Creamy Cowboy Soup

When I first stumbled upon the recipe for Creamy Cowboy Soup, I had no idea how quickly it would become a staple in my kitchen. This delightful dish marries the heartiness of ground beef with a medley of vegetables, beans, and a creamy finish that makes it utterly comforting. It’s the perfect option for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends on a chilly evening. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or simply enjoy a warm, satisfying meal, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love Making It

Creamy Cowboy Soup stands out for a myriad of reasons. Not only is it a one-pot meal that makes clean-up a breeze, but it’s also incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. The combination of flavors is satisfying, with the spices giving a subtle kick that’s just right, and the creaminess rounding it all out beautifully. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or casual dinners.

"This soup is always a hit at our family dinners! The blend of flavors is phenomenal, and I love how easy it is to whip up!" – A satisfied home cook

Preparing Creamy Cowboy Soup

Creating this delicious soup is as easy as it gets. With straightforward steps, you can have this comforting dish on the table in less than an hour. Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect in the cooking process: you’ll start by browning the beef, sautéing vegetables, and then layering in your liquids and flavorings. The final step is letting it simmer together until all those lovely flavors meld, resulting in a rich, creamy soup that’s ready to impress.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make Creamy Cowboy Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 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, undrained
• 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

Feel free to switch up some ingredients based on what you have on hand! For instance, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium, and add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.

3. Add Garlic and Spices: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika into the pot, stirring well to toast the spices for another minute.

4. Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes, green chilies, diced potatoes, and the drained black beans. Stir everything together thoroughly.

5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

6. Add Cream and Corn: After the potatoes are tender, stir in the drained corn and the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Warm gently, but avoid boiling after the cream is added.

7. Season and Serve: Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors can blend. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Tips for Serving

Creamy Cowboy Soup is a meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with several accompaniments. Consider serving it with crusty bread or warm tortillas for dipping. A crisp side salad can also balance the rich flavors of the soup. For a bit of extra flair, add some sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream on top for an additional layer of flavor.

Best Way to Store Creamy Cowboy Soup

To keep leftover Creamy Cowboy Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. If you want to make it in advance, you can freeze portions of it. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat while stirring occasionally.

Pro Chef Tips

• Customize the Creaminess: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use milk instead of cream. For an even richer soup, try half-and-half.
• Be Mindful of Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste; if you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some cayenne pepper or using spicier chili powder.
• Prep Ahead: For quicker prep, chop your vegetables ahead of time.

Flavor Variations

Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out the beans for kidney or pinto beans. For a Southwestern twist, consider adding some fresh cilantro or avocado as garnish.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for Creamy Cowboy Soup?

Expect about 15-20 minutes to gather and prepare your ingredients, with a cooking time of around 30 minutes, making it a total of about 45-50 minutes from start to finish.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can serve as lighter alternatives; just adjust cooking times if necessary.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for substance, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

With its creamy base, hearty ingredients, and a dose of flavorful spices, Creamy Cowboy Soup is bound to please everyone at your table. So the next time you’re seeking a comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, give this recipe a try!

Creamy Cowboy Soup

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A hearty and creamy soup featuring ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful spices, perfect for cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 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, undrained
• 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

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Lower the heat to medium, and add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring well to toast the spices for another minute.
4. Add the beef broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes, green chilies, diced potatoes, and drained black beans. Stir thoroughly.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the drained corn and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Warm gently without boiling.
7. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or warm tortillas. You can customize by adding spices or vegetables.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: soup, creamy soup, cowboy soup, hearty soup, quick dinner