“Easy Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef Soup

 

Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this one-pot soup is a weeknight hero. Hearty pinto beans and rich ground beef are simmered with smoky green chiles and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss. Perfect with a side of cornbread or warm tortillas.

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (4-7 oz) can diced green chiles

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with their juices

• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving (Optional):

• Shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime.

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Combine the Soup:
Add the drained pinto beans, diced green chiles (undrained), and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer to Perfection:
Pour in the beef broth and add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Chef's Notes & Tips

• For a Thicker Soup: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans directly in the pot against the side. This will release their starch and naturally thicken the broth.

• Make it Heartier: Feel free to stir in 1 cup of frozen corn or 1-2 diced potatoes along with the broth. You may need to add a bit more broth or water if adding potatoes.

• Protein Swaps: For a different twist, you can use 2-3 cups of shredded cooked chicken or leftover shredded roast beef instead of ground beef. Simply add it in with the broth to heat through.

• Kick Up the Heat: For a spicier soup, add a minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) along with the onion, or use a hot variety of diced green chiles.