Southwestern Bean Soup
A hearty southwestern bean soup with smoky bacon, fresh herbs, and spicy salsa, perfect for a comforting meal with crispy tortilla chips on the side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, cook bacon until crisp; remove to paper towel to drain.
- Crumble the bacon and set aside.
- In the drippings, sauté the chopped onion and chopped celery.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add refried beans, salsa, chicken broth, chopped parsley, and crumbled bacon to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Season to taste with hot pepper sauce.
- Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. If you're short on time, canned beans can be substituted for refried beans. Adjust the heat by using mild salsa or adding more hot pepper sauce based on your preference. Fresh cilantro can also enhance the flavor if parsley is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is perfect as a standalone dish, but you can also serve it with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a twist, pair it with Mexican recipes like Enchiladas Con Pollo(Chicken) for a flavorful dinner. Top each bowl with additional toppings like avocado or lime wedges for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Southwestern Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Bean Soup contains roughly 896 calories, with 43g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (87% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1521mg per serving (66% 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 in advance?
Yes, this Southwestern Bean Soup can be made a day ahead. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option or don't have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute. It will still provide a rich flavor to the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To enhance the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also serve it with extra hot pepper sauce on the side for those who enjoy more spice.
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).