An Unforgettable Culinary Journey: Bush’s Beans, Paws Up, and a Soul-Warming Pinto Bean Steak and Dumpling Soup

A few weeks ago, I embarked on an extraordinary adventure with Bush’s Beans, a trip that transcended a mere getaway and evolved into a truly inspiring culinary experience. Our destination was the breathtaking Paws Up Resort in the heart of Montana, where the majestic landscape provided a stunning backdrop for a unique “Bean Inspired Culinary experience.” This incredible retreat brought together an amazing team of fellow bloggers, talented chefs, wonderful PR friends, and of course, the star ingredient: Bush’s Beans.

Over the next few months, I’m thrilled to share a collection of delicious recipes we crafted during our time in Big Sky Country. But today, I simply couldn’t wait to introduce you to my new absolute favorite: a hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious Pinto Bean Steak and Dumpling Soup recipe that promises to become a staple in your kitchen.

Building Connections in Big Sky Country: Our Team Bean Retreat

This marked our third journey together as the “Team Bean,” and there was a unanimous consensus that this trip was undoubtedly the best yet. It wasn’t just the unparalleled beauty of the Montana wilderness that made it so special; it was the deepening bonds and genuine camaraderie we shared. We’ve grown so comfortable with one another, forming connections that feel like family—the kind of family you genuinely look forward to spending time with, laughing, and creating unforgettable memories.

As busy moms and dedicated bloggers, many of us arrived at Paws Up feeling the familiar weight of daily stresses. However, the moment we stepped out of the van and breathed in the crisp Montana air, it was as if a switch had flipped. A profound sense of peace and tranquility washed over us. The panoramic views at Paws Up were nothing short of breathtaking, stretching across vast landscapes that instantly recalibrated our minds and spirits.

Our time at the resort was a harmonious blend of adventure and relaxation. We shared cozy lodges, built roaring fires under star-studded skies, explored the scenic trails on horseback, and engaged in communal cooking both in state-of-the-art kitchens and amidst the grandeur of the outdoors. Every moment was filled with laughter, delicious dining, shared stories, and invaluable learning experiences. It was a true retreat for the mind, body, and soul.

“Warmer connections happen when you’re comfortable just being you. When you don’t have to put on a facade, pretend you are something you are not, when you can ask silly questions, you can make mistakes in the kitchen and no one laughs or judges you, and when you learn to love.”

~Sandy Coughlin, Reluctant Entertainer

Experience the Magic of Paws Up: Video and Glamping Dreams

To truly capture the essence of our unforgettable journey at Paws Up Resort, I’ve put together a video montage of our adventures. If you’re yearning for a getaway that perfectly marries the peace and quiet of the great outdoors with unparalleled luxury, then Paws Up is, without a doubt, your dream destination. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, yet having every comfort and amenity at your fingertips. It’s the ultimate escape. I’m already dreaming of a return visit for a unique glamping experience, where rustic charm meets five-star indulgence.

Please excuse any moments of shaky video; it turns out capturing steady footage while riding a horse is quite the challenge! A special thank you to Crackle Photography for contributing some of the beautiful still shots that truly brought our memories to life.

For those eager to dive deeper into our Montana escapade, you can view my complete collection of photos from the trip on Flickr. Head over to my full Bush’s Beans in Montana Set to browse through all the beautiful moments we captured.

Inspired by Culinary Maestros: The Chefs Behind the Beans

Our culinary journey was elevated by the presence of two incredibly inspiring and creative chefs: Connie Gutterson and Jeffrey Saad. Their passion for food and innovative approaches in the kitchen are truly infectious. I always leave these events with my own culinary juices flowing, eager to experiment and bring new flavors to my family’s table. Their ability to transform simple ingredients, like the versatile Bush’s Beans, into extraordinary dishes is a testament to their skill and artistry.

Among the many delightful dishes we prepared, the Pinto Bean Steak and Dumpling Soup recipe, a masterpiece crafted with Chef Jeffrey Saad, stood out as an instant favorite. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a hearty, flavorful meal brimming with tender steak, wholesome pinto beans, and pillowy cornmeal dumplings. The depth of flavor, combined with its comforting warmth, makes it absolutely perfect for a chilly evening or any time you crave a truly satisfying dish. I simply cannot wait to recreate this incredible bean soup recipe for my own family at home.

Bush’s Bean Inspired & Pinto Steak and Dumpling Soup Recipe

Yield:
6 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Print Recipe

Summary: This delightful and hearty soup recipe was exclusively created for BUSH’S® Beans by Chef Jeffrey Saad, a renowned culinary expert and television host. It’s a perfect blend of robust flavors and comforting textures, ideal for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Cornmeal Dumplings:

1 teaspoon canola oil
½ cup corn kernels (from about 1 cob, fresh or frozen)
¼ cup milk
4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Steak:

1 (12-14 ounce) rib eye steak, cut into ½-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons canola oil

For the Soup Base:

1 medium white onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder OR 2 dried red guajillo chilies
1 tablespoon chili powder OR 2 dried red ancho chilies
½ teaspoon cumin seed or ground cumin powder
1 quart beef broth
2 cups water
¾ cup canned tomato puree
1 can (16 ounces) BUSH’S® Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
¼ cup fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

For Dumplings: In a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat, pour 1 teaspoon canola oil. Once hot, add the corn kernels. Stir and cook until the corn is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer gently for 1 minute, then remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
In a separate medium bowl, place the softened butter, baking powder, and salt. Allow this mixture to come to room temperature for easier whipping. Using the paddle attachment of an electric mixer or a hand mixer, whip the ingredients until well combined and light.
Add the cooled corn/milk mixture to the butter, baking powder, and salt mix in the bowl. Blend thoroughly. With the mixer on slow speed, gradually incorporate the cornmeal and all-purpose flour until the mixture comes together to form a soft dough, which should take approximately 3 minutes.
Remove the dough from the mixer and place it on a clean, lightly floured counter. Knead the dough gently until it is smooth and soft, ensuring it is neither sticky nor overly dry. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For Steak: Generously season the ½-inch pieces of rib eye steak with salt and pepper to taste.
Place a wide pot (or Dutch oven) over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of canola oil. Once a slight haze begins to rise from the pot, use tongs to carefully place the seasoned steak pieces into the pot. Sauté the steak until it develops a deep golden-brown crust on all sides. Using tongs, remove the seared steak from the pot and set it aside on a plate to cool slightly.
For Soup Base: Keep the same pot on the stove. Add the sliced white onions, chopped garlic, chili powders (or dried chilies), and cumin. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the ingredients are fragrant and golden brown. Pour in the beef broth, water, and tomato puree. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Turn off the stove and set the soup base aside to cool slightly.
Carefully pour the cooled soup base into a blender. Puree the ingredients until completely smooth, ensuring no large chunks remain. Once smooth, pour the pureed soup base back into the pot and stir in the drained and rinsed BUSH’S® Pinto Beans. Set aside until ready to add dumplings and steak.
Assemble and Finish Soup: Retrieve the dumpling dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Pull off large, marble-sized pieces of dough. One at a time, hold a dough piece in the palm of your hand and use your thumb to gently press and shape the dough into a small boat or oval.
Once all the dumplings are formed, bring the bean soup base to a gentle simmer. Carefully place the shaped dumplings into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
Finally, add the seared steak pieces, fresh lime juice, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to the pot. Bring the entire soup back to a boil briefly, then immediately turn off the stove.
Ladle the hearty soup into individual bowls, ensuring each serving contains an even amount of tender steak, wholesome pinto beans, and delicious cornmeal dumplings. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!

Notes

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment on the blog below or share a photo of your culinary creation on Instagram using #BushsBeansSoup.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Team Bean Family

My sincere gratitude goes out once again to Bush’s Beans for sponsoring this truly remarkable trip, to the exquisite Paws Up Resort for hosting us in such a spectacular setting, and to the inspiring chefs, Connie Gutterson and Jeffrey Saad, whose creativity continually sparks new culinary passions within me. This experience wouldn’t have been nearly as enriching without the incredible group of bloggers and the lasting friendships I’ve forged.

Together, we are a part of the incredible Bush’s Beans family, a community built on shared experiences, culinary exploration, and genuine connection. A special shout-out to my fellow adventurers who made this trip so memorable: Sandy, Amy, Aggie, Katie, Kristen, Laura, and Tina. Your friendship and shared enthusiasm made every moment truly special.

Disclaimer: Bush’s Beans generously covered the expenses for my incredible trip. However, I was not compensated financially to write about them, and all opinions and thoughts expressed in this article are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience.