Pinto Bean, Green Chile, and Beef Soup – MarraTrips

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Pinto Bean, Green Chile, and Beef Soup

Ingredients:

  • Main Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups cooked pinto beans (or 1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (mild or hot, depending on preference)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
  • Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Additions:
  • 1 cup frozen corn (for sweetness)
  • For Garnish:
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Directions:

1. Brown the Beef:

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
  3. If the beef is lean, add olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Drain any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

  1. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Soup Base:

  1. Stir in the green chiles, diced tomatoes, and pinto beans.
  2. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.

4. Add the Broth:

  1. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
  2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  3. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Optional Additions:

  1. Stir in frozen corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a touch of sweetness.

6. Serve:

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a tangy finish.
  3. Pair with cornbread, tortillas, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Calories per Serving: Approximately 320
  • Servings: 6

This hearty soup is a perfect combination of smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and pairs wonderfully with classic sides like cornbread or tortillas!

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