15-Minute Microwave Black Bean Corn Soup
Quick weeknight soup combining black beans, corn, and tomatoes with warm spices, finished under the broiler with melted cheese. Tex-Mex flavors delivered in minutes with minimal prep. Perfect for lunch or light dinner when you need something satisfying fast. This version skips stovetop cooking entirely, relying on microwave and broiler for speed without sacrificing depth from cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounce corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 dash hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon scallion, chopped
- shredded cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack
Instructions
- 1
Combine black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn kernels, oregano, chili powder, and cumin in a large microwave-safe bowl
- 2
Heat on high for 5 minutes until hot
- 3
Transfer to microwave-safe serving bowls
- 4
Top with shredded cheese
- 5
Broil for approximately 2 minutes until cheese melts
- 6
Top with hot sauce and scallion
- 7
Serve immediately
Tips
Frozen corn works equally well and needs no thawing; stir once during heating for even warmth distribution.
Use oven broiler on high rack position to prevent cheese from scorching; watch closely as timing varies by appliance.
Drain beans partially to control soup consistency; reserve liquid if you prefer brothier texture.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in microwave; cheese topping should be applied fresh before serving.
Prepare soup base through step 2 and chill up to 2 days. Reheat in microwave and finish with cheese broil and toppings when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and soup is hot. Pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for textural contrast.
Common Mistakes
Broil cheese too long to avoid burnt, bitter flavor; check at 90 seconds.
Skip draining canned beans to avoid overly thick, starchy soup.
Use bowls without broiler-safe handles to avoid burns when removing from broiler.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, transfer to bowls, top with cheese and run under a hot broiler or use an oven-safe skillet to finish the cheese.
What if I don't have a broiler?
Stir shredded cheese directly into the hot soup off heat and let it melt, or use a stovetop method. Alternatively, microwave cheese on top for 30-60 seconds at 50% power.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze without cheese topping in airtight containers or bags up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. Add fresh cheese topping after reheating.