Description
Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this soup simmers to meld rich flavors and is optionally topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream and shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and aromatics.
- Cook beef: Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly by breaking it apart with a spoon until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they become softened and aromatic.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, diced green chilies, and beef broth, mixing well to combine all the components evenly.
- Season: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to infuse the soup with the spices.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmer helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper or other seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Optionally, top servings with sour cream and shredded cheese for added richness and creaminess before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Make sure to drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
