot meal that's perfect for meal prep and freezing.
For 6 servings
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
Add minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed and drained pinto beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
Remove the lid. Using a potato masher or the back of a large spoon, mash about one-third to one-half of the beans against the side of the pot. This will naturally thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
Season the soup with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with a lime wedge, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra depth of flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes.
- 2If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer a few scoops to a regular blender (vent the lid!) and then return to the pot.
- 3To make this even heartier, consider adding diced bell peppers or corn along with the other vegetables.
- 4This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) along with the other spices for a spicier version.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Include 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for an added layer of smoky depth.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or ground turkey during the last 10 minutes of simmering for a non-vegetarian option.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Pinto beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Plant-Based Protein
This soup provides a significant amount of plant-based protein from the pinto beans, essential for muscle repair and overall body function, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
Nutrient-Dense Vegetables
Packed with carrots, celery, and tomatoes, the soup delivers a variety of vitamins (like Vitamin A and C), minerals, and antioxidants that support immune health and reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! You'll need about 1 cup of dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and then cooked until tender (about 1.5-2 hours) before adding them to the soup. This will yield roughly 2.5-3 cups of cooked beans, which is perfect for this recipe.
