Fiesta Refried Bean Soup: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and won’t break the bank? Look no further than Fiesta Refried Bean Soup! This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening, a busy weeknight, or any time you crave a little Southwestern flair. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe takes basic refried beans and transforms them into a creamy, flavorful soup that the whole family will love. We’ll walk you through the steps to create this culinary masterpiece and provide variations and tips to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Refried beans are an inexpensive staple, making this a great meal when you’re on a budget.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the spices and toppings to your liking.
* **Vegetarian-Friendly:** This soup is naturally vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The mild flavor and creamy texture make it a hit with kids.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** This is for sautéing the aromatics. You can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil.
* **1 small onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base flavor. Yellow or white onions work well.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Provides a pungent and aromatic boost.
* **1 teaspoon chili powder:** For that classic Southwestern warmth.
* **1/2 teaspoon cumin:** Adds an earthy and smoky flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Enhances the smoky notes and adds depth.
* **1/4 teaspoon oregano:** A touch of Mediterranean flair.
* **1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional):** For a little heat. Adjust to your preference.
* **4 cups vegetable broth:** Forms the base of the soup. You can also use chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian.
* **2 (16-ounce) cans refried beans:** The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand and variety. Pinto beans are most common.
* **1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel):** Adds acidity, spice, and texture. You can use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **1/2 cup frozen corn:** Adds sweetness and texture. You can use fresh or canned corn as well.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** To season the soup to perfection.

**Optional Toppings:**

* Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Avocado, diced
* Cilantro, chopped
* Green onions, sliced
* Tortilla chips, crushed
* Hot sauce
* Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Fiesta Refried Bean Soup:

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 2: Add the Spices**

* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and release their flavors.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

* Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
* Stir in the refried beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and frozen corn.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the refried beans are fully incorporated into the broth.

**Step 4: Simmer and Season**

* Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a little salt and pepper, and then adjust as needed.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, tortilla chips, and hot sauce.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Fiesta Refried Bean Soup:

* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegetable broth and ensure your refried beans are vegan-friendly (some contain lard). Skip the sour cream and cheese toppings, or use vegan alternatives.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a lot of heat, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
* **Make it Creamier:** For a creamier soup, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before serving. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo for a heartier soup. Cook the meat separately and add it to the soup during the simmering stage.
* **Use Different Beans:** While refried beans are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of beans like black beans or kidney beans. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Instant Pot Option:** For an even faster meal, try making this soup in an Instant Pot. Sauté the aromatics using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
* **Adjusting Consistency:** If the soup is too thick, add more broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
* **Topping Bar:** Set up a topping bar with a variety of options so everyone can customize their own bowl of soup.

Serving Suggestions

Fiesta Refried Bean Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Serve with a side of cornbread:** The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory soup perfectly.
* **Add a dollop of guacamole:** The creamy avocado adds a cool and refreshing element.
* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast.
* **Make it a nacho soup:** Top with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
* **Serve with a quesadilla:** A cheesy quesadilla is a perfect accompaniment to this soup.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** This soup can also be frozen for longer storage. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving (depending on toppings).
*Protein: 15-20 grams
*Fiber: 10-15 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Recipe Card

**Fiesta Refried Bean Soup**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* 2 (16-ounce) cans refried beans
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
* 1/2 cup frozen corn
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, tortilla chips, hot sauce, lime wedges

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in the refried beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and frozen corn.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Conclusion

Fiesta Refried Bean Soup is a delicious, versatile, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its customizable flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting goodness! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!