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Black Bean Soup is a creamy, hearty dish that can be dressed up a million different ways! So easy to make, it comes together in just minutes and always hits the spot.
Black Bean Soup
Black Bean Soup is the meal we have when I’ve completely lost track of time and suddenly it’s nearing suppertime and I’m still sorting and folding laundry. Please tell me I’m not the only who has had those days! Hearty and satisfying, this black bean soup can be thrown together in under thirty minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering all day. My family likes to add their own individual favorites like avocado, sour cream, cheese or tortilla crisps to the top, but I love it just the way it is. Warm, soothing, simple, the perfect busy weeknight dinner.
Tips for the best Black Bean Soup
- Sure, you could soak beans overnight and then cook them and all those pesky steps, but for this recipe just toss in a couple of cans of beans. They’re so tasty and really bulk up this soup and so many other recipes. You don’t even need to drain the beans; just throw it all in and let the extra juices add to the flavor of this delicious soup.
- Use a blender or immersion blender to combine some or all the beans and chicken broth into a creamy texture. My kids love this, since some of them have sudden aversions to “lumpy” foods. Heaven help them. I like to keep a few beans out of the puree party because I happen to enjoy a few lumps in my food, especially rich buttery black beans. But you can puree the whole thing if you like.
- For added heat, you could add some chili powder, cumin, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. I’ve even tossed in a palmful of taco seasoning a few times and that gives it just enough kick for me and my husband without making the children complain that it’s too spicy (they also suddenly think everything is “spicy”)
- Use any kind of rice you like! I prefer quick cooking white rice but you could try brown rice too.
- This soup can be made either on the stove top or the slow cooker. If using the slow cooker, simmer on low for about five hours. It’s dreamy!
- Black Bean Soup makes for delicious leftovers! It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze in freezer safe bags or jars for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then microwave, stirring often. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth if the soup is too thick.
Variations, Add-Ins, and Topping Ideas for Black Bean Soup
- Chicken: Add shredded chicken while cooking or to the top for extra protein and heartiness.
- Fried Egg: Add some extra creaminess with an over-easy fried egg.
- Southwest-Style: Pile your bowl of black bean soup high with with slices of fresh avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese and salsa for a Southwestern flair. You can even add a teaspoon or two of your favorite taco seasonings, salsa, adobo sauce or hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.
- Fall
- Nacho Topping: I like to use this soup as a nacho topping. Assemble a plate of tortilla chips, then drizzle the soup over the top along with cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream and our Best Guacamole Ever and you have a show-stopping plate of nachos!
- Hot Bean Dip: You could also use this soup as a dip! Warm flour tortilla strips, chips, bell peppers, celery, carrots, or just about anything tastes delicious dipped in this warm bean and rice mixture.
- Vegan Style: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you have a tasty vegan soup!
- Cilantro
- Fresh limes or lime juice
- Fresh or roasted garlic cloves
- Sautéed onion or red bell pepper
- Roasted butternut squash or sweet potato
- Spices or seasonings: a bay leaf, oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and/ or fresh ground black pepper are all tasty stir-in ideas.
More Hearty Soup Recipes
Sometimes your day just calls for a big steaming bowl of savory, flavorful soup. Soup days are my favorite, because the kitchen becomes all warm and homey, smells permeate the house, and everyone just seems a bit more relaxed and comforted. Here are a few of our very favorite soups to try:
- Cafe Rio Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup
- Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Ham and Bean Soup
How to Make Black Bean Soup
Black Bean Soup
Equipment
- Blendtec Blender
- Large Sauce Pan
- Stove Top
Ingredients
- 3 cans black beans do not drain
- 2 cans chicken broth (or 30 ounces, divided)
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups cooked rice
- avocado sliced
- grated or crumbled cheese (cheddar, queso fresco, Monterey Jack, etc…)
- tortilla chips crushed
- 1-2 tablespoons sour cream
- cilantro
Instructions
- Blend together the black beans with one of the cans chicken broth.
- Add black bean mixture, the other can of chicken broth, and salt to a large pan or pot. Cook on medium heat until nice and hot. (You don't need to bring it to a boil).
- In individual bowls, layer the rice, then the soup, then the other toppings.
Nutrition Information
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This is everything a gourmet soup should be, and then some! Can’t wait to curl up on the couch with this tonight!
Perfect dinner for all these cold nights
I love your topping ideas because I’ve been so uncreative when it comes to black bean soup!
Good, hearty soup. Great texture for those people that don’t care for actual beans in their soup!
This is such a great and comforting soup. Love how easy it is to make too.
made this last night and it is seriously amazing! So delicious!!!
Hi! I have a quick question about the broth, how many ounces are in the cans? My broth in in cartons
I think a can is just under 2 cups.
Just made this, it is so easy and delicious. With a large family, I went ahead and threw the rice right in the pot rather than dish in individual bowls, super super yummy!-Stephanie Quinn, Mt Airy, MD
I love hot pepper sauce. I like your recipe. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I will make it at home.
We loved it! My kids had 4 or 5 bowls. This is a great addition to my recipe box. Thank you!
Thanks!
I'll let you know when we try it.
No, you don't drain the beans, just throw the whole can in. We sometimes pulse the blender so there are some small pieces, and sometimes we blend it smooth. Both ways are good!
This looks fabulous.
I have a couple of questions. Do you drain the cans of beans? Also, when you blend the beans and broth (in a blender, I assume), do you just pulse it, leaving some of the beans partially chunked or do you puree it until it is completely smooth?
I am looking forward to making this. Thank you for sharing.
Sounds great.