This Mexican-inspired pinto bean soup is creamy, hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavor! Combining pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, veggies, broth, and Mexican seasonings leads to a soup that is ridiculously more-ish. Plus, this recipe can be made in just one pot, is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian (vegan), high-protein, high-fiber, low-fat, and not to mention low-cost!
Simple & Delicious Mexican Bean Soup
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, legumes are everything for the meat-free eaters out there; chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, and – of course- pinto beans. The humble pinto bean isn’t quite as ‘popular’ globally as the others, yet appears in some of my favorite Mexican food; chili, Mexican spiced beans, burritos, over nachos, and for refried beans (frijoles refritos).
In comparison to kidney/black beans, pinto beans are softer, creamier, with a slightly earthier, nutty flavor. They’re perfect for blending up into a creamy soup or for stews. Even though I always have a whole variety of beans in my house (dried and canned), I don’t find myself reaching for the pinto beans as often as the others. So I thought I’d share this recipe that gives them a chance to shine!
This pinto bean soup blends Mexican-inspired flavors for a creamy, hearty soup option for the Fall/Winter months. Simmered for 20-25 minutes, this soup allows all the flavors to combine and the beans to soften into a deliciously buttery texture, packing tons of flavor with such a little amount of effort (in a way – similar to a meat-free cowboy soup).
This is comfort food at its best – thick, hearty, satisfying, and truly nourishing while somehow remaining healthy too. Serve this Southern pinto beans recipe as an appetizer or main and you’re sure to have lots of satisfied eaters. Plus, most of the recipe is made up of inexpensive pantry staples and veggies – for a low-cost midweek meal.
Healthy Wholesome Pinto Bean Soup
Not only is this vegan soup low-cost to make, but it’s also a healthy option for the entire family.
Beans are packed with wholesome goodness for our bodies, including being one of the richest sources of plant-based protein and fiber on the planet. They have the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cholesterol, improving heart health, and even reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Pinto beans are not only a great source of protein and fiber, but they also contain antioxidants, vitamins (especially B1 / Thiamine), and minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Combined with the likes of carrots, onion, tomatoes, and potatoes – this Mexican bean soup really is a healthy, wholesome, and nutrient-packed meal!
The Step-By-Step Instructions
For the full ingredients list, ingredient measurements, and nutritional information, then please read the recipe card below.
Step 1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften and starts going translucent.
Step 2. Stir in the roasted tomatoes, garlic, carrots, potato, and all the spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, then pour in the vegetable broth (I also added 2 bay leaves for flavor).
Step 3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer, with a lid on, for between 10-15 minutes to begin softening the vegetables. Add the pinto beans, then cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the veggies are all tender- stirring occasionally.
Step 4. Once ready, turn off the heat. Now you can decide on the texture you want for the dish. If you want it as more of a pinto bean stew, then you could leave it chunky as-is. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to slightly puree some or all of the soup or even move 50% of the soup to a blender/different pot to completely puree before transferring back to the pot and stirring well.
Step 5. Finally, taste the soup and adjust any of the seasonings as required. Add a little extra veggie broth/water if it’s a little too thick, then serve immediately.
How To Serve
I like to serve this pinto bean soup garnished with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, and lime wedges. You can add the lime juice directly into the large pot, but I’ve found that different people like different levels.
There are several ways to serve and garnish this wholesome soup/stew:
- If you puree a part of the soup, then you can serve it over rice.
- Whether served as a stew or soup, this goes wonderfully with this gluten-free bread, bread rolls, or cornbread.
- For extra spice, you could top this soup with sliced jalapeño or some hot sauce.
- Similarly to my tortilla soup, you could serve it along with homemade tortilla chips (or store-bought options).
- Feel free to sprinkle with some dairy-free crumbled feta or other vegan cheese (like queso fresco).
- You could top it with a dollop of vegan sour cream and salsa
- Top with some fresh veggies like sliced radish, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado.
How To Store
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It may thicken slightly while chilled, so feel free to add a little extra water when reheating. It should also be freezer-friendly, though it isn’t something I’ve tried.
Recipe Notes
- I tend to cook the soup on the stove, though it should also work well in a crock-pot/slow cooker. I would still sauté the onion first, then add all the ingredients (including soaked but not cooked beans from dry) and cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The exact time depends on your slow cooker. Canned beans can become a bit too soft/mushy otherwise – though this isn’t too important if you’re planning to puree the soup.
- The Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: I use fresh sliced tomatoes roasted with a little olive oil at 450F for 30 minutes. However, you can use 1 (14oz) can of fire-roasted tomatoes instead.
More Tipps
- The Pinto Beans: I typically cook pinto beans from dry. However, for this recipe, I used canned beans. Check out my Instant Pot Refried Beans recipe on how to cook pinto beans from dry as they need to be cooked before adding to this recipe.
- Feel free to adjust the spiciness to your liking. You could add ancho chili powder for sweet and smoky spice or use regular chili powder.
- You can substitute other beans in place of the pinto though they will all affect the flavor and texture in different ways. Black beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans could work well.
- Add a little extra oil (such as avocado oil or olive oil) or plant-based cream to add a little ‘silkiness’ to the texture of the soup.
- If you’re short on time, then you can minimize the cooking time by using the tinned beans alongside microwaving the carrots and potatoes with a spoonful of water for 1-2 minutes, till slightly tender. This will reduce the time needed to cook them till tender. You can then add them and the beans to the soup at the same time and cook for 10-15 minutes maximum.
- For an additional smoky flavor, you could add a little liquid smoke to the soup.
Other Mexican-Inspired Recipes
- Homemade Gluten-Free Tortillas
- Lentil Enchiladas
- Breakfast Burritos
- Taco Cups
- Black Bean Quesadillas
- Loaded Nacho Fries
- Oven Roasted Vegetable Fajitas
Make sure to also check out my Vegan White Bean Soup and this Veggie Stew if you love chunky soups/stews.
If you give this pinto bean soup recipe a try, I’d love a comment and recipe rating below. Also, don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan – I love seeing your recreations.
Pinto Bean Soup
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes (see notes)
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 small (150 g) carrots peeled and diced
- 1 medium (135 g) potato peeled and diced
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (14 oz) cans pinto beans drained and rinsed (see notes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- You can watch the video in the post for visual instructions.Heat oil in a large pot over medium/high heat. Add onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the roasted tomatoes, garlic, carrots, potato, and all spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, then pour in the vegetable broth (I also added 2 bay leaves for flavor).
- Bring the soup to a boil and let it simmer with a lid for about 10-15 minutes. Add in the pinto beans and cook for a further 10 minutes or until the veggies are softened, stirring from time to time. Then turn off the heat.
- You can add more veggie broth or water if you notice that too much liquid evaporated.
- I poured about 50% of the soup into a different pot and used an immersion blender to blend it. You can also fill about half of the soup into a blender and blend it to the desired consistency.
- Then pour the blended soup back into the large pot and stir to combine. Taste it and add more salt/pepper/spices if needed. You can also add a little lime juice.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Notes
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: I used fresh tomatoes (sliced) and roasted them (drizzled with olive oil) in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. However, you can use 1 (14 oz) can of fire-roasted tomatoes instead, as mentioned in the recipe.
- Pinto beans: The weight of the drained beans is about 250 g per 14 oz can. I typically cook pinto beans from dry, however, for this recipe I used canned beans. Check out this recipe for Instant Pot Refried Beans to find out how to cook pinto beans from dry.
- Texture: You can blend just a part of the soup, half of it, or all of it.
- Read the blog post for serving suggestions, step-by-step photos, and helpful tips.
Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically
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We really enjoyed this! It was so easy to make and tasted amazing!
So happy you liked it, Chris! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind comment. 🙂
I had a lot of pinto beans to use up, and this was perfect! This is so delicious. I did add some kale to get some leafy greens in, and I had a ton of rosemary to use up, so I did add a bit, but I tasted as-is before doing that, and it was incredible as is! I would 100% make this again. So good
That sounds wonderful, Madeleine! Love that you made it your own with kale and rosemary – such a great way to use up what you have on hand. I’m so glad you enjoyed it and would make it again 😊
How many servings is this recipe?
The recipe makes 6 servings — as indicated right below the title and rating. So if you follow the recipe as written (1x), you’ll get six portions.
Each serving is approximately 1½ cups of soup. If you’re serving it with toppings or sides (like bread), 1½ cups is a good portion.
Would it be possible to can or freeze this soup?
Hi Oleta, this soup freezes very well! Let the soup cool completely. Transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight, or place the frozen container directly in a pot over low heat and warm through, stirring occasionally.
Canning the soup: Because this soup contains low-acid ingredients (beans, carrots, onions, etc.), it must be pressure canned — not water bath canned — to be shelf-stable and safe.
You’ll need a pressure canner (not just a pressure cooker). Follow USDA-approved pressure canning guidelines. You may need to leave out the oil or adjust ingredients slightly, as some canning guidelines advise against oil in canned foods.
This is excellent! Never had pinto bean soup before and this did not disappoint!
So happy to hear that, Carol! I’m glad your first experience with pinto bean soup was a hit — thanks for giving it a try and for the lovely feedback! 🙂
I changed up the ingredients a little. I added sauted mushrooms, ham and fresh pico de Gallo Skipped the potatoes because my husband is diabetic. Turned out delicious making it tomorrow.
perfection! I just found out I’m a diabetic and this is the perfect recipie and the best as well. thank you
I’m so glad to hear that it works for you, Carol, wishing you all the best. 🙂
Followed the directions which are super simple and it turned out really good. Topped with avocado slices and pumpkin seeds, will definitely make this again!
That sounds great, Shariel! Avocado slices and pumpkin seeds are such a perfect topping. I’m so glad it turned out well.
This soup was perfect, so tasty and delicious,. I followed the recipe without changes and none were needed. ❤️
I’m so happy you loved it! ❤️ Thank you for your kind words!
Saturday rainy afternoon, just made this soup..I used sweet potato (rather regular potato) didn’t have smoked paprika, just regular and fresh bay leaf ( I see it used in various recipes that search for to make must buy) added sauteed mushrooms at the end after using my emulsion blender right in my dutch oven…
garnished with cheese,sliced greens and a drizzle of hot sirracchi, even though I added plenty red chili flakes. Delicious..so much soup for one person, perhaps freezing some…
Who cares of the serving size, just enjoy. Look forward to trying more of your recipes.
Thank you.
Sounds like you made a fantastic soup! I love the creative tweaks you made, like adding sautéed mushrooms and fresh bay leaves—such a great touch. Thanks for sharing your experience, and I’m excited to hear what other recipes you try! 😊
Hi, can anyone tell me the serving size when making the recipe as it is?
Loved it by the way!!
Hi Leah! The serving size for this recipe is about one-sixth of the batch, roughly 1 to 1 1/4 cups per serving. So glad you loved it—thanks so much for trying it out! 😊
very yummy and hearty. will make again !!!
Hi Elizabeth, I am so glad you liked the soup. Thanks for your feedback. 🙂
This soup was really delicious. I used a sweet potato instead of a white potato. Really good. Husband loves it, and he doesn’t like beans!!!
That’s awesome, Paula. I am glad you both enjoyed the soup. 🙂
Delicious 😋 I used dry beans. also I rendered some bacon, sautéed the veggies in the bacon fat, at the end added the crispy bacon bits. Not vegan anymore, but absolutely off the hook!
Made this soup many time. It’s delish!
Hi Goldie, I am glad you enjoy this soup. Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
Is it possible to use one can of regular pinto beans and one can of vegan refried pinto beans to make a thicker soup without use of a blender?
I think that should work! 🙂
Can make this in a crockpot
Hi, I’ve provided the answer in the blog post under the recipe notes section:
Wow. This turned out great. I only had a can of fire roasted salsa style tomatoes (similar to Rotel) but that worked great. I didn’t add the garlic since there was garlic in that. And no chili flakes because it had some heat in it. Really came out fantastic. Very flavorful and easy.
So glad it was tasty! Thanks for your feedback. 🙂
This is one of my all time favorite soups- probably even #1! Doubled it. This time, I used a pound of soaked pintos cooked in my Instant Pot, using the cooking liquid as 3 cups of the broth. Added a chopped green bell pepper, 1 T of jarred diced chipotle peppers, 1/2 t smoked salt, juice of 1 lime. Having a hard time resisting a third bowl! Thanks for the incredible and easy recipe!
Hello Linda, I am so glad the soup turned out delicious! Thanks for your 5-star rating. 🙂
Delicious, easy and quick. Added to my cookbook 😋
Happy to hear it was a hit! 🙂
Love this soup! Last time I made it I used bone broth to boost the protein.