Sopa de Frijoles with Italian Sausage

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

A traditional Mexican bean soup enriched with Italian sausage and tomatoes. This mexican-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs black beans, Italian sausage, tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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

• 400g black beans
• 400g Italian sausage
• 4 tomatoes
• 2 onions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp cumin
• 800ml vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil, then add 400g Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and crispy with no pink centers. Tip: Use a spatula to press the sausage into the pan for even browning.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 diced onions (cut into 1/2-inch cubes) and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant, then stir in 4 diced tomatoes (cut into 1/2-inch cubes). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes release their juices. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
3. Step 3: Add 400g black beans (rinsed and drained), 800ml vegetable broth, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the broth thickens slightly. Tip: Skim any foam that rises to the surface during simmering for a clearer broth.
4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Tip: For a creamier texture, blend 1/4 of the soup with a immersion blender before serving.