Name: Delicious 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 beats the cozy, smoky comfort of a bowl full of beans and bacon. This Delicious Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug — hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or for a casual weekend dinner.

A close-up view of a white pot filled with a dark brown, thick, and chunky soup. The soup has visible layers of black beans, red bell pepper pieces, and bits of meat mixed throughout. Bright green cilantro leaves float on the surface, adding a fresh touch. A silver ladle scoops up a portion, showing the mixture’s dense texture with more beans, red peppers, and cilantro clearly seen. The pot rests on a white marbled surface with a slight splash of soup on the rim. 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 Delicious Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Delicious Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely obsessed with this black bean soup—it’s the perfect blend of smoky bacon and creamy beans, with just a little spice and tang from lime. Every time I make it, friends ask for seconds and the leftovers vanish fast.

Rich, Deep Flavor: The bacon adds a smoky, savory twist that transforms simple beans into something truly special.
Quick and Easy: You won’t spend all day in the kitchen—this comes together in about 25 minutes.
Flexible Ingredients: You can swap the pepper for mild poblano or spicy red bell depending on your heat tolerance.
Perfect for Any Season: It’s just as great in chilly winter months as on a cool summer evening with fresh tortilla chips.

A white pot filled with rich brown black bean soup showing visible whole black beans and small pieces of red bell pepper mixed in, garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. A silver ladle is resting inside the pot on the left side. The pot sits on a wooden board over a light blue cloth, with bright green lime wedges placed near the bottom right corner. In the background on a white marbled surface, there are light brown tortilla chips on the upper left and a bunch of fresh cilantro leaves on the upper right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here thoughtfully plays its part, balancing the smoky, creamy, and fresh notes. When shopping, opt for high-quality bacon and fire-roasted tomatoes for the best flavor kick.

Flat lay of diced yellow onion in a simple white ceramic bowl, small white bowl with minced garlic cloves, fresh whole red bell pepper with stem, chopped raw bacon pieces on a white ceramic plate, black beans displayed naturally in a small mound, fire roasted diced tomatoes in a white bowl, small white bowls with ground cumin and chili powder powders, fresh lime cut in half, bunch of fresh cilantro sprigs, salt and black pepper grains arranged neatly, 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: Canned for convenience but rinsed well to remove excess salt and starch.
Bacon: Brings that irresistible smoky depth and crisp texture to the soup.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and body as it softens.
Red Bell or Poblano Pepper: Bell peppers bring sweetness, poblano adds mild heat and earthiness.
Garlic: Essential for adding aromatic complexity.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium gives you control over saltiness; it’s the savory soup’s backbone.
Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and a slightly smoky flavor to complement the bacon.
Chili Powder and Cumin: Warm spices that give the soup its signature Southwest flair.
Lime Juice: Brightens and balances the richness of the soup.
Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.

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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

This is one of those recipes I love to tweak depending on who I’m cooking for and what’s in my pantry. Feel free to experiment—make it spicier, meatier, or even vegetarian!

Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for that smoky vibe without meat. I’ve done this for friends, and honestly, it’s just as satisfying.
Milder Heat: Use sweet red bell pepper instead of poblano and reduce chili powder if you prefer gentle flavors.
Extra Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or turkey to bulk it up when you want a heartier meal.
Garnish Swap: Play around with toppings—try swapping avocado for jalapeños or add a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a different creaminess.

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

Step 1: Purée the Beans for Creamy Goodness

Start by taking about one and a half cans of drained black beans and tossing them into your food processor with half a cup of chicken broth. Pulse a few times until it’s smooth but still a little textured—this gives the soup a velvety body without being too thick. Don’t skip rinsing the other beans thoroughly; it cuts down on bitterness and excess salt.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon and Sauté Aromatics

In your soup pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy and releasing that amazing smoky fat. Once it’s done, remove it with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels, but don’t toss that bacon fat! It’s pure gold and the base for your soup’s flavor. In that fat, toss in the onion and your choice of pepper. Sauté for about three minutes until softened, then add garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Give it another minute to get fragrant—it smells incredible already!

Step 3: Build the Soup and Simmer

Pour in the remaining chicken broth, the whole and pureed black beans, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir well, season with salt and pepper, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This step lets all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Finish With Freshness and Serve

Stir your cooked bacon back into the pot along with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. These last touches lift the soup and add brightness that balances the smoky richness perfectly. Serve it warm with all your favorite toppings—trust me, it’s irresistible.

Top Tip

From making this soup dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really elevate the dish and guarantee success every time you make it.

Render Bacon Slowly: Cook bacon over medium rather than high heat to render more fat and get even crispiness without burning.
Don’t Overblend Beans: Leaving a bit of texture gives the soup a homemade feel; too smooth can make it lifeless.
Add Lime Juice Last: The acidity brightens all flavors but can turn bitter if added too early during cooking.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper a little at a time and taste frequently—canned ingredients can vary widely in saltiness.

How to Serve Delicious Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for the classic topping combo: a swirl of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, diced avocado, fresh chopped cilantro, and a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for contrast. The creaminess and texture really make each spoonful exciting.

Side Dishes

With this soup, I usually keep sides simple. Warm cornbread, a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette, or even seasoned rice work beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with crispy poblano pepper quesadillas for a full Southwestern feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the soup in mini cast-iron skillets or hollowed-out bread bowls. I’ve even set up a toppings bar with diced onions, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and lime wedges so guests can customize their bowls—it’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it actually tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup multiple times to great effect. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, it retains its flavor and texture well.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving immediately from frozen to keep that smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Delicious Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use smoked paprika or chipotle powder to replicate the smoky flavor. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

What can I use instead of canned beans?

You can use dried black beans, but they’ll need to be soaked overnight and cooked ahead of time. The canned beans make this recipe much faster without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is this soup?

This recipe has a mild to medium spice level depending on the pepper you choose. Using a red bell pepper keeps it mild, while a poblano adds a gentle heat. You can also adjust chili powder to your taste.

Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop onions, peppers, and garlic a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Cook the bacon in advance too, then warm everything together when making the soup.

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests. I hope you’ll give it a try and snuggle up with a comforting bowl of this soul-warming soup soon. Cooking it feels like sharing a secret—the kind of recipe you want to cook over and over again.