Easy Black Bean Soup

This black bean soup is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, rich, flavorful, and creamy without a drop of cream. Quick to make, naturally meatless, and full of wholesome goodness, it’s perfect for weeknights or anytime you need a little comfort. Top it your way and savor every spoonful that will have everyone asking for seconds.

No food makes me happier than sitting down to a hot bowl of soup. Soup has always been my ultimate comfort food. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is; if there’s soup simmering on the stove, I’m happy.

Warm, rich, and full of flavor, this Black Bean Soup is the kind of recipe that makes soup season epic. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly creamy, and made with just a handful of pantry ingredients. Top it however you like and make it your own.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite at our house. Even my youngest son, who wasn’t convinced it sounded good, cleaned his bowl and asked for more the first time I made it. There’s no better review than that.

Best Black Bean Soup Recipe 

This soup checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make with just one pot and hardly any prep work, but it tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. The combination of sautéed onion, bell pepper, and spices gives it incredible depth of flavor. It’s creamy and satisfying without using any cream at all, and it’s the perfect base for your favorite toppings. Whether you like a little crunch from tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese, this soup can be as simple or as dressed up as you like.

Easy Recipe for Black Bean Soup

One of the best things about this black bean soup is how adaptable it is to fit a variety of dietary needs. It’s naturally meatless, so it works perfectly for vegetarians, and by using vegetable stock and olive oil instead of bacon grease or beef stock, it’s completely vegan and dairy-free.

Black beans themselves are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making this soup both filling and good for you. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal while keeping things wholesome, and it’s ideal for anyone looking to eat more plant-based or include more nutrient-rich foods in their diet.

Ingredients in Black Bean Soup

You don’t need much to make this soup, and you probably have most of it in your pantry already. Find all of the measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

• Red onion and red bell pepper: Create a sweet, flavorful base for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds depth and warmth.
• Canned Black beans: The star of the show, giving the soup its creamy texture when blended. with no soaking required. 
• Beef stock: Adds richness, or swap in vegetable or chicken stock if you prefer.
• Bacon grease: For added flavor, though olive oil or butter would work well too.
• Spices: A mix of cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper for that earthy, bold taste.

• Optional Toppings for Black Bean Soup: avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro, shredded cheese, diced tomato, sour cream, lime, whatever you prefer

Since it’s naturally meatless, this soup makes a wonderful vegetarian meal (and vegan if you use vegetable stock and oil). It’s also a perfect choice for Lent, hearty enough to fill you up without feeling heavy.

How to Make Traditional Black Bean Soup

Sauté the veggies: In a Dutch oven, cook the onion and bell pepper until softened and fragrant.

Add garlic and spices: Stir them in and let everything cook together for another minute or two.

Add beans and stock: Pour in the black beans and stock, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Blend the soup: Carefully puree with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.

Simmer again: Return to the stove for another few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Serve and top: Ladle into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings—avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime.

This soup stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Once cooled, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes really well for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

If you’d rather use your slow cooker, go for it! Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot, then add the beans, stock, and spices. Let it cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. Before serving, blend the soup until smooth right in the crockpot, then garnish as you like.

Love it? Pin it!

If you are excited to make this easy black bean soup recipe, make sure you keep it handy! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go.

What to Serve with Black Bean Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a few simple sides. A piece of warm cornbread or a cheesy quesadilla is always welcome. A crisp green salad makes a nice, fresh contrast. You can also scoop it up with tortilla chips or serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping. If you want to make it an even more protein rich meal, try adding a side of grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.

More Bean Recipes to Love

My grandma’s Ham and Bean Soup (pictured above) is a must try too, as is my Three Bean Chili recipe and my Potato, Green Bean and Bacon Soup, when you are in the mood for soup with beans.

When it comes to side dishes, you have to try my Restaurant Style Refried Beans made from a canned, my Grandma’s Pork ‘n Beans and my Sophisticated Green Bean Casserole. When it comes to main dishes, you can’t go wrong with these Five Bean & Cheese Enchiladas or these Mexican Hamburgers!

Bean based appetizers are some of my favorties! Try my Texas Trash Warm Bean Dip recipe, this Asian Bean Dip, air fryer Edamame Beans, or this Hot Beef & Bean Dip for your next party.

Find all of my bean recipes here on my website.

This black bean soup is more than just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl, easy to make, adaptable for every diet, and full of wholesome, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or a meatless meal for Lent, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite that everyone will love.

This recipe was originally posted on November 7, 2017. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 21, 2025.