Hearty and Flavorful Cowboy Soup Recipe

This Hearty and Flavorful Cowboy Soup is the ultimate comfort food! It’s a robust and satisfying soup that’s packed with ground beef, beans, potatoes, and vegetables, all simmered in a rich and savory broth. I love how easy it is to make, and it’s a perfect meal for a chilly evening or anytime you’re craving something warm and delicious. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich and savory flavor that’s truly delicious.
• Easy to Make: It’s a simple, one-pot recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking.

Ingredients for Cowboy Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty soup. I’ve divided them up for clarity, but the full list with measurements is in the recipe card directly below.

Meat and Vegetables

• Lean ground beef (Meat)
• Russet potatoes (Vegetable)
• Frozen mixed vegetables (Vegetable Blend)
• Frozen whole-kernel corn (Vegetable)

Canned Goods

• Seasoned pinto beans (Beans)
• Diced tomatoes with green chile pepper (Vegetable)

Seasoning and Spices

• Chili powder (Spice Blend)
• Cumin (Spice)
• Garlic powder (Spice)
• Onion powder (Spice)

Liquid

• Beef broth (Liquid)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

I love this soup just the way it is, but here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use Different Beans: Try using black beans, kidney beans, or a combination of your favorite beans.
• Add More Vegetables: Toss in some diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Top it Off: Add your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro.

How to Make Cowboy Soup

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Hearty and Flavorful Cowboy Soup:

Brown the Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, I brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon.

Add the Spices

Once the beef is cooked I add the spices: 1. I add in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. I stir well and cook for another minute to let the flavors develop.

Add Remaining Ingredients

1. I add the seasoned pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, frozen corn, and beef broth to the pot.
2. I stir everything together to combine.

Simmer

1. I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.

Serve

1. I ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips I’ve learned to make this Cowboy Soup even better:

• Use Lean Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease in the soup.
• Don’t Drain the Beans or Tomatoes: The liquid from the canned beans and tomatoes adds flavor and helps to create the broth.
• Simmer for Longer: For a richer flavor, simmer the soup for longer than 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve

This Cowboy Soup is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty soup.
• Toppings: Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or your favorite toppings.
• Salad: A simple green salad would pair nicely with the soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup tastes even better the next day! You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this recipe:

• Can I freeze this soup?
  • Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  • Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• What kind of seasoned pinto beans should I use?
  • Look for cans labeled “ranch beans,” “chili beans,” or “seasoned pinto beans.” They usually contain seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and garlic.

Enjoy this Hearty and Flavorful Cowboy Soup! It’s a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

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