(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
black beans
onion
garlic
carrots
celery
olive oil
vegetable broth
diced tomatoes
cumin
chili powder
smoked paprika
oregano
salt
black pepper
lime juice
fresh cilantro
sour cream
avocado
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a thicker texture, leaving some beans whole.
Stir in lime juice and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve hot topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or your favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Make it spicy with jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor.
Add corn or bell peppers for extra texture.
Make it vegan by skipping dairy toppings.
Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if preferred.
Top with tortilla strips or shredded cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Black Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
Black Bean Soup freezes very well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned black beans?
Yes, canned black beans are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make Black Bean Soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth and avoid dairy toppings for a vegan version.
How do I thicken Black Bean Soup?
Blending part of the soup creates a thicker and creamier texture.
Is Black Bean Soup spicy?
It is usually mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat level easily.
What toppings go well with Black Bean Soup?
Avocado, sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and lime wedges are great toppings.
Can I freeze Black Bean Soup?
Yes, it freezes very well and reheats beautifully.
What can I serve with Black Bean Soup?
Cornbread, rice, quesadillas, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully.
Can I use dried black beans?
Yes, cook them fully before adding them to the soup recipe.
How long does Black Bean Soup last in the refrigerator?
It stays fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine the ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Conclusion
Black Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting recipe filled with rich flavor, wholesome ingredients, and satisfying texture. Easy to customize and perfect for meal prep, this simple soup is a delicious option for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a warm and flavorful bowl everyone will enjoy.
Black Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup recipe made with tender black beans, aromatic vegetables, and warm spices simmered in a rich savory broth. This easy and budget-friendly meal is packed with protein and fiber, making it perfect for healthy weeknight dinners, meal prep, and cozy family meals.
Ingredients
black beans onion garlic carrots celery olive oil vegetable broth diced tomatoes cumin chili powder smoked paprika oregano salt black pepper lime juice fresh cilantro sour cream avocado
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a thicker texture, leaving some beans whole.
Stir in lime juice and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve hot topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a spicier soup, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth of flavor. This soup freezes very well, making it an excellent option for meal prep and easy future meals.