INTRODUCTION
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of creamy cowboy soup, inviting you to dig in and settle down after a long day. This delightful recipe blends hearty ingredients like ground beef, beans, and potatoes into a satisfying dish perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, you’ll find that this cowboy soup becomes a new favorite in your home, whether you’re serving it for family dinner or a cozy night in with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for a weeknight winner: it’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting flavors that both kids and adults adore. You won’t just be filling bellies; you’ll be creating warm memories around the dinner table with this one-pot wonder.
"So hearty and delicious! My family couldn’t get enough of it, and leftovers vanished in an instant!" – Happy Cook
How to Make Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
Get ready for a delightful cooking experience with this creamy cowboy soup. The process is simple, allowing you to create a filling meal in no time. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these essential ingredients on hand:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crushed tortilla chips
Quick Substitution Tips:
- Ground beef can be swapped for ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist, enhancing flavors with additional spices.
Directions
Now, let’s break it down into easy steps:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced potatoes, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and potatoes to cook through.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve in bowls, topped with sliced green onions, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch!
Serving Suggestions
This cowboy soup shines when paired with a fresh side salad or warm bread for dipping. Creamy coleslaw also adds a refreshing crunch that complements the soup perfectly. Consider toppings like sliced jalapeños for spice, or a dollop of sour cream for richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 3 months. For reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tips
To enhance the flavor profile, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro during the cooking process. If the soup thickens too much, just stir in some additional broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Variations
Get creative with this recipe! For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or switch to spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also experiment with different beans like pinto or kidney beans, or incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! Cook the beef beforehand, then add everything to the slow cooker. Let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
What if I can’t find black beans?
No problem! You can substitute with any canned beans you have, such as pinto or navy beans, and still enjoy a delicious soup.
- Crockpot recipes
- Hearty soups
Creamy Cowboy Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A warm and hearty soup made with ground beef, beans, and potatoes, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced potatoes, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and potatoes to cook through.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve in bowls, topped with sliced green onions, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch!
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg