Cowboy Soup Recipe

This Cowboy Soup is my go-to recipe when I’m craving a hearty and satisfying meal that’s also quick and easy to make. It’s packed with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and a flavorful broth that will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means less cleanup for me!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup

• Hearty and Flavorful: This soup is packed with protein and fiber from the ground beef and beans, and the vegetables add a ton of flavor and nutrients.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is so simple, anyone can make it. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or when you’re short on time.
• One-Pot Wonder: This soup is made in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this soup with different vegetables, beans, or spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Cowboy Soup

Here’s what I use to make this delicious soup:

• Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for this recipe, but you can use any type of ground beef you prefer.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: These spices add a warm and savory flavor to the soup.
• Seasoned Pinto Beans: I like to use ranch-style beans or seasoned chili beans for extra flavor, but you can also use plain pinto beans.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add a bit of spice and a Southwestern flair to the soup.
• Russet Potatoes: These potatoes add heartiness and texture to the soup.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: I use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables for convenience, but you can also use fresh vegetables if you prefer.
• Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and another layer of texture.
• Beef Broth: I use beef broth as the base of the soup, but you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer.

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

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Veggie Variety: Toss in some other vegetables like diced bell peppers, chopped celery, or sliced carrots.
• Beans: Use different types of beans, like black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas.
• Corn: Use fresh corn kernels instead of frozen corn.

How to Make Cowboy Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

I start by browning the ground beef in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. I season the beef with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder while it’s browning.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Once the beef is browned, I add the remaining ingredients to the pot: seasoned pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, frozen corn, and beef broth. I make sure the broth covers most of the potatoes.

Step 3: Simmer

I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. I let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.

Step 4: Season and Serve

I season the soup with salt and pepper to taste and then serve it hot.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the ground beef has enough space in the pot to brown properly.
• Potato Perfection: Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How to Serve

This Cowboy Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Cornbread: Cornbread is another great accompaniment to this hearty soup.
• Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even stew meat.

2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Just make sure they’re chopped into small pieces so they cook quickly.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.

There you have it! A flavorful, hearty, and easy-to-make Cowboy Soup recipe. I hope you enjoy it!

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