Hearty Cowboy Soup
Description of this Recipe
Warm up with our hearty Cowboy Soup recipe. Ready in no time, this easy dish is perfect for cozy nights. Want a meal that satisfies? Cowboy Soup is a hearty, one-pot dish that combines ground beef, vegetables, and a blend of savory spices. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or any time you crave a comforting, flavorful meal. With minimal prep time and simple cooking steps, you’ll have a satisfying soup ready in just about an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cowboy Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The rich, savory flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and fulfilling dish. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of one hour, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and beans, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or toppings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavor and comforting warmth of this soup.
Introduction
Cowboy Soup, also known as Western Soup, is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cooler evenings. Originating from the need for simple, filling meals on the range, this soup combines easily accessible ingredients into a delicious and nutritious one-pot meal. The recipe has evolved over time, with variations using different types of beans, vegetables, and spices to cater to individual tastes and available resources. This version features a robust blend of ground beef, Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, and a medley of savory spices, creating a rich and satisfying culinary experience. The soup is simple to make, requiring minimal prep work and a straightforward cooking process. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of Cowboy Soup lies in its versatility; feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (approximately 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 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
- 4–6 cups beef broth (I used 6 cups)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Toppings as desired
Prep:
Step 1:
Dice the yellow onion and celery. Mince the garlic. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds. Cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Drain the green beans, black-eyed peas, and corn.
Step 2:
Measure out the spices: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Have the tomato paste and diced tomatoes ready.
Step 3:
Set out the ground beef and beef broth. Ensure all ingredients are within reach to streamline the cooking process.
Step 4:
Prepare your toppings of choice. Shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the final dish.
Step 5:
Ensure you have a large stock pot ready for cooking the soup.
COOK Rating:
5/5 Stars. The combination of flavors, ease of preparation, and hearty ingredients make this soup a winner.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Cowboy Soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Here are a few suggestions:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
- Diced avocado
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping
Tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ground beef and fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences. Add more chili powder for a spicier soup or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
- Customize the Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to swap out or add different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes would work well in this soup.
- Simmering Time: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Make It Ahead: Cowboy Soup is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Add More Liquid: If the soup becomes too thick, add more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Spice It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Optional Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to add texture and flavor. Crushed tortilla chips or a drizzle of hot sauce can be fun additions.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Nutrition Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
Calories:
450
Protein:
35g
Sodium:
800mg
Conclusion
Hearty Cowboy Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Feel free to customize it to your liking and enjoy the deliciousness of this one-pot wonder. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a cozy dinner, Cowboy Soup is a reliable and flavorful choice that won’t disappoint. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious meal and savor every spoonful!
Write 5 questions and answers about this recipe.
Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, you can omit the ground beef and substitute it with plant-based alternatives such as lentils, beans, or crumbled tofu. You might also consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant to enhance the heartiness of the soup. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it entirely vegetarian.
Q2: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: If you want to add some heat to your Cowboy Soup, there are several ways to do so. You can increase the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes in the recipe. Adding a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) will also add a significant kick. For an even bolder flavor, consider including a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount of spicy ingredients according to your personal preference.
Q3: Can I use different types of beans in this soup?
A: Yes, you can definitely use different types of beans to customize your Cowboy Soup. Pinto beans, kidney beans, or even white beans would all work well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend. Just make sure to drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the soup.
Q4: How long can I store leftover Cowboy Soup?
A: Leftover Cowboy Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the soup is cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened during storage, you may need to add a little extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
Q5: Can I add pasta or rice to make the soup even heartier?
A: Yes, adding pasta or rice is a great way to make the soup even more substantial. If you choose to add pasta, opt for small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Add the pasta during the last 15 minutes of cooking time, ensuring it’s cooked al dente. For rice, you can add cooked rice to the soup just before serving, or add uncooked rice during the last 30 minutes, adjusting the amount of broth accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly.
Hearty Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1:
- Dice the yellow onion and celery. Mince the garlic. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds. Cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Drain the green beans, black-eyed peas, and corn.
- Step 2:
- Measure out the spices: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Have the tomato paste and diced tomatoes ready.
- Step 3:
- Set out the ground beef and beef broth. Ensure all ingredients are within reach to streamline the cooking process.
- Step 4:
- Prepare your toppings of choice. Shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the final dish.
- Step 5:
- Ensure you have a large stock pot ready for cooking the soup.
