Spicy Southwest Taco Bean Soup
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this hearty and healthy taco bean soup. Originally inspired by a Weight Watchers meeting, this soup has become a favorite among friends and family. The unique combination of refried beans not only thickens the soup but also adds a rich, comforting texture that elevates it above your standard broth-based soup. Perfect for spicy food lovers, this recipe is adjustable to suit your taste—simply swap out spicy diced tomatoes for milder options. Top each bowl with a dollop of fat-free sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a creamy finish. If you’re looking for a heartier version, feel free to stir in browned ground beef or turkey, or add some cubed chicken for protein. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this satisfyingly spicy soup pairs beautifully with cornbread and fresh fruit, making it a delightful addition to your weekly menu.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large onion
1 (sliced or diced)
Taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) packet (n/a)
Whole kernel corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can (n/a)
Black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Great northern beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Fat-free refried beans
1 (16 ounce) can (n/a)
Spicy diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (n/a)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (n/a)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice or dice the onion.
2
In a large stock pot, sauté the onion using cooking spray, a tablespoon of olive oil, or a splash of chicken broth until it becomes soft and translucent.
3
Once the onion is ready, add the following ingredients to the pot: whole kernel corn, black beans, great northern beans, refried beans, spicy diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and taco seasoning.
4
Stir the soup thoroughly to combine all ingredients and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5
Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let all the flavors meld together.
6
Serve hot, garnished with fat-free sour cream, low-fat shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro if desired. For an extra treat, consider adding a handful of Fritos on top for a crunchy contrast.
7
Alternatively, for a crockpot version, sauté the onions first, then combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Southwest Taco Bean Soup?
It is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful soup inspired by Weight Watchers that uses refried beans for a unique, thick texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 9 main ingredients including onion, seasoning, beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth.
How do you thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened using a can of fat-free refried beans, which creates a rich and comforting texture.
Can I make this soup in a crockpot?
Yes, simply saute the onions first, then combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Is this soup spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes spicy diced tomatoes and taco seasoning, but it can be adjusted to your preference.
How can I make the soup less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can substitute the spicy diced tomatoes for milder diced tomato options.
What types of beans are used?
The recipe uses black beans, great northern beans, and fat-free refried beans.
Can I add meat to this taco bean soup?
Absolutely. You can stir in browned ground beef, ground turkey, or cubed chicken for extra protein.
What are the recommended toppings?
Common toppings include fat-free sour cream, low-fat shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and even Fritos.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
On the stovetop, the soup should simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is easy to prepare in large batches and holds its flavor well for several days.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with cornbread and fresh fruit.
How do I prepare the onion?
One large onion should be sliced or diced and then sauteed until soft and translucent.
Should I drain the beans?
The black beans and great northern beans should be rinsed and drained before adding them to the pot.
What size is the taco seasoning packet?
The recipe calls for one 1.25-ounce packet of taco seasoning.
Can I use olive oil to saute the onion?
Yes, you can use a tablespoon of olive oil, cooking spray, or a splash of chicken broth.
Is this recipe low fat?
Yes, it uses fat-free refried beans and other healthy, low-fat ingredients.
What kind of broth is required?
The recipe specifies using one 15-ounce can of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Yes, while the recipe lists chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth.
What size cans of tomatoes are needed?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of spicy diced tomatoes and one 14-ounce can of regular diced tomatoes.
Does the corn need to be drained?
Yes, use one 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn that has been drained.
Why is this called Southwest soup?
The combination of cumin-heavy taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and spicy tomatoes gives it a classic Southwest flavor profile.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, fresh cilantro is highly recommended as a garnish for a burst of fresh flavor.
Is this soup good for spicy food lovers?
Yes, it is specifically designed for those who enjoy heat, though it is easily customizable.
What provides the crunch in this soup?
Adding a handful of Fritos on top after serving provides a delicious crunchy contrast.
How many servings does this make?
While the exact count varies, it is a hearty recipe designed to feed a family or group of friends.
Do I have to use great northern beans?
Great northern beans are standard, but you could substitute other white beans like cannellini if needed.
Can I use fat-free sour cream?
Yes, fat-free sour cream is recommended to keep the dish healthy and creamy.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The recipe was originally inspired by a Weight Watchers meeting and perfected over time.
Is the chicken broth necessary for the texture?
The broth provides the liquid base, but the refried beans are what primarily define the soup's thick texture.