Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup
Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether itās a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This hearty soup combines savory ground beef with tender pinto beans and zesty green chilies, offering a delightful mix of flavors that will warm your soul. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also provides a healthy dose of protein and fiber, making it a nourishing choice for everyone.
Why Youāll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time and under an hour of cooking, this soup fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and green chilies creates a robust flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or as an appetizerāit pairs well with rice, bread, or tortilla chips.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the pinto beans, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add more vegetables for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Hereās what youāll need to whip up this delicious soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cooking spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing plenty of room for all ingredients.
- Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon helps you stir the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 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
For Seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
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 browned. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Onion
Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3ā4 minutes.
Step 3: Season
Add the chili powder, cumin (if using), smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Add Beans and Liquids
Pour in the pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat and cover; let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Taste and Finish
Taste your soup and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker consistency, mash a few beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with garnishes like chopped cilantro or lime wedges for added flavor. Enjoy your Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup!
How to Serve Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup
Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether youāre serving it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
Pair with Bread
- Cornbread: This sweet and crumbly bread complements the soupās savory flavors.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and are perfect for scooping.
Create a Meal Bowl
- Rice: Serve the soup over cooked rice for a filling meal.
- Quinoa: Use quinoa for a nutritious whole grain option.
How to Perfect Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup
With a few simple tips, you can enhance your Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup to perfection.
- Bold Flavors: Increase the chili powder or cumin for an extra kick.
- Texture Variation: Mash some beans against the pot for a thicker consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh tomatoes and chilies when available for vibrant flavor.
- Slow Cooking: Letting it simmer longer deepens the flavors; try cooking it on low heat.
Best Side Dishes for Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these tasty options:
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness and balances spice.
- Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes, spices, and herbs that complements the soup.
- Roasted Veggies: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings color and nutrition to your meal.
- Chili Cheese Fries: Crispy fries topped with cheese and chili create an indulgent side.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and beans provide additional protein and fiber.
- Salad Verde: A fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette adds lightness and crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup, itās easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final result.
- Not Browning the Beef Properly: Ensure that you cook the ground beef until itās fully browned. This enhances the flavor and gives depth to the soup.
- Skipping Seasoning: Donāt skip on the chili powder and spices! These ingredients are crucial for a flavorful soup. Always taste and adjust as needed.
- Using Uncooked Beans: If using dried pinto beans, ensure they are fully cooked beforehand. Undercooked beans can ruin the texture of your soup.
- Overcrowding Ingredients: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to uneven cooking. Add them in stages for better results.
- Ignoring Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer properly. This step blends the flavors and thickens the soup, making it more enjoyable.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup
- Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup.
What can I serve with Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup?
You can pair this hearty soup with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Can I make Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or simply use more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup?
The spice level largely depends on the type of green chilies used. For milder flavors, select mild diced green chilies; for more heat, opt for spicier varieties.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes! Canned pinto beans work well and save time. Just rinse and drain before adding them to your soup.
Final Thoughts
Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. We encourage you to try this recipe; itās sure to become a family favorite!
Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup
Pinto Beans Green Chile And Beef Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This savory soup features tender ground beef, flavorful pinto beans, and zesty green chilies, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will warm your heart. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, making it a nourishing choice that everyone can enjoy. With customizable spice levels and the option to serve it with various sides, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion and sautĆ© until softened (about 3ā4 minutes).
- Stir in chili powder, cumin (if using), smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix in pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, and beef broth until well combined.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover to simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed. For thickness, mash some beans against the pot and stir them back in.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like chopped cilantro or lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg