Fifteen Minute Black Bean Soup

By Updated on

This easy Black Bean Soup is ready in just 15 minutes but tastes like it has been simmering on the stove for hours. Made with pantry staples, this is a delicious weeknight soup.

242 CAL 45g CARBS 5g FAT 16g PROTEIN
2 Comments

This Fifteen Minute Black Bean Soup is wholesome, easy to make, and packed with amazing flavors. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, it makes the perfect healthy addition to any dinner table. for a hands-off version, consider this Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup.

If you’ve been wondering what to do with those lonely cans of black beans that have been sitting in the pantry for ages, you’re in luck. This quick and easy black bean soup is a great way to utilize those extra beans and turn them into a meal that is both incredibly healthy and ultra-satisfying.

Not only that, but it can be whipped up in just fifteen minutes! Unlike so many soup recipes that take hours to prepare, this one comes together quickly so you can enjoy a flavorful meal without falling asleep while making it.

Because black beans are so versatile, we tend to stock up on them in bulk in my home. They can be used as the star ingredient in soups, salads, dips, burgers, or black bean bowls. Seriously! This healthy black bean recipe has become one of my favorite ways to clear out the pantry. You probably already have most of the ingredients laying around, so it’s also super cost-efficient.

Whether you’re looking for healthy soup recipes for rainy days or quick weeknight recipes for busy nights, this Fifteen Minute Black Bean Soup guarantees to hit the spot. Garnish it with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and cotija cheese for a meal you won’t forget! Love Southwestern-style soups, try this Healthy Taco Soup as well.

Quick and easy black bean soup with tomatoes and topped with cilantro and queso fresco.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

This dish is made with staple pantry ingredients, many of which you likely have at home already! The key ingredients you will need for this dish include:

  • Black beans: Loaded with tons of protein and fiber, these delicious beans are the star of this dish. If you are out of black beans, this also works with other beans.
  • Chicken broth: I like to use the low-sodium kind. You can also use vegetable broth to keep this dish vegan-friendly.
  • Tomatoes: You will need a can of diced tomatoes for this recipe. If you don’t have any, you can use crushed tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes, but keep in mind this will alter the texture of the soup.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten up the dish and add flavors that pair brilliantly with the rest of the ingredients. If you don't like cilantro, swap in parsley or another herb.
  • Chipotle pepper: This adds delicious flavor and a nice kick to the soup. You can adjust the level of heat based on how much of the pepper you add. Swap in fresh jalapenos for a less smoky flavor or roasted red peppers if you don't like spicy food.
  • Lime juice: Like the fresh cilantro, lime juice helps to brighten up the dish.

Health Benefits of Black Beans

Known as one of the healthiest legumes you can heat, black beans make an incredible addition to any healthy diet. They’re loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Because black beans are also incredibly versatile, they’re a popular source of protein for vegans and meat eaters alike. According to Women’s Health, these are some of the top health benefits of black beans:

  • Stabilize blood sugar levels
  • Fight against heart disease by lowering your cholesterol
  • Reduce constipation and bloating
  • Support healthy and strong bones
  • Decrease the risk of cancer and diabetes
  • Aid in weight loss and healthy weight maintenance

Serving and Substitution Tips

These are some of my top tips for servings and substitutions:

  • If you want a thicker consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend up part of the soup so it gets thicker.
  • For more of a kick, use a whole chipotle pepper. For less of one, use only half of a pepper.
  • For a gorgeous pop of color, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  • Some of my favorite side dishes to pair with this dish are rice, quinoa, and cornbread. Try my Cilantro Lime Rice for the perfect side dish.
  • To make this recipe vegan-friendly, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s just as delicious!
  • If you want to add meat to this dish, you can add cooked chorizo or ground beef.
  • If you like more veggies in your soup, feel free to add diced carrots and celery when you saute the onions. You could also add spinach or kale at the end and mix it in until it’s wilted before serving the dish.

Black Bean Soup Toppings

There are a variety of toppings that you can use to garnish this soup! You can keep it simple with a touch of fresh cilantro or get creative and add more. Here are some of my favorite topping ideas:

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime juice
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Pico de gallo
  • Avocado slices
  • Cotija or feta cheese
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Fresh chives
  • Pickled red onions

How to Store This Dish

Before storing this soup, make sure to let it cool down to room temperature. Once it’s been cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight bag or container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To make it last even longer, you can store it this way in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Bean soup made with black beans, tomatoes, and onions topped with cilantro, lime, and queso fresco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish:

Is black bean soup good for you?

Yes! Black bean soup is loaded with protein, fiber, and tons of nutrients, making it a perfectly wholesome addition to a healthy diet.

How do I store this dish?

This dish can be stored in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What toppings can I use for this dish?

This dish works great for any of your favorite Mexican toppings. Some of my top choices include fresh cilantro, lime juice, cotija cheese, avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, and Greek yogurt.

More Healthy Black Bean Recipes

If you liked this black bean soup recipe, try these next:

The Recipe
Black bean soup in two bowls with black beans, tomatoes, and onions topped with cilantro, limes, and cheese.

Fifteen Minute Black Bean Soup

242 CAL 45g CARBS 5g FAT 16g PROTEIN
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 15 Min
TOTAL TIME: 20 Min
2 Comments
  • Print
  • Download
  • Send to your inbox

Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, diced (from a can, chopped *see note)
  • 14 oz low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 14 oz. canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (vegan if needed)
  • 28 oz. canned black beans, drained
  • 1 Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes

Like this Recipe? Try our Meal Plans!

Slender Kitchen Meal Plans
  • Weekly Meal Plans
  • Easy Shopping List
  • Healthy, Low Carb, & Vegetarian
  • Nutritional Information

Instructions

(Hide Media)

Switch to prevent your screen from going dark.

1

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes or until onions have softened and started to turn a golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2

Stir in the chipotle pepper, broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and black beans.

3

Bring to a boil and then turn down and simmer for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

4

Serve with chopped cilantro and lime juice. Also tastes great topped with feta or cojita cheese!

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1.25 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 242
Calories from Fat 42
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g
7%
Saturated Fat 1g
4%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 967mg
42%
Total Carbohydrate 45g
15%
Dietary Fiber 17g
67%
Sugars 5g
Protein 16g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

Notes

Use ½ a pepper for a more mild spice level.
user image
About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
2 Comments
On Fifteen Minute Black Bean Soup
user image
user image
richelle rodriguez
January 2, 2018 - 09:57
Add a Rating:
5
I was a little skeptical as black beans are not my favorite but WOW! The flavors are great for being a quick cooking dish and it is so easy to make. This is now in our monthly rotation for lunches as it is one of my husbands favorites as well. I make a large pot and portion out into soup containers for the week as a quick grab lunch. Even the kids (5 and under) like it when I add a little sour cream to mellow out the chili spice.
user image
Megan Eaton
March 15, 2016 - 18:53
Add a Rating:
4
I loved the combo of flavors in this soup! And it truly took 15 minutes or less!
Instagram Icon
Did you make this?

Snap a picture and show us what you made on Instagram or Facebook. Tag us using @SlenderKitchen or #slenderkitchen.