Pinto Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
hot or mild
- 1 small yellow onion
diced
- ½ cup carrots
diced
- 2 ribs celery
diced
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 15.5 oz. cans Pinto Beans
drained but not rinsed
- ¼ cup heavy cream
optional
- For Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
optional
Directions
- 1
Note: The mustard powder and hot sauce are so subtle in this soup but help enhance the other flavors, so although you may be hesitant to add them, I highly recommend it!
- 2
Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links. Preheat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook and crumble to break it apart. Once cooked halfway through, reduce heat to medium-low and cover partially. (This is the best way to ensure you get drippings). Continue to heat, stirring occasionally, until cooked through. It’ll take around 10-12 minutes total.
- 3
Set the sausage aside on a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings. (Butter can be used if you don’t have drippings.)
- 4
Add the drippings to the pot along with 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots and cook for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 5
Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- 6
Add the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and beans.
- 7
Add the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot, this will add more flavor to the soup. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer.
- 8
Simmer for 20 minutes, then add the sausage back. Simmer for 15 more minutes, then add the spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.
- 9
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream if desired. Transfer to serving bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Pinto Bean Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply satisfying, hearty meal that nourishes both body and soul? This Pinto Bean Soup delivers a comforting, savory experience, perfect for chilly evenings or a robust weeknight dinner.
Why This Soup Hits the Spot
What makes this Pinto Bean Soup truly special is its harmonious blend of robust flavors. The ground Italian sausage, whether hot or mild, lays a savory foundation, while a classic aromatic trio of onion, carrots, and celery builds incredible depth. Simple seasonings like basil, parsley, and oregano, alongside a touch of hot sauce and Worcestershire, create a complex, craveable broth that tastes like it simmered all day.
What to Expect
Prepare for a spoonful of pure comfort. This Pinto Bean Soup offers a rich, savory broth brimming with tender pinto beans and soft, flavorful vegetables. The Italian sausage provides a delightful chew and a burst of flavor in every bite, making the soup wonderfully substantial. With the optional heavy cream, you'll find an added layer of silken richness, transforming a simple soup into something truly luxurious. It's a satisfying, full-flavored dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Customization & Variations
This versatile Pinto Bean Soup invites you to make it your own. Choose hot Italian sausage for an extra kick that complements the hot sauce, or opt for mild Italian sausage for a milder, equally flavorful experience. For a creamy finish, stir in the heavy cream at the end. And don't forget the freshly grated Parmesan cheese when serving to add a salty, umami flourish.
Serving & Context
This hearty Pinto Bean Soup is a meal unto itself, ideal for a cozy dinner. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the savory broth, making for a truly fulfilling spread.