Frijole Cheese Soup
A hearty, cheesy bean soup with smoky bacon, spicy jalapenos, and rich cheeses, perfect for comforting meals and full of bold flavors that suit all spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced onions ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. jalapeno, seeded and minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups canned Italian tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 6 oz. rinsed, drained, canned pinto beans, mashed ⓘ
- 1 small garlic clove, mashed
- 1 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 2 slices crisp bacon ⓘ
- dash of chili powder ⓘ
- dash of ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a 1-quart saucepan, heat oil; add diced onions, minced jalapeno, and mashed garlic. Cook over medium heat until tender.
- Add chopped Italian tomatoes with liquid, crisp bacon, and spices (chili powder and ground cumin). Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add rinsed and mashed pinto beans; increase heat to medium-high and cook until thoroughly heated.
- Ladle the soup into 2 bowls and top with shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding corn or bell peppers, which complement the flavors well. If you prefer a spicier kick, don't hesitate to include more jalapenos or even a splash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika to maintain depth of flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of water if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Frijole Cheese Soup with warm tortilla chips or homemade Annie'S Mexican Corn Bread for a complete meal. A light salad on the side can balance the richness of the soup. For a fun twist, try pairing it with South Of The Border Stew for a flavorful Mexican-inspired feast that your family will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to avoid splatters. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frijole Cheese Soup contains roughly 1176 calories, with 61g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2512mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this soup for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
What can I use instead of pinto beans?
If pinto beans are not available, you can substitute them with black beans or kidney beans. Both alternatives provide a similar texture and flavor profile, making them suitable options for this soup. Just ensure they are rinsed and drained if using canned beans.
How can I make this soup creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a smoother consistency while leaving some chunks for texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).