The Best Pinto Beans, Green Chile & Beef Soup You’ll Ever Taste

Warm up your weeknights with this hearty Pinto Bean, Green Chile & Beef Soup—a dish that’s rich in flavor, fiber, and protein. Perfect for chilly evenings, this Southwestern-inspired soup is filling, comforting, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a wholesome and satisfying choice. Let’s get cooking and enjoy a bowl of cozy deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weight Watchers-Friendly: Just 3 SmartPoints® per serving (Blue Plan; adjust for your plan).
• Meal Prep Marvel: Tastes even better the next day! Freezes beautifully.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like beans and spices.
• Comfort Food, Guilt-Free: Satisfies cravings without derailing progress.

Ingredients 

• 1 lb 95% lean ground beef (or ground turkey for fewer points)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (15-oz) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles (mild or hot)
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 (14.5-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels (optional, 0 points on Blue Plan)
• Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and diced avocado for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Aromatics:
Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Spice It Up:
Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

Add Remaining Ingredients:
Pour in broth, tomatoes, green chiles, pinto beans, and corn (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and add salt if needed (broth may already contain sodium). For extra heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne.

Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or avocado (note: avocado adds points).

Nutrition & SmartPoints®

Per serving (1.5 cups):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• SmartPoints®: 3 (Blue Plan)

Points may vary based on broth type, optional add-ons, or your WW plan.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: A simple mix of greens with lime vinaigrette (0 points).
• Top with Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream for nonfat Greek yogurt (0 points).
• Warm Whole-Grain Tortillas: For dipping (count points accordingly).

Pro Tips

• Boost the Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or diced carrots for extra volume and nutrients.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown beef and onions first, then add everything to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
• Meal Prep: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef, use plant-based crumbles, and swap broth to vegetable.

Why This Soup Supports Your Goals

• High Fiber: Pinto beans keep you full and aid digestion.
• Lean Protein: Ground beef (or turkey) fuels muscle and curbs hunger.
• Low in Added Fat: Using lean meat and broth keeps points in check.

This Pinto Bean, Green Chile & Beef Soup is the ultimate balance of comfort and nutrition. With smoky spices, tender beans, and a kick of green chile, it’s a bowl of Southwestern coziness that won’t weigh you down. Perfect for batch cooking or a family dinner, it’s proof that healthy eating can still be deeply satisfying.