Name: Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 (14.5 oz) cans black beans, divided; 6 slices (7 oz) bacon, chopped into small pieces; 1 large yellow onion, chopped (1 3/4 cups); 1 medium red bell pepper or 1 large poblano pepper, seeded, stemmed and diced small; 4 tsp minced garlic (4 cloves); 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth, divided; 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes; 1 tsp chili powder (regular or Ancho); 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice; 1/3 cup chopped cilantro; Sour cream; Shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese; Diced avocado; Diced roma tomatoes; Chopped cilantro; Tortilla chips

Nothing quite hits the spot like a warm, comforting bowl of this Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe. It’s smoky, rich, and packed with flavors that hug you from the inside out—perfect for cozy dinners or when you just want to feel nourished and satisfied.

A white pot filled with thick brown soup, showing layers of black beans, bright red chunks, and chopped green herbs floating on its surface. A silver ladle lifts a scoop of the soup, displaying the same mix of dark beans, red pieces, and green cilantro leaves on top. The pot’s rim has small brown stains, and the soup looks warm and rich with visible textures of beans and vegetables. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe is one of those gems that brings simple pantry ingredients to life. I’m always amazed at how the smoky bacon elevates the earthiness of black beans, making a soup that’s both filling and flavorful without fuss.

Comfort in a Bowl: The combination of tender black beans and crispy bacon creates a harmony of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug.
Quick and Easy: With pantry staples like canned black beans and broth, you can have this soup ready in about 25 minutes.
Customizable Flavor: The spices and toppings let you make the soup exactly how you love it—whether with a kick of cumin or a dollop of sour cream.
Great for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

This image shows a white pot filled with a thick mix of black beans, small red pepper pieces, and greens in a brownish broth, topped with fresh cilantro leaves scattered across the surface. A shiny metal spoon is resting inside the pot on the left side, partially submerged. The pot is sitting on a light blue cloth on a round wooden tray, with lime wedges placed near the bottom right corner of the image. The background is a white marbled surface, and tortilla chips in soft gold color are placed in the top left background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe are simple but thoughtfully assembled. Each one brings its own role to the flavor party and ensures a balanced, rich soup that’s both hearty and fresh.

Flat lay of a small mound of shiny black beans, several crispy chopped bacon pieces, a large yellow onion with a rough outer layer, a medium red bell pepper diced into small cubes, a few cloves of whole garlic with papery skins, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small white bowl holding fire roasted diced tomatoes, a small heap of reddish chili powder, a small pile of ground cumin, a fresh lime cut in half showing the juicy interior, a small bunch of bright green chopped cilantro, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Black Beans: Using both pureed and whole beans gives the soup a lovely, creamy texture with bits of tender bean for bite.
Bacon: Adds smokiness and savory depth, plus a little crunch when stirred back in at the end.
Yellow Onion: Builds a slightly sweet base flavor that complements the smokiness perfectly.
Red Bell Pepper or Poblano Pepper: I personally love using poblano for a subtle heat and earthy taste—just be sure to remove seeds!
Garlic: Essential for adding zest and aroma.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the soup moist and flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Touches the smoky flavor with a tangy, roasted note.
Chili Powder and Ground Cumin: These spices bring warmth and a mild smoky undertone that complement the bacon beautifully.
Lime Juice: Added at the end to brighten and balance the soup’s rich flavors.
Cilantro: Fresh herbs give a vibrant pop that lifts each spoonful.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this soup is! You can easily tweak it to match your mood or whatever’s in your fridge. Personally, I’m a sucker for adding a little extra heat and a creamy topping to balance it all out.

Variation: Swap out the bacon for smoked turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version—just add a dash of smoked paprika to keep that smoky vibe going.
Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slow-building kick that warms you up nicely.
Seasonal twist: Stir in some corn kernels or chopped kale toward the end of cooking during late summer or fall for extra color and nutrition.
Make it chunky or smooth: Blend more or fewer beans depending on your texture preference—either way is delicious!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Puree half the Beans for Creaminess

Start by draining 1 ½ cans of black beans and placing them in your food processor with about ½ cup of chicken broth. Pulse until smooth but not soupy—this puree adds body without heaviness. Set aside the remaining beans to rinse and add later for texture.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon, then Sauté Vegetables

Warm a large pot over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s crisp, tossing occasionally so it browns evenly. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot. Then, toss in the chopped onion and bell or poblano pepper. Saute them for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin, cooking for just about a minute so the spices bloom without burning. This step is key to unlocking those warm, smoky flavors you’ll fall in love with.

Step 4: Combine Beans, Broth, and Tomatoes

Pour in the remaining chicken broth, the black bean puree, the rinsed whole beans, and the fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Cover the pot and let it simmer on medium-low for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This melding time lets flavors deepen beautifully. When done, stir in the cooked bacon, fresh lime juice, and cilantro right before serving.

Top Tip

After making this recipe a handful of times, I found that timing and layering flavors make the biggest difference. Here are the tricks I keep coming back to:

Don’t Skip Rinsing: Rinsing the canned beans removes excess salt and starch, keeping your soup from getting too thick or salty.
Cook Spices with Veggies: Toasting garlic and spices together really wakes up their flavors and smells amazing as you cook.
Add Bacon at the End: This keeps the bacon crispy and distinct, rather than soggy.
Fresh Lime Juice: Don’t forget it! The acidity at the end brightens the entire soup and balances the richness.

How to Serve Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I am partial to topping this soup with a generous dollop of sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, and diced avocado. The creamy textures complement the smoky, spicy soup perfectly. A handful of tortilla chips on the side adds a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

Warm cornbread or crusty bread are my go-tos for soaking up every last bit of this soup. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the soup in small, hollowed-out bread bowls sprinkled with additional cheese and fresh cilantro. It always impresses guests and makes the meal feel festive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup goes straight into an airtight container and into the fridge, where it keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually improve overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup in individual portions for busy days. Just thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure to add fresh toppings after reheating to keep things vibrant.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer simmering over low heat on the stove to avoid scorching. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Fresh lime juice after reheating revives the bright flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using dried black beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before proceeding. Adjust the liquid amounts as needed since dried beans absorb more water. The cooking time will increase, but the flavor is fantastic.

How spicy is this Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe?

This recipe offers a mild to medium heat level depending on your choice of pepper and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spiciness by swapping mild peppers for hotter ones like jalapeño or adding extra chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke will help replicate the smoky flavor bacon provides.

How thick or thin should the soup be?

The soup should be thick enough to feel filling but still spoonable and a bit brothy. The pureed beans help thicken it, but adding extra broth will thin it out if you prefer a lighter texture. Adjust as you like!

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe feels like one of those comforting kitchen creations you’ll keep coming back to. For me, it’s not just about the flavors but the ease and warmth it brings on chilly nights. I hope you make it and enjoy every cozy spoonful as much as I do—with friends, family, or as a quiet solo treat!