This Cowboy Soup is a fantastic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this hearty soup combines ground beef with fresh vegetables in a savory broth that’s full of flavor. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it can also be customized with your favorite toppings, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This cowboy soup can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, including smoked paprika and chili powder, gives this soup a deliciously robust taste.
- Hearty Ingredients: Packed with ground beef and various vegetables, this dish is filling and nutritious.
- Versatile Options: Customize your cowboy soup with different toppings or ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it stores well in the fridge.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious cowboy soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large dutch oven: This pot allows for even heat distribution and is perfect for simmering soups.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the flavors are balanced in your cowboy soup.
Ingredients
This hearty cowboy soup comes together in 30 minutes or less! Feed the hungriest crowd with ground beef and hearty vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.
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 (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 (see notes)
How to Make Cowboy Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the onion and celery.
1. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot.
1. Cook until no pink remains, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients along with spices.
3. Add four cups of beef broth until combined. If you prefer a thinner soup, add up to two more cups of broth.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Turn up the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
1. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Cover and simmer for about 14–16 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Taste before serving; adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot with desired toppings such as shredded cheese or sour cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Enjoy your homemade cowboy soup that warms both body and soul!
How to Serve Cowboy Soup
Cowboy soup is a comforting and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the rich broth beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery, garlicky loaf adds a delicious crunch to each spoonful.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Melting cheddar on top adds creaminess and a sharp flavor.
- Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese gives a nice salty contrast to the soup.
Accompanied by Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, zesty taste that brightens the dish.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Served with Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing pairs perfectly with cowboy soup.
- Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens and veggies balances the richness of the soup.
How to Perfect Cowboy Soup
To make your cowboy soup even better, consider these simple tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less chili powder based on your preference.
- Experiment with Broth: For a richer taste, try using homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in any leftover vegetables you have for added nutrition and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Cowboy Soup
Cowboy soup pairs well with many side dishes that complement its heartiness. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is a classic pairing that’s easy to prepare.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and color to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can be seasoned however you like for an extra treat.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread offers a modern twist alongside cowboy soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking cowboy soup is easy, but common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the aromatics: Neglecting to sauté onions, celery, and garlic can lead to bland soup. Always cook these first to build a flavor base.
- Not browning the beef properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a greasy texture. Make sure to cook it thoroughly until no pink remains for depth of flavor.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Add heartier veggies like potatoes and carrots early, but keep an eye on softer ones like green beans.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: The soup may need more salt or spices after cooking. Taste your cowboy soup before serving and adjust as needed for the best flavor.
- Using low-quality broth: A good broth is key to delicious cowboy soup. Use a high-quality beef broth or homemade stock for richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cowboy soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Cowboy Soup
- Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cowboy Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover the soup in an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cowboy Soup?
Cowboy soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and spices simmered in a flavorful broth, perfect for feeding a crowd.
How long does it take to make Cowboy Soup?
This cowboy soup recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I customize my Cowboy Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Is Cowboy Soup healthy?
Yes! With lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, this cowboy soup offers a balanced meal packed with nutrients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy soup is not only quick and easy but also full of delicious flavors that will warm you up. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give this comforting recipe a try; you’ll love how satisfying it is!
Cowboy Soup
Cowboy Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies hunger. This hearty dish combines ground beef with a vibrant mix of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a robust and nourishing meal that can be easily customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for delicious leftovers, this cowboy soup is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
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)
- 4 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 can green beans (drained)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 4-6 cups beef broth
- Spices: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Incorporate all remaining ingredients along with spices and add 4 cups of beef broth. Adjust broth quantity for desired thickness.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 14–16 minutes until potatoes are tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
