Get ready to saddle up for a hearty, comforting bowl of Cowboy Soup that marries robust flavors with a touch of nostalgia. This savory soup is packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a kick of spices, making it a perfect choice for cold nights or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick Preparation: With a cook time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Comfort in a Bowl: Brimming with hearty ingredients, each spoonful is a warm hug from the inside out.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt it to suit different palates or dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or saving for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lineup of ingredients for Cowboy Soup might seem simple, but each component plays a crucial role in creating its signature flavor. Let’s uncover how each ingredient brings something special to the pot.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and enhance their rich, aromatic flavors.
- Ground Beef: The heart of the soup, providing depth and a meaty, comforting texture.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors and adding creaminess.
- Tomato Paste: This ingredient thickens the soup and intensifies the savory tomato undertones.
Variations
Feel free to make this Cowboy Soup your own! It’s remarkably adaptable, whether you’re aiming for a vegetarian version or just adding a personal twist.
- Vegetarian Cowboy Soup: Swap the ground beef with hearty mushrooms and additional beans to keep it filling.
- Spicier Version: Add jalapeños or more chili powder to increase the heat to your preference.
How to Make Cowboy Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced onions and celery. Sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic until it releases its fragrant aroma.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for building the bold basis of flavor for your soup.
Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Soup
- Consistent Cutting: Cut potatoes and carrots uniformly for even cooking and optimal texture.
- Broth Adjustment: Start with 4 cups of broth and gradually add more for your preferred consistency.
- Herb Infusion: A dash of fresh herbs toward the end can elevate the flavors profoundly.
- Balanced Spices: Taste test the soup halfway and tweak the spices, so the flavor is perfectly dialed in.
How to Serve Cowboy Soup
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. A dollop of sour cream can also bring a creamy contrast to the soup’s hearty base.
Side Dishes
Serve Cowboy Soup with warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread to soak up every delicious drop. A fresh, green salad can complement the rich flavors, balancing the meal with a crisp and refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your soup presentation pop, serve it in a rustic bread bowl or a colorful, deep ceramic dish. Top with garnishes neatly, and maybe add a tiny cowboy hat toothpick for fun—after all, dining should be delightful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This soup holds its flavors beautifully, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
Cowboy Soup freezes well for up to three months. Portion it into individual servings for an easy, ready-made meal. Just ensure your container is sealed tight to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your Cowboy Soup again, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave single servings with a lid or cover, stirring halfway for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, just brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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Is there a vegetarian option for Cowboy Soup?
Absolutely! Opt for vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add extra beans or veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
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How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken your Cowboy Soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in or add additional tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry.
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Can I add other proteins to this soup?
Yes, feel free to incorporate other proteins like cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage for an intriguing twist.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to try this hearty Cowboy Soup and that it swiftly becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s a dish that hugs you from the inside, offering comfort and a chorus of flavors you’ll savor long after the bowl is empty.
Print
Cowboy Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting stew packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this soup combines savory ingredients with a smoky kick, served hot with your favorite toppings. It’s a complete, filling meal that can be easily customized.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
Sauces & Spices
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste
Broth & Additional
- 4–6 cups beef broth (use 6 for a thinner soup)
Toppings (optional)
- Shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, crushed crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onion and celery, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the pot. Brown the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in potatoes, carrots, drained green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, drained black-eyed peas, and corn. Mix well.
- Pour broth and season: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add more broth if desired for desired consistency.
- Simmer the soup: Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14-16 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Serve hot with toppings of your choice.
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- This soup can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative to beef.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
