Authentic Mexican Black Bean Soup
A deeply flavorful vegan soup with smoky chipotle, hearty beans, and aromatic vegetables, simmered to perfection. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs (15 oz each) black beans, medium chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans
- 1 medium chopped onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tbsp diced chipotle peppers
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans; in a large pot, combine beans, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken stock, 2 tbsp diced chipotle peppers, and 1 tsp cumin, then simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until flavors meld.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup diced bell pepper and cook for 10 more minutes until peppers are tender but still hold shape.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp lime juice, then ladle into bowls and garnish with 1 sliced avocado and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, ensuring avocado is added just before serving for vibrant color.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Mexican Black Bean Soup take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Mexican Black Bean Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (15 oz each) black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Mexican Black Bean Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Mexican Black Bean Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Authentic Mexican Black Bean Soup vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to vegetarian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
