Best Spicy Beef Bean Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort Meals

Updated On: October 16, 2025

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of spicy beef bean soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe combines tender chunks of beef with flavorful beans, a medley of spices, and a gentle heat that’s perfectly balanced to excite your taste buds without overwhelming them.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or a crowd-pleasing dish for family dinners, this soup delivers on all fronts.

Rich, robust, and packed with protein and fiber, this spicy beef bean soup is a satisfying one-pot wonder that you can customize to your liking. The deep flavors develop beautifully as the soup simmers, making each spoonful a delicious experience.

Plus, it’s easy to prepare and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spicy beef bean soup is a perfect blend of comfort and kick. The combination of tender beef and hearty beans creates a filling dish that’s great for any season.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • Balanced Heat: The spices add warmth without overpowering the natural flavors of the beef and beans.
  • Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it’s a wholesome meal in a bowl.
  • Versatile: Easily adjustable spice level and ingredient swaps to suit your preferences.
  • One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking make it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for heat)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of 1 lime

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Can opener
  • Ladle for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and chili powder. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  4. Deglaze and combine: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and beef broth. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot — this adds incredible flavor.
  5. Return beef to the pot: Add the browned beef back into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  6. Add beans and season: Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or sides.

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a splash of smoked paprika.”

  • Make it vegetarian: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Adjust the spice level: Omit the jalapeño or cayenne if you prefer milder soup, or add more chili powder for extra heat.
  • Slow cooker option: Brown the beef and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Thicken the soup: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir to create a thicker texture.
  • Add grains: Include cooked rice or quinoa for a more filling one-bowl meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 28 g
Fat 10 g
Carbohydrates 28 g
Fiber 8 g
Sodium 650 mg

Serving Suggestions

This spicy beef bean soup is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
  • Add avocado slices or jalapeño slices for extra freshness and heat.
  • Pair with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This best spicy beef bean soup recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, warming spices combined with tender beef and hearty beans make it a comforting meal sure to please the whole family.

The ease of preparation and ability to customize the heat level mean you can tailor it to your tastes, whether you like it mild or fiery hot.

Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also nutritious and filling, making it a great choice for meal prep or a cozy dinner. Next time you want a meal that’s both wholesome and exciting, give this spicy beef bean soup a try.

For more hearty and comforting dishes, be sure to check out our Classic Beef Stew, Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup, and Slow Cooker Chili.

📖 Recipe Card: Best Spicy Beef Bean Soup

Description: A hearty and flavorful soup combining tender beef, beans, and a spicy kick. Perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  5. Mix in chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with chilies, kidney beans, and black beans.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or chopped cilantro.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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