Pinto Bean & Rice Taco Soup — Budget Taco Soup You’ll Love

Taco Soup can be both hearty and affordable — this Pinto Bean & Rice Taco Soup proves it. Using pinto beans and fluffy rice in a taco-seasoned broth, this recipe is budget friendly yet filling and flavor-packed.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
• 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened (~5 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook ~1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add diced tomatoes and broth, stir to combine.
4. Add pinto beans and corn, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked rice, then squeeze in lime juice.
6. Season with salt & pepper.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, extra lime, or tortilla chips if desired.

Health Benefits

• Good source of fiber and plant protein from pinto beans
• Moderate in calories, especially when using lean broth
• Provides vitamins and minerals from vegetables and spices
• Uses minimal added fat

Tips & Variations

• Stovetop vs Crockpot: Brown onion and pepper first, then transfer all to slow cooker and cook low 4–6 hours.
• Ranch twist: Add a teaspoon of ranch seasoning near end for flavor variation (but keep light).
• Tortilla twist: Serve with crushed tortilla chips or strips to give it a tortilla soup feel.
• Chicken version: Stir in some shredded cooked chicken for more protein.
• Thickening: Mash some beans in the pot or partially blend to thicken consistency.

Conclusion

This Taco Soup version is budget-friendly, hearty, and simple. Lean on pantry basics yet still deliver big flavor. Bookmark this recipe and keep it in your weekly rotation when you want comforting soup without breaking the bank.