The Best Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup Recipe Ever

Hearty soups spark comfort on chilly evenings, and this pinto beans with green chile and beef soup delivers pure warmth.

Packed with robust southwestern flavors, the recipe blends tender meat and creamy legumes into a delightful one-pot meal.

Chunks of succulent beef mingle with soft pinto beans, creating a rich and satisfying combination.

Roasted green chiles add a subtle kick that awakens every spoonful with authentic southwestern zest.

Protein-packed and deeply nourishing, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a culinary experience.

The slow-simmered broth develops layers of complex taste that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Savor each spoonful and let this soul-warming soup transport you to the vibrant kitchens of the Southwest.

What Makes Pinto Bean and Beef Soup So Comforting

• Boost Flavor in Minutes: Crafting a soup that packs serious punch without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add toppings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe super flexible for different palates.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prep and cook this hearty soup in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from beef, fiber from beans, and vitamins from vegetables, delivering a balanced one-pot wonder.

What Goes Into Pinto Beans With Green Chile and Beef

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein perfect for a comforting soup.
• Pinto Beans: Creamy and nutritious legume that adds wonderful texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic foundation that builds deep flavor.
• Green Chiles: Mild pepper bringing a subtle southwestern kick.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy base that adds natural sweetness.
• Frozen Corn: Sweet kernel for extra texture and brightness.

• Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder: Warm spices creating a complex southwestern profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste.

• Beef Broth: Savory liquid that creates the soup's foundation.
• Olive Oil: Helpful for preventing beef from sticking.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Bright finishing touches for freshness and tang.

• Cornbread, Tortillas, Crusty Bread: Perfect companions to complete the meal.

How to Simmer Pinto Bean and Beef Soup to Perfection

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high flame.

Add ground beef and break it into small, delicious crumbles.

If the meat looks lean, add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Cook until the beef develops a beautiful golden-brown color and releases its rich aroma.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Toss the onions into the pot and let them dance around until they turn soft and translucent.

Drop in the garlic and let it release its magical fragrance for about one minute.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Foundation

• Green chiles
• Diced tomatoes
• Pinto beans
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all these ingredients into the pot.

Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat each ingredient and create a symphony of southwestern flavors.

Step 4: Pour and Simmer

Add beef broth and mix thoroughly.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let the soup simmer quietly, allowing all the flavors to mingle and become best friends for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle in frozen corn during the last five minutes of cooking for a sweet surprise.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Place warm cornbread, soft tortillas, or crusty bread on the side for a complete, mouth-watering meal.

Savvy Tips for a Flavorful, Hearty Soup

• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and deeper flavor development. Pat beef dry before cooking to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Adjust green chile intensity by selecting mild, medium, or hot varieties based on personal spice tolerance. Roast fresh chiles beforehand for enhanced smoky undertones.
• Rinse canned pinto beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent mushy consistency. Consider soaking dried beans overnight for superior tenderness and digestibility.
• Layer seasonings gradually during cooking to build complex flavor profiles. Toast ground spices briefly before adding liquids to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• This soup freezes wonderfully for up to three months. Store in airtight containers, leaving space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.

Best Ways to Store and Warm Pinto Beef Soup

• Cool soup completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot, heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore original consistency.
• Transfer single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until soup reaches steaming temperature.

Ideal Sides for Pinto Bean and Beef Bowls

Savor Complementary Flavor Enhancers: Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup Pairings

• Craft a Zesty Margarita Companion: Mix a classic margarita with silver tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave nectar to match the soup's spicy green chile and vibrant citrus notes.
• Select Bold Red Wine Pairing: Choose a robust Syrah or Zinfandel with peppery undertones that can stand up to the hearty beef and complex spice profile of the soup.
• Design Crispy Cornbread Sidekick: Bake a skillet cornbread with jalapeños and cheddar cheese to complement the soup's southwestern flavors and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Unleash Fresh Herb Garnish: Top the soup with chopped cilantro, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to add brightness, creaminess, and additional layers of flavor complexity.

Tasty Ways to Customize Pinto and Beef Soup

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace pinto beans with cauliflower florets and use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter protein option. Add extra spices to boost flavor and maintain the soup's richness.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cubed extra-firm tofu. Use vegetable broth and add black beans for protein and texture. Include mushrooms for a hearty, meaty flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply. Perfect for hands-off meal preparation.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase green chiles and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, intense flavor. Top with pepper jack cheese and sliced avocado for added creaminess.

FAQs

• What type of beans work best in this soup?

Pinto beans are traditional and provide a creamy, hearty texture. They absorb flavors well and offer a smooth, rich base for the soup.

• Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, add extra green chiles, use a hotter variety of chiles, or include a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! The soup is protein-packed from beef and beans, loaded with vegetables, and provides essential nutrients. It’s a balanced meal with lean protein, fiber, and vegetables.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like vegetable crumbles, chopped mushrooms, or additional beans to maintain protein content and similar texture.

Pinto Beans, Green Chile, And Beef Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Pinto Bean, Green Chile, and Beef Soup brings hearty southwestern comfort to your table. Spicy, rich flavors blend perfectly with tender meat and creamy beans, creating a soul-warming dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cooked pinto beans (or 1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional, for sweetness)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for lean beef)
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Ignite a large pot over medium heat, introducing ground beef and fragmenting it into delicate crumbles while rendering fat. For lean cuts, incorporate a whisper of olive oil to prevent adhesion.
2. Dispatch excess grease from the pan, creating a pristine cooking surface.
3. Gently cascade diced onions into the vessel, transforming them until translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Infuse minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the landscape for roughly 60 seconds.
5. Cascade green chiles, tomatoes with their vibrant juices, and pinto beans into the culinary canvas.
6. Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, optional chili powder, salt, and pepper, creating a symphonic blend of seasonings.
7. Stream beef broth into the mixture, whisking thoroughly to marry ingredients harmoniously.
8. Elevate temperature until a gentle bubbling emerges, then immediately reduce heat to a contemplative simmer.
9. Allow the soup to harmonize and develop depth for 15-20 minutes, permitting flavors to intertwine and intensify.
10. During the final moments, introduce frozen corn for a subtle sweet counterpoint.
11. Ladle the robust soup into waiting bowls, adorning with fresh cilantro’s verdant touch.
12. Present with lime wedges for a citrusy spark and accompany with cornbread, tortillas, or crusty artisan bread to complete the gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Drain beef thoroughly to eliminate excess grease and prevent an oily soup texture that might feel heavy.
• Consider using low-sodium beef broth to control salt intake and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
• Swap pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans for variety and different nutritional profiles if desired.
• Roast green chiles beforehand to enhance their smoky flavor and add deeper complexity to the soup’s taste.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten flavors and provide a subtle tangy undertone.
• Make this soup vegetarian by replacing beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans and using vegetable broth instead.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg