Name: Creamy Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained, divided; 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions, undrained; 3 celery ribs with leaves, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 teaspoons ground cumin; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe·4 from 67 reviews

There is something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of black bean soup that is both rich and zesty, and this Creamy Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe brings those flavors together beautifully. With its velvety texture, a vibrant kick of heat, and just the right tang to keep you coming back for more, this soup stands out as a cozy yet exciting meal option. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of creaminess and spice that’s bound to warm your soul and brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a white pot with two silver handles placed on a black electric stove on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, four types of chopped vegetables are arranged in separate sections: bright green celery pieces on the top left, white onion pieces on the top right, dark green chopped jalapeño on the bottom right, and red chopped bell pepper on the bottom left. A woman's hand is holding a white utensil inside the pot, mixing the vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the hearty black beans that provide body and protein, to the fresh vegetables that create depth and color, and the spices that infuse it all with a lively, warming flavor.

Black beans: Use canned, rinsed, and drained for ease and quick preparation while retaining great texture.
Celery ribs with leaves: Adds savory crunch and fresh herbal notes to the soup base.
Large onion: Gives the soup its foundational sweetness and aromatic depth.
Sweet red pepper: Introduces a vibrant color and natural sweetness to balance the heat.
Jalapeno pepper: Provide that essential spicy kick that livens the whole dish but can be adjusted to taste.
Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and contributing silky richness without overpowering flavors.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic elevates the overall aroma and adds a touch of pungency.
Reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that binds the ingredients, making every spoonful savory.
Diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions: Add a tangy brightness and texture contrast in the soup.
Ground cumin, coriander, and Louisiana-style hot sauce: These spices build layers of warmth and smoky, piquant personality.
Black pepper and bay leaf: Adds subtle seasoning and gentle herbal undertones.
Lime juice: Adds a fresh citrus zing to lift all the flavors beautifully.
Reduced-fat sour cream: Dolloped on top for creaminess that cools just enough to balance the spice.
Chopped green onions: Final garnish offering a burst of mild onion flavor and color.

How to Make Creamy Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe

A close-up image shows a white bowl filled with cooked black beans being mashed with a metal masher held by a woman's hand on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the beans inside the bowl appear dark, soft, and slightly broken up with some whole beans visible, creating a rich texture contrast. The metal masher is pressing through the beans, breaking them down evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Mash Some Beans

Start by mashing one can of black beans in a small bowl. This step is key to giving your soup that lovely creamy texture without needing to add any heavy cream — the beans themselves do all the thickening work for you. Set the mashed beans aside while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and gently sauté chopped celery, onion, sweet red pepper, and jalapeno until they’re tender and fragrant. The slow softening of these veggies builds the hearty backbone of the soup. Add the minced garlic last and cook for just another minute to avoid burning and bitterness. Quick tip: Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to protect your skin from the oils, and avoid touching your face immediately afterward.

Step 3: Add Black Beans and Broth

Now it’s time to bring the soup together by stirring in the chicken or vegetable broth, undrained diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions, ground cumin, coriander, hot sauce, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Add both the mashed black beans and the remaining whole beans to create that perfect combination of creamy and chunky textures. Bring this flavorful mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mingle and deepen.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Once the soup has simmered, fish out the bay leaf. Stir in fresh lime juice — it adds a welcome brightness that elevates the entire dish. Ladle the soup into bowls and crown each serving with a tablespoon of reduced-fat sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for that extra pop of creaminess and color.

How to Serve Creamy Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes make all the difference when serving this soup. A dollop of sour cream helps mellow the spice while adding a luscious creaminess, and fresh green onions lend a crisp, mild punch of flavor. You can also try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of extra lime to customize the soup to your taste.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs brilliantly with crunchy, warm cornbread, which balances the bold spices with a touch of sweetness. Alternatively, a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette offers a light complement. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of rice or warm tortillas to scoop every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or bread bowls. You can also layer it with a few slices of avocado or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness. These little touches make the presentation inviting and show-stopping whether it’s a casual night in or a cozy dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup’s flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When thawed, it still delivers all the creamy, spicy goodness you love.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice and a new dollop of sour cream to brighten it up again.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use a plant-based sour cream or omit the sour cream garnish altogether. The soup remains just as rich and flavorful.

How spicy is this soup, and can I adjust the heat level?

The heat primarily comes from the jalapeno and hot sauce. You can easily tame it by removing the seeds from the jalapeno or reducing the amount of hot sauce. Conversely, add more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne for extra kick.

Is it necessary to mash some of the beans?

Mashing about one-third of the beans helps achieve that creamy consistency without needing cream or thickeners. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step, but the texture will be different.

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook dried beans separately, which increases prep time. Make sure the beans are fully cooked and tender before adding them to the soup to avoid any graininess.

What toppings complement this soup besides sour cream and green onions?

Try fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds. Each adds a delicious texture and flavor contrast that enhances the soup experience.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — comforting, vibrant, and satisfying every single time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, it’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly versatile. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it with you. Grab your ladle, and dive into a bowl of cozy, spicy goodness today!