Cowboy Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Weeknight Meal
There are some meals that are so deeply comforting, they feel like a warm hug. This recipe for Cowboy Soup is one of them. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy soup that brings together savory ground beef, a medley of beans and corn, and a rich, creamy broth. With a little bit of a smoky, spicy kick from chili powder and cumin, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl. It’s the perfect solution for a chilly evening and is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that a great soup can make a meal, and this Cowboy Soup is a perfect example. What I love most is the simplicity of the process and the richness of the flavor. You simply brown the beef, add all the ingredients to the pot, and let it simmer. The canned ingredients—black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn—make this an incredibly fast and convenient meal. The best part? The rich, creamy broth, made with a hint of heavy cream, is the perfect vehicle for all the savory flavors. Topped with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, this is a meal that feels both decadent and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for topping
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: While ground beef is a classic choice, you can also use ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Broth: Beef broth is a great choice for this soup, as it complements the flavor of the ground beef. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth. A low-sodium broth would be a good choice if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Tomatoes: The canned diced tomatoes with green chilies are a key ingredient, adding a subtle heat and a zesty flavor. If you prefer a milder soup, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what gives this soup its rich and creamy texture. For a slightly lighter soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk.
- Toppings: The toppings are a crucial part of this soup. The shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro all add a wonderful layer of flavor and texture. Don’t skip them!
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Spices: Add the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and beef broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15−20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Fat: Draining the excess fat from the ground beef is an important step. It will prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
- Don’t Boil the Cream: Once you have added the heavy cream, avoid boiling the soup. A gentle simmer is all you need to heat everything through. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle.
- Let it Simmer: The simmering time is what allows all the flavors to meld together. It’s a short but important step that makes the soup taste so much better.
- Garnish is Key: The toppings are what truly make this soup special. The shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro all add a wonderful layer of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cowboy Soup is a complete meal in a bowl. For a heartier meal, you can serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. A simple side salad would also be a perfect complement.
For a drink pairing, a light beer or a simple iced tea would be a great complement to the savory and spicy flavors.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a hearty, satisfying meal that is a great source of protein from the ground beef and fiber from the beans and corn. While the heavy cream adds to the calories, it’s a wonderfully comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this soup are fantastic! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place the soup in a pot and gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Soup recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a rich, creamy broth and a savory, spicy seasoning is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious meal as much as I do!
Easy Cowboy Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, chili powder, and cumin.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with optional shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
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