Black Bean and Bacon Soup

Warm, smoky, and irresistibly hearty, black bean and bacon soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. This recipe combines savory bacon with protein-packed black beans, aromatic vegetables like onion and celery, and bold spices such as cumin and smoked paprika for a flavor that's rich and satisfying. A splash of lime juice adds a zesty finishing touch, while optional fresh cilantro brings a burst of color and freshness. Partially blending the soup creates a creamy, velvety texture while keeping some of the beans and veggies intact for added depth and heartiness. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pot wonder is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a meal that’s wholesome and unforgettable. Perfect keywords: hearty soup recipe, black bean bacon soup, easy comfort food recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrot, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalk, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 2

Discard excess bacon grease from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the olive oil to the pot if more fat is needed.

Step 3

Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the black beans, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup directly in the pot to create a slightly creamy texture while keeping some of the beans and vegetables whole. Alternatively, blend about half the soup in a countertop blender, then return it to the pot.

Step 8

Stir in the lime juice and crumbled bacon. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2158.2 grams (2158.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1189

Total Fat 36.80g	47%
Saturated Fat 9.10g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.30g
Cholesterol 48mg	16%
Sodium 7233mg	314%
Total Carbohydrate 149.00g	54%
Dietary Fiber 51.30g	183%
Total Sugars 13.60g
Protein 71.40g	143%

Vitamin D 8IU	39%
Calcium 427mg	33%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 3029mg	64%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.3%

Protein: 23.5%

Carbs: 49.1%