Tomato-chile broth with black beans, avocado, and tortilla strips
Mexican Tortilla Soup with Black Beans
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Mexican Tortilla Soup with Black Beans
Tomato-chile broth with black beans, avocado, and tortilla strips
A tomato-rich tortilla soup with black beans, chile, and crisp tortilla strips that makes a weeknight dinner feel brighter and more complete.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Tortilla soup works because it layers textures as much as flavors. The broth is spicy and savory, the beans make it filling, and the toppings turn each bowl into something more fun than standard soup night.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle in adobo, chopped
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- Corn tortillas, avocado, cilantro, and lime for serving
Instructions
- 1
Cook the onion and garlic in the oil until softened.
- 2
Add the chipotle, tomatoes, beans, and stock and bring to a simmer.
- 3
Simmer for 20 minutes, then blend a small portion if you want a thicker broth.
- 4
Season to taste and ladle into bowls.
- 5
Top with crisp tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and lime.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Substitutions
Black beansPinto beans
Pinto beans give a slightly creamier texture
ChipotleMild chili powder
That keeps the flavor more gentle and less smoky
FlavorPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Chipotle
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the chipotle matters
This ingredient brings both smoke and heat, which is why it changes the final flavor more than a generic chile powder swap would.
This is one of the highest-impact pantry ingredients in the dish.
- Adds smoke and heat together
- Useful in tacos, marinades, and stews
A can of chipotles goes a long way once you start cooking more Mexican and Tex-Mex food.
Shop chipotle for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Fry or bake your own tortilla strips if you want the freshest crunch.
A little queso fresco on top is good if you are not keeping the soup dairy-free.
Storage
Refrigerate the soup for up to 4 days. Store toppings separately.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave and add fresh toppings after.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 bowl before toppings) · 6 servings
Calories240
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein9g
Carbohydrates29g
Fat10g
Fiber8g
Sugar4g
Sodium620mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add chicken?
- Yes. Shredded cooked chicken makes it even more of a full dinner.
- Is one chipotle very spicy?
- It gives moderate heat, but you can start with less and add more later.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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