Cowboy Soup

Cowboy soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and bold seasonings. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a quick, satisfying one-pot meal. It’s easy to customize, feeds a crowd, and is a guaranteed family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and vegetables for a complete meal.
• One-Pot Wonder: Easy to prepare and minimal cleanup required.
• Customizable: Use your favorite beans, veggies, and spices.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
• Kid-Friendly: A delicious way to get everyone to eat their veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or ground turkey)
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Beef broth (or chicken broth)
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Canned corn (drained)
• Canned pinto beans (or kidney beans, drained and rinsed)
• Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or tortilla chips

Directions

1. Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add Liquid and Vegetables:

• Stir in beef broth, canned tomatoes (with juice), corn, pinto beans, black beans, and diced potatoes. Mix well.

4. Season the Soup:

• Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer:

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

7. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a meatless option. Add extra beans or tofu for protein.
• Southwest Twist: Stir in a can of green chilies and a splash of lime juice.
• Cheesy Cowboy Soup: Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese directly to the soup for a creamy, cheesy consistency.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced zucchini.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add all other ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, dice about 4 medium fresh tomatoes, but the flavor will be less concentrated than canned.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

Mash a few of the beans or potatoes with a fork and stir them back into the soup for a thicker texture.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen corn or mixed vegetables work well as a substitute for canned corn.

What’s the best type of potato to use?

Russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, cowboy soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

How do I make it dairy-free?

The soup is naturally dairy-free. Simply skip the cheese or sour cream garnishes.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage are excellent alternatives to ground beef.

How do I keep the soup from being too salty?

Use low-sodium broth and rinse canned beans to control the salt level.

Can I add pasta or rice?

Yes, cook pasta or rice separately and stir it into the soup just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Cowboy soup is a hearty, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. With its rich broth, tender potatoes, and savory ground beef, this soup will quickly become a go-to comfort food in your home. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of warmth and satisfaction!

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