Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! My Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this soup brings everyone together around the table. The combination of tender pinto beans, spicy green chilies, and hearty beef creates a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up!

This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it a go-to for meal prepping or last-minute dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This soup comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: With its rich flavor and satisfying ingredients, everyone will ask for seconds!
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
• Loaded with flavor: The blend of spices and green chiles adds depth that will make your taste buds dance.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find these simple, wholesome ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge! They come together beautifully to create this comforting soup.

For the Soup

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cups cooked pinto beans (or 2 cans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• Optional: chopped cilantro
• Optional: lime wedges

Variations

One of the great things about this Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add extra diced jalapeños or use hotter green chiles.
• Go vegetarian: Omit the beef entirely and add extra beans or lentils for protein.

How to Make Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned. This step is crucial because browning develops rich flavors that make your soup irresistible. If there’s excess fat after browning, don’t hesitate to drain it off; we want all the focus on flavor!

Step 2: Add Onion

Stir in your diced onion and let it cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Sautéing the onions not only enhances their sweetness but also builds a flavorful base for our soup.

Step 3: Season

Sprinkle in the chili powder, optional cumin, optional smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything. This seasoning blend is where the magic happens; it infuses your soup with warmth and depth.

Step 4: Add Beans and Liquids

Pour in your cooked pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, and beef broth. Stir everything together gently. This is where our hearty soup really starts coming together with all those wonderful flavors mingling.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to simmer covered for about 30 minutes. Letting the soup simmer allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

After simmering, taste your soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply mash a few beans against the pot and stir them in—that’s how you achieve creamy deliciousness!

Step 7: Serve

Ladle your Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup into bowls. Top with garnishes like fresh cilantro or lime wedges if you like! These finishing touches brighten up each serving.

Enjoy sharing this warming bowl of goodness with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup

Making this cozy soup is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate it even further!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and quality beef bring out the best flavors. Freshness makes a noticeable difference in taste and contributes to a vibrant soup.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Start with the recommended spices, but feel free to adjust according to your taste. A little extra chili powder or cumin can make the soup more flavorful to match your spice preference.

• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer not only enhances the flavors but also gives time for the beans to break down slightly, making the texture creamier.

• Experiment with Beans: If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in other types of beans like black beans or kidney beans for added variety and nutrition.

• Make It Ahead of Time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make a big batch on Sunday for easy lunches throughout the week!

How to Serve Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup

Serving this delightful soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary dishes that enhance its rich flavors.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness, brightening up each bowl.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice just before eating brings a zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For creaminess without animal-derived ingredients, a dollop of plant-based sour cream or yogurt can add richness.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory notes of this soup, making it a comforting side.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips is an easy appetizer that complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
• Simple Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa can round out your meal and soak up all those delicious flavors from the soup.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but an experience that everyone will love! Enjoy your culinary adventure with Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks. You can prepare a big batch ahead of time and enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand while freezing.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious soup!

Can I use dried pinto beans for Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup?

Absolutely! If you prefer using dried pinto beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to your soup. This will enhance the flavor even more!

What other ingredients can be added to Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup?

Feel free to customize your soup by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. You can also include different spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I make Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace ground beef with a meat alternative or more cooked beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that brings warmth to any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share it with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like enjoying good food together. Happy cooking!