Are you ready for a hearty, flavorful, and intensely satisfying bowl of soup? Look no further! This recipe for the best spicy beef bean soup will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. We've combined tender beef, a rich broth, hearty beans, and a fiery kick to create a culinary masterpiece perfect for a chilly evening or a warming lunch. This isn't your grandma's bean soup; this is an elevated, spicy experience that will become your new go-to comfort food.
What Makes This Spicy Beef Bean Soup Recipe the Best?
This recipe stands out because it balances bold flavors with ease of preparation. We've focused on building layers of taste, starting with a deeply flavorful beef broth and carefully selecting spices to achieve the perfect level of heat. The addition of various beans adds both texture and nutritional value. Furthermore, this recipe is adaptable – you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.
Ingredients for the Best Spicy Beef Bean Soup
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For the Beef Broth:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
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For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1-2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions: Crafting Your Culinary Masterpiece
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Prepare the Beef Broth: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the beef stew meat, onion, carrots, celery, beef broth, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during simmering.
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Remove the Beef and Strain: Remove the beef from the broth and set aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the shredded beef and the strained beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other beans like Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or even a mix of your favorites.
How can I make this soup less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper, or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to help mellow the heat.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Follow steps 1-2 as above. Then, combine all remaining ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What kind of beef is best for this soup?
Beef stew meat is ideal due to its toughness, which breaks down beautifully during the long simmering process, resulting in incredibly tender beef.
This recipe for the best spicy beef bean soup is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with careful technique. Enjoy the delicious result!
