This hearty and flavorful soup is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Packed with tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a blend of spices, Cowboy Soup is a rustic comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re serving it up after a day on the ranch or just need an easy one-pot meal, this soup is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
- Hearty and satisfying: Filled with protein, fiber, and rich flavors.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for all ages and tastes.
- Versatile: Customize the ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll need to make Cowboy Soup (full list of ingredients with measurements is below):
- Ground beef
- Diced tomatoes
- Mixed vegetables
- Beef broth
- Potatoes
You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Toss in diced onions, garlic, and your favorite spices, stirring until fragrant.
- Add the base: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
- Simmer with vegetables: Add mixed vegetables, potatoes, and any other veggies you like. Simmer until tender.
- Taste and adjust: Check the seasoning and add salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or cornbread.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh or frozen veggies: Both work well, so use whatever you have on hand.
- Don’t skip the seasoning: A pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder adds a great depth of flavor.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer texture.
- Cook low and slow: The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add beans: Kidney or black beans make a great addition for extra protein.
- Go spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Try different veggies: Corn, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes would work beautifully.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Cowboy Soup pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread, crusty rolls, or a simple green salad. For a true cowboy-style meal, serve it with a side of baked beans or roasted potatoes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
FAQs
- Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the beef with plant-based crumbles or beans and use vegetable broth. - What are the best toppings for Cowboy Soup?
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture. - How do I thicken the soup?
Mash a few of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the soup while it simmers.
Conclusion
Cowboy Soup is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or hearty gatherings. It’s easy to make, full of bold flavors, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why it’s a staple in so many homes. Saddle up and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cowboy Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
A hearty, flavorful soup packed with vegetables, ground beef, and beans, perfect for a filling meal on a chilly day. This Cowboy Soup is easy to make, comforting, and customizable to your taste!
Ingredients
- Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Tomatoes (canned diced or fresh)
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth (or chicken broth)
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Carrots, chopped
- Celery, chopped
- Seasonings: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper
- Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Add Beans and Corn: Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the kidney beans and corn. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/6th of the recipe)
- Calories: 300-350 kcal (varies depending on meat choice and toppings)
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 4-6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6-8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40-60mg