Description
This hearty and flavorful Cowboy Soup features a robust blend of ground beef, beans, corn, and spices simmered together to create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods
- 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
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and aromatics.
- Cook beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped medium onion and minced garlic cloves to the beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, drained corn kernels, diced tomatoes with juices, diced green chilies, and 4 cups of beef broth. Mix everything together evenly.
- Season: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to fully combine the spices with the soup base.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and add sour cream and shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
- Beans can be swapped for other varieties such as pinto or cannellini beans based on preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze well for longer storage.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead.
