Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup
This Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture. The ground beef adds a savory base, while the pinto beans provide a creamy texture and the green chilies give the soup a nice kick. It’s perfect for chilly nights, easy to make, and full of comforting warmth.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can green chilies, chopped (about 4 oz)
- 2 cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed (about 15 oz each)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, and cook until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped green chilies, drained and rinsed pinto beans, beef broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the soup hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat on the stove over low heat.
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a little water or broth if it’s too thick.
- Microwave: To reheat in the microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Stir halfway through for even heating.
20 FAQs About Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes! Ground turkey works well in this recipe, but it will have a lighter flavor than beef.
- Can I use canned chili beans instead of pinto beans?
- Yes, you can substitute chili beans, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- What other beans can I use?
- You can use black beans, kidney beans, or white beans for variety.
- How can I make this soup spicier?
- Add more green chilies, a chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes, simply omit the ground beef and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.
- What should I serve this soup with?
- This soup pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple salad.
- Can I use fresh green chilies instead of canned?
- Yes, fresh green chilies can be used. Just chop them finely and adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
- How can I make the soup thicker?
- You can mash some of the pinto beans in the soup or add a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour.
- Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
- Yes! Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini would all make great additions.
- Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
- Yes, brown the ground beef first, then add the remaining ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- What is the best way to freeze the soup?
- Cool the soup completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. Don’t forget to leave some space at the top for expansion.
- Can I add cheese directly into the soup while it’s cooking?
- Yes, you can add shredded cheese near the end of cooking for a creamy texture.
- How do I make the soup more filling?
- Add extra beans or some cooked rice or quinoa to the soup for added texture and heartiness.
- Can I use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought?
- Absolutely! Homemade broth will add even more depth of flavor to the soup.
- What’s the best way to season the soup?
- Taste as you go, adding more cumin, salt, and pepper until it suits your preference.
- Can I make this soup in advance?
- Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Ground pork or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?
- Use low-sodium broth and be mindful of how much salt you add.
- Is this soup gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of any broth or canned goods you use.
- What can I use instead of sour cream for a dairy-free version?
- Try a dollop of dairy-free sour cream, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
20 Best Tips to Make Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup
- Brown the beef thoroughly to deepen its flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste and fragrance.
- Rinse the canned beans to remove excess sodium and prevent the soup from being too salty.
- Simmer the soup long enough to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Adjust the spices—cumin adds warmth, but you can also try chili powder, paprika, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Control the heat by adding more or less green chilies depending on your spice tolerance.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content in the soup.
- Mash some of the beans in the soup to create a creamier texture.
- Add a squeeze of lime right before serving to brighten the flavor.
- Don’t overcook the onions and garlic—they should be fragrant but not burnt.
- For extra depth, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
- Top with fresh cilantro to enhance the flavor profile.
- Use a slow simmer to allow the broth to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Adjust the broth consistency by adding more liquid if you prefer a thinner soup.
- Garnish with shredded cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
- For a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add some hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Add some cooked rice to make the soup more filling.
- For a smoky flavor, add a touch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
With these tips, you’ll be able to create a perfectly balanced and satisfying Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup every time! Enjoy!
