Black beans are slowly simmered in broth with veggies and bold Southwest spices. Crumbled bacon is added for a layer of smoky richness.
Hearty and filling, this black bean soup recipe is easy to cook. This recipe is budget friendly, can be doubled and leftovers freeze well. If you’re feeding a family on a budget, you’ll love how this black bean soup recipe will stretch a dollar.
Ingredients for Black Bean Soup
Black Beans – Canned black beans make quick prep. If using dried beans, they will need to be simmered (per the notes in the recipe) before preparing this soup. Bacon – Use any smoke-cured bacon and cook it crispy for serving. Reserve the fat for cooking vegetables. If you have a ham bone or a meaty ham hock, add it to the simmering soup for extra smoky goodness. Vegetables – Onion, garlic, celery, and green/red bell pepper are sauteed in the bacon drippings for lots of flavor. Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, corn, or diced tomatoes. Anything goes in black bean soup! Seasonings – I use cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. They can be replaced with taco seasoning if you’d prefer. For some heat add cayenne pepper to taste. Broth – Chicken broth adds great flavor to this soup. Use bouillon if you wish, and reduce the added salt. For vegetarians, try vegetable broth or bouillon cubes, and leave out the bacon.
How to Make Black Bean Soup
This easy soup is perfect for the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot!
Add-Ins, Toppings, & Serving Suggestions
A bowl of black bean soup is perfect for mix-ins and toppings! Add a side of cornbread, biscuits, or croutons.
Shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled Cotija cheese Tortilla chips or strips Avocado slices, fresh lime juice, sliced jalapenos, fresh cilantro Salsa and a dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 4 days. This soup can be frozen for up to 4 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or covered on the stovetop on low. Did your family love this Black Bean Soup? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below! © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
