Name: Best Ever Mexican Pinto Bean Soup – Cheap, Healthy & Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 2 poblano peppers, roasted and chopped; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes); 4 cups vegetable broth (more if needed); 3 cups cooked pinto beans (or two 15 oz cans, rinsed and drained); 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh lime juice, to finish; Cilantro and avocado slices, for garnish

Description

This Mexican Pinto Bean Soup is hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly. Made with pinto beans, roasted poblanos, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s a healthy comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
2 poblano peppers, roasted and chopped
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
4 cups vegetable broth (more if needed)
3 cups cooked pinto beans (or two 15 oz cans, rinsed and drained)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh lime juice, to finish
Cilantro and avocado slices, for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a soup pot. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook about 5 minutes until softened.
Add Peppers & Spices: Stir in roasted poblano peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, pinto beans, and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Simmer: Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes to let flavors meld.
Blend (Optional): Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for creaminess, leaving some chunks.
Finish & Serve: Stir in fresh lime juice. Garnish with cilantro, avocado slices, or tortilla strips. Serve hot.

Notes

Use cooked or canned beans for best texture and faster cooking.
Roasting poblanos adds smoky depth to the soup.
Adjust chili powder for more or less spice.
Blend part of the soup for creaminess or leave chunky for rustic style.
Add toppings like tortilla strips, avocado, or cheese to make it a full meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl

Keywords: Mexican Pinto Bean Soup, Pinto Beans Recipe, Healthy Bean Soup, Vegan Pinto Bean Soup, Cheap Healthy Soup