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    Home > Soup, Stews, Chilis > Bolita Bean Soup with Beef Stew Meat and Red Wine

    Bolita Bean Soup with Beef Stew Meat and Red Wine

    Published: Feb 20, 2015 · Modified: Aug 2, 2020 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Healthy Hearty Bolita Bean and Beef Soup.

    Bolita Beans, give them a try with this hearty bolita bean beef soup. This soup uses beef stew meat, and spoiler alert, there’s red wine involved for a special complex flavor.

    Bean and Beef Soup with red wine

    The Bolita Bean

    Inspired by a snow storm, this soup made excellent use of that remaining half bag of Bolita Beans in the pantry.

    I buy dried beans from the farm markets east of Denver. Bolita Beans are grown in Colorado in the Southwest Corner of our state and distributed by Adobe Creek Milling. If you can’t find them, I’ve provided an Affiliate Link for your convenience.

    Bolita Beans with Jalapeno and Red Wine. A great western themed side dish.

    What Are Bolita Beans?

    But what’s the difference between Bolita and Pinto beans? They look similar to Pinto beans, a bit smaller and creamier in texture and they seem to absorb every single spice flavor you cook them with.

    The bolita bean is believed to have been cultivated and developed by the Spanish who settled in northern New Mexico.  An heirloom bean, the bolita bean is considered to be sweeter, richer tasting and easier on the stomach than the pinto bean.

    Bolitas cook faster, are excellent tasting and may be substituted for the pinto in any recipe.

    Cooking Bolita Beans In the Crock Pot

    For this bean soup, I cooked just shy of two cups dried beans with about five cups of water and a heaping tablespoon of lard in the crockpot until they were tender. Depending on how fresh your beans are, depends on the cooking time. Expect 5 – 8 hours.

    Soaking beans. I’ve done both. I’ve soaked beans in water over night before cooking in the crock pot, and I’ve not soaked them. Either way, they’ll cook up beautifully.

    Soft and aromatic they were ready to be added to the lineup of ingredients for this soup. Hearty, stick to your ribs and packed full of flavor.

    Recipe For Bolita Bean Soup with Beef

    This soup relies on red wine to boost the flavor. The recipe would also work well with Kidney, Calico, or Pinto Beans. One cup of beans will yield two cups of cooked beans.

    I’ve also used bolita beans as a side dish in the recipe for Bolitas with Red Wine, Smoked Paprika and Jalapeno. DEElicious.

    I hope you give this Bolita Beans soup recipe a try, and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating, and leave a comment about your experience with the recipe.

    And if you have a favorite recipe using bolita beans, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

    In the bean soup mood? Take a look at my:

    Best Bean Soup Recipes

    • Easy Black Bean Soup with Ham
    • Southwestern Chicken and Bean Soup
    • Great Northern White Bean Soup with Bacon
    • Potato Soup with Mayocoba Beans

    More Beef Soup Recipes

    • Belgian Beef Stew made with Belgian Ale
    • Hatch Chile Beef Short Rib Stew
    • Bourbon Beef and Bean Chili

    And if you love making soups as much as we do here On The Ranch, don’t miss my Soup and Stew Category You’ll find a ton of great recipes. Including the most popular stew recipe on my site for Anthony Bourdain’s New Mexico Beef Chili.

    Bolita Bean and Beef Soup with red wine. Give Bolita beans a try.

    Bolita Bean and Beef Soup

    A hearty beef and bean stew using these unique Bolita Beans
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Soup, Stews and Chilis
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 1 hour
    Cook Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 3 hours
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 549kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 large onion chopped
    • 2 green bell peppers stemmed, seeded and diced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper stemmed, seeded and diced
    • 1 red bell pepper stemmed, seeded and diced
    • 2 leaves ribs celery with diced
    • 2 cloves garlic crushed
    • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1 pound beef stew meat cut into bite sized pieces
    • All purpose flour enough to coat meat
    • 3 1/2 cups cooked Bolita Beans
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon Pickapeppa or Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon dried Summer Savory
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
    • a pinch of hot chile powder I used hot green ancho
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 1/2 quart chicken stock
    • 2 cups hearty red wine
    • 1/4 cup tomato paste
    • Sour cream or plain yogurt for garnish.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a 10 inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft. About 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers and celery and sauté another 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the beans, honey, Pickapeppa or Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, summer savory, basil, cloves, hot pepper, salt and pepper.
    • Toss the cubes of steak with flour and shake off access flour. In another large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of oil and brown beef on both sides. In a large heavy stock pot, bring the chicken stock, wine, tomato paste to a boil. Add the browned beef and simmer on low for 30 minutes. Stir in the bean mixture, turn down heat to very low and let simmer partially covered until the flavors are blended. About 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve garnished with a dollop of sour cream.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 537mg | Potassium: 1365mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1133IU | Vitamin C: 100mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 6mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Bolita Bean and Beef Soup with Wine …It’s what’s for Dinner.

    Mobile groomer in Denver

    As the bolita beans soup simmered on the stove top, Kim with Roamin’ Baths,  our mobile groomer, set up shop out front to clean up the pups.

    Mobile groomer for Yorkshire Terrier

    This is puppy Remy’s first groom and he came through with flying colors. Didn’t seem any worse for the wear.

    Standard Poodle at Denver Dog show

    And speaking of coiffed dogs, we attended the Denver Dog show last Saturday at the National Western Sports Complex and I took some photos of the contenders. This is my favorite shot of the day.  It’s in need of a great caption.

    Cattleman's Grill

    A trip to the dog show wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Cattleman’s Grill. You stand in line with your plastic tray and grab a cheeseburger that’s hot off the flaming flat top grill. The cafeteria style restaurant, located inside Denver’s National Western Stock Show Complex, serves an array of Western and BBQ food and seats quite a crowd.

    Burgers at the National Western Complex

    Grab as many dill pickles as you can teeter on the small flimsy paper plate and find a seat at the family style tables. Complete with plastic checkered table cloths it’s a great lunch.

    More Soup Stew and Chili Recipes

    • Sherried Black Bean And Ham Soup
    • Easy Turkey Lentil Soup with Barley
    • Jacques Pepin’s Beef Stew In Red Wine
    • Creamy Southwestern Chicken Soup

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathy a says

      January 24, 2022 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe. The only thing I added, which all beans, soups and stew that we eat, is light green tabasco peppers in vinegar sauce. And your poodle photo IS its own caption;)lol! Enjoying you site.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        January 25, 2022 at 7:04 am

        Good Morning Kathy and thanks so much for your note.

        About those peppers in vinegar. Do you buy them that way, or do you purchase a certain type of pepper and put them in vinegar?

        I have a jar of banana type peppers that Mezzetta produces. I’d like to try your addition next time I make chili.

        And I love that photo of that poodle. I had somewhat forgotten is was hiding below that recipe.

        Again, Thanks for your note.

        Reply
    2. Of Goats and Greens says

      March 01, 2015 at 11:05 am

      This looks truly tasty and hearty in the face of our upcoming snowstorm… Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        March 06, 2015 at 6:44 am

        Thanks. I’m about tired of our upcoming snowstorms! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Rocky Mountain Woman says

      February 27, 2015 at 11:40 am

      Oh dear, I think I’m going to have to have a burger and fries for lunch now!

      Your pup is absolutely adorable….

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 28, 2015 at 11:00 am

        I want a burger and fries for breakfast, lunch, dinner … why oh why can’t it be more healthy? 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says

      February 26, 2015 at 8:27 am

      Lea Ann, unlike my husband, I love beans. And this soup looks fantastic–even my “no beans” guy is going to love it! Pinning now.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 28, 2015 at 10:59 am

        Thanks for that Pin Jean. And what are we going to do with that “no beans” hubby????

        Reply
    5. Abbe @ This is How I Cook says

      February 25, 2015 at 5:24 pm

      I think we were on the same wave length a few weeks ago. I went to the dog show on Saturday, too. I made a bean soup last week, And soon I am posting a recipe with pick a peppa sauce and shrimp. You sure know how to rock!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 28, 2015 at 10:58 am

        GET OUT! What if we ran into each other an didn’t know it. And a note about that pickapeppa … it’s my secret ingredient. Love the stuff.

        Reply
    6. Carol at Wild Goose Teaq says

      February 25, 2015 at 4:00 pm

      I thought the soup looked tasty by the photo and I wasn’t disappointed with the recipe. And those BURGERS—OMG!
      You are right. There is no way you could miss stopping there. Your pup is adorable by the way!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 28, 2015 at 10:57 am

        I wish I had one of those burgers right now.

        Reply
    7. John@Kitchen Riffs says

      February 25, 2015 at 10:46 am

      I never see bolito beans in my supermarket, although they’re in some Italian markets I visit. This looks like a great soup. And we haven’t had as much snow and cold as you’ve had, the weather here has been nasty. So we’re eating soup, soup, and more soup. Can always use another recipe. 😉 Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 28, 2015 at 10:57 am

        Odd, I think of Bolito beans as a Mexican/Southwestern type bean. At least you can find them. I really like em.

        Reply
    8. Susan says

      February 23, 2015 at 10:36 am

      I love the name ‘Roamin’ Baths’! So cute and so is Remy 🙂 Your beans and beef sound so tasty with the red wine.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 28, 2015 at 10:56 am

        Thank you Susan.

        Reply
    9. Vickie says

      February 22, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      Love this recipe – beans are such a great guilt-free comfort food. Can’t wait to try this.
      Remy looks sweet as can be! That Poodle looks like she is thinking, “what EVAH!”

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 23, 2015 at 6:58 am

        Well finally, a caption. I agree about those beans. Isn’t it fun when comfort food is healthy. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Amy (Savory Moments) says

      February 22, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      I’ve never heard of Bolito beans before, but from your description they sound pretty great! This soup looks hearty and tasty!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 23, 2015 at 6:58 am

        Thanks Amy. Bolito Beans may be a Colorado/New Mexico thing. They sure are good.

        Reply
    11. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      February 22, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      This post had me smiling…cute little Remy, burgers with mustard and lots of dill pickles and of course your bean and beef soup. I’m another fan of Pickapeppa sauce.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 23, 2015 at 6:57 am

        Thanks Karen. Pickapeppa sauce is the best in soups like this. I panic if I’m out. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Karen Harris says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:25 pm

      Oh, that precious little Remy, he is so cute! I’d like a cuddle with him and a bowl of this soup. Stay warm!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 22, 2015 at 7:13 am

        Thanks Karen, much cuter groomed. He was getting a little messy.

        Reply
    13. adam j. holland says

      February 21, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      OK. Now I’m going to have to pick up a bag of Bolito beans. This looks … stick to every damn one of my ribs good! And I appreciate (much more than you could know) your use of Pickapeppa sauce. Wow!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 22, 2015 at 7:14 am

        Pickapeppa is a soup’s best friend. Love that stuff.

        Reply
    14. Barb Behmer says

      February 21, 2015 at 1:53 pm

      Lea Ann, I have trouble cooking dried beans at my altitude – guess I can just substitute canned. Sounds like a delicious, hearty soup. Snowing hard all day on top of the 9″ overnight. My crew is skiing. Guess what I have in crock pot – pork barbecue using your chicken barbecue recipe. It’s a hit with my family.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 22, 2015 at 7:15 am

        I never thought of beans and altitude. Interesting. You bet, use canned. We’re getting snow in Denver, about 8 inches and counting. Perfect crockpot weather. And love that you used pork. I’ll have to try that next time.

        Reply
    15. Larry says

      February 21, 2015 at 7:12 am

      Your soup looks delicious and has some interesting flavors in it – I’ve not heard of Bolito beans so I’ll go research them. That’s pretty nice having the groomer come to you and a clever business plan by the owner. looks like a fine place for lunch – a cheeseburger with mustard and dill pickle used to be my favorite until I was exposed to Bev’s super burger.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 22, 2015 at 7:16 am

        It is nice having the groomer come to us. We’ve been using her for over 10 years. Growing up I always ordered my burgers mustard only … because my Dad did. 🙂 ok, what’s this about a super burger. Heading over to your blog to do a search.

        Reply
    16. Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:49 am

      I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s never heard of bolito beans. But if they are anything like pintos, they must be delicious. This ole southern gal thinks beans are the perfect solution to miserable weather. Take care Lea Ann and stay warm.
      Sam
      P.S. The doggy pictures are precious.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 21, 2015 at 6:30 am

        Growing up in the middle of Kansas, my mom somehow had some Southern influence that she passed along to me. I’m with you about beans and soup for perfect comfort food.

        Reply
    17. Debra says

      February 21, 2015 at 1:29 am

      Never heard of bolitos. You are so right…that poodle needs a caption.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        February 21, 2015 at 6:29 am

        Well, I was counting on you Debra. I’m not the clever one around here. 🙂

        Reply

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    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

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