Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Soup
A hearty and flavorful black-eyed pea soup loaded with sausage, beef, tomatoes, and chiles, perfect for comforting meals and satisfying a crowd with bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pork sausage, sliced
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
- 3 cans black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles ⓘ
- 1 can chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 4 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 4 tsp. molasses
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook sausage, ground beef, and diced onion in a large pot until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Add water, drained black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes with juice, diced tomatoes and green chiles, chopped green chiles, beef bouillon cubes, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and salt to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked sausage instead of regular pork sausage. You can also substitute turkey sausage or ground turkey for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or extra green chiles. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can elevate the dish further, enhancing the depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A side salad can add a fresh element, balancing the richness of the soup. For a complete dinner, pair it with a side of Texas Hot Hash or Skillet Corned Beef Hash for a satisfying experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Soup contains roughly 1596 calories, with 46g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (239% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (119% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1643mg per serving (71% 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water. Replace the sausage and beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for added texture and protein.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the diced tomatoes and green chiles or use a mild version. For more heat, consider adding extra chopped green chiles or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried black-eyed peas. Soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. This may require adjusting the cooking time, so ensure they are fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients.
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).