Hearty Southwest Black Bean Soup

Enjoy the zesty flavors of Southwest Black Bean Soup. A hearty, warming bean soup you can feel good about on the table in 30 minutes.

There’s nothing like a hearty soup recipe to warm you up in the cooler seasons, so if you’re looking for a delicious winter soup idea, you’ve come to the right place! From Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice or Easy Roasted Tomato Soup to White Bean and Smoke Sausage Soup, we have a variety of soup recipes to fit your mood!

Why This Black Bean Soup Recipe Works

No need for a last-minute scramble when you can pull a few cans right out of the pantry and end up with a delicious homemade southwest black bean soup recipe in half an hour. Authentic southwestern seasonings taste like this easy-to-make recipe simmered on the stove all day.

• Quick and easy 5-minute prep for busy weeknights.
• Black beans are hearty and fiber-rich for a satisfying meal.
• A hearty soup bursting with zesty, spiced southwest flavor that gets better with age.
• Perfect make-ahead meal.
• Southwest soup is easily adapted to your family’s heat preferences.
• Fantastic soup recipe with budget-friendly canned ingredients.

Why Do You Blend Beans For Soup?

For soup recipes, creaming some of the beans in a blender or food processor offers several advantages:

• Blended beans provide a natural thickener for a hearty texture.
• Eliminates the need for other thickeners like flour or cornstarch.
• Gives black bean soup a smooth and creamy mouthfeel.
• Blended seasonings release aromatic oils and spice compounds.

Southwest-Style Bean Soup Ingredients

Simple, wholesome ingredients and the convenience of grabbing some cans off the shelf and sorting through the seasonings in your pantry. Five minutes to throw it all together and call it a day! (Or call it dinner) lol

For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Canned Goods

• Black Beans – undrained, divided 
• Chicken Broth – or vegetable broth   
• Tomatoes with Green Chilis –    
• Yellow Corn –  drained

Seasonings

• Minced Garlic – fresh cloves 
• Chili Powder
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Chipotle Chili Pepper
• Ground Cumin  
• Salt

Fresh Garnishes

Chopped cilantro, lime slices, and avocado for serving if desired

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How To Make Southwest Black Bean Soup

Quick and simple steps to a savory southwestern seasoned black bean soup recipe. Pull out your can opener, a blender stick or food processor, and a soup pot. Get ready for a hearty winter soup in 30 minutes or less!

When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Blend one can of beans and the seasonings in a blender or mini chopper until smooth. 
2. Pour the blended beans into a Dutch oven or stockpot with the remaining ingredients.
3. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Serve immediately; garnish as desired.

How To Store And Reheat

Refrigerate/Leftovers

Let homemade bean soup cool to room temperature before storing. Pour the soup into an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 5-6 days. Warm up in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until fully heated.

Freeze

Once cooled, transfer soup to heavy freezer bags and remove all the excess air to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months.  When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

Bean Soup Variations & Additions

• For a milder flavor, consider using smoked paprika or reducing the amount of chili powder in the recipe.
• Southwest black bean soup is perfect for adding or using leftover proteins like diced ham, ground or shredded beef, chicken, or sausage. 
• For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing a bell pepper and onion in olive oil and add them to the soup base.
• Plop a dollop of sour cream with a sprinkle of smoked paprika over it, or a splash of lime juice just before serving to enhance the southwestern profile.
• You don’t have to use only black beans; mix and match what you have on hand.
• Feel free to substitute vegetable or beef broth. I like to throw in bone broth for extra richness and when sniffles are going around.
• Not a fan of green chiles? You can use plain or seasoned diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes for an added touch of sweetness.

What To Serve With Southwest Black Bean Soup?

• Nothing beats a hardy winter soup served with a delicious loaf of homemade crusty bread, especially one you make yourself. You’ll love this easy “No-Knead” Sourdough Bread Recipe.   
• No time for homemade bread? Simplify your weeknight meal with tortilla or corn chips, Homemade Croutons, or Moist Jiffy (hacked) Cornbread. 
• For an easy group gathering, double or triple the recipe and make a southwestern fun fiesta by serving black bean soup buffet-style. 
• Load up a garnish rounder or pretty bowls filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, fresh diced onions, and jalapeno wheels. 
• When you really want to wow your taste buds, try a batch of homemade Pico de Gallo and super Easy Guacamole. De-lish!
• Southwest black bean soup is so yummy that it isn’t limited to just a hearty winter soup meal. Enjoy as part of a Mexican-themed dinner with Sheet Pan Nachos or Sheet Pan Fajitas.

Originally posted in December 2015. UPDATED January 2024. We spiffed up this post with more information and better photos. No changes were made to the recipe.