This Pinto Bean Soup Recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor! Sometimes called Refried Bean Soup, it’s a simple meal that also happens to be vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
author’s note
The 20-Minute Soup I Can’t Stop Making!
I first had Pinto Bean Soup at a small local Mexican restaurant, and it stuck with me. It was creamy, flavorful, and simple in the best way. I kept thinking about making my own version, but like most good intentions, it didn’t happen right away.
One night, with just a can of pinto beans and crushed tomatoes in the pantry, I decided it was time to finally try. I whisked refried beans into broth, added the tomatoes and beans, and let it simmer.
In under 20 minutes, I had a soup that reminded me of that restaurant bowl and quickly became a family favorite: chips for the kids, cheese for my husband, and plenty of flavor for me.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips |
|---|---|
| Refried Beans | Use vegetarian refried beans for vegan, or try black refried beans for a deeper flavor |
| Pinto Beans | Swap with black beans, charro beans, or even kidney beans |
| Crushed Tomatoes | Sub with salsa for spice or tomato puree for a smoother base |
| Vegetable Broth | Swap for chicken broth if you’d like a non-vegetarian version |
| Seasonings | Try cumin, chili powder, or cayenne to build heat |
How To Make Pinto Bean Soup Recipe
This recipe is ridiculously easy and comes together in less than 30 minutes:
- Mix refried beans and broth in a large pot until smooth.
- Add crushed tomatoes and pinto beans. Stir well.
- Simmer for a few minutes, stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Serve hot with all your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and tortilla chips.
Quick Tip
Some beans and broths are saltier than others, so be sure to taste the Pinto Bean Soup before adding any additional salt.
What To Serve With Pinto Bean Soup:
Dinner
Ground Beef Tacos
Salads
Mexican Salad
Dinner
Vegetarian Enchiladas
Fruit Salads
Tropical Fruit Salad (3-Ingredient Dressing!)
Pinto Bean Soup Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium pot, over medium-high heat, mix together refried beans and broth until well combined. Once heated through, add crushed tomatoes and undrained pinto beans. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, occasionally scrapng the bottom of the pot to prevent beans from sticking. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding salt and pepper (I usually add 1/4 up to 1/2 tsp of each). (Some broths and beans are saltier than others, so you may not need to add as much seasoning.)
- Ladle into 4 bowls and add any desired toppings. To me, melting some cheese into the soup and serving with crispy tortilla chips is a must!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Variations
- Use black beans instead of pinto beans in this pinto bean soup recipe
- Stir in corn or carrots
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth
- Add protein like chicken, beef, sausage, or ham
- Spice it up with cumin, chili powder, or salsa
Cant wait to make this soon for me will use vegetable broth instead i never had pinto bean soup before perfect for raining days in Singapore and after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Can’t wait for you to try! 🙂