Cowboy Soup Recipe: Quick & Easy

Last updated on November 14th, 2024 at 07:02 am

Cowboy Soup is a classic comfort food that combines robust flavors with a satisfying blend of vegetables, beans, and beef. This savory dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, Cowboy Soup is sure to warm you up and fill you up. Here’s a detailed guide to making Cowboy Soup Recipe delicious soup from scratch.

The History of Cowboy Soup

The American West is where “Cowboy Stew,” another name for cowboy soup, originated. This recipe is a reflection of the hearty, rustic cookery that ranchers and cowboys were known for. Originally, this soup was made with whatever items happened to be on hand, which frequently included leftover vegetables and meats. Over time, the recipe has changed, but at its core, it is still a hearty, satisfying dish that works well for feeding a large group of people.

Cowboy Soup Recipe

This hearty and flavorful Cowboy Soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and spices, making it the perfect comfort meal. The soup combines savory beef broth, a rich tomato base, and warming spices for a filling, delicious dish that pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread. Ideal for cold nights or any time you want a wholesome, comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Southwestern

Servings 4 People

Calories 1200 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot – For browning meat and cooking the soup.
• Ladle – For serving.

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef – Use lean beef for a healthier option, but any type will work.
• 1 large onion, chopped – Adds a sweet and savory base flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Provides a rich, aromatic essence.
• 2 carrots, diced – Adds natural sweetness and texture.
• 2 celery stalks, diced – Offers a crunchy texture and subtle flavor.
• 1 bell pepper, chopped – Gives a colorful and slightly tangy taste.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Provides a tangy base for the soup.
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Adds protein and a hearty texture.
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained – Brings a touch of sweetness and additional texture.
• 4 cups beef broth – The primary liquid that forms the soup’s base.
• 1 cup water – Helps to adjust the soup’s consistency.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami.
• 1 tsp cumin – Provides a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 tsp paprika – Adds a mild smokiness.
• 1 tsp dried oregano – Enhances the overall herbal flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
• 1-2 cups frozen or fresh green beans (optional) – Adds extra nutrients and crunch.
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish – Freshens up the dish with a burst of color and flavor.

Instructions

 

• Brown the Beef: Preheat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and onion is translucent.
• Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Combine well.
• Pour in Broth and Water: Add beef broth and water. Mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Season the Soup: Once boiling, add cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to blend flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
• Add Green Beans (Optional): In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add green beans for added color and texture.
• Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with cornbread or crusty toast for a complete meal.

Notes

• Adding green beans at the end preserves their bright color and crunch, but they can also be added earlier if you prefer a softer texture.
• Cornbread or a crusty baguette is a perfect pairing to round out this comforting dish.

Keyword Beef Soup, Cowboy Soup, Easy Soup Recipe, Hearty Soup, Vegetable Soup

Tips for Success

• Preparation: This soup is ideal for meal planning. It can be prepared ahead of time and kept for up to three days in the refrigerator. After a day or two, the flavors usually get better. It freezes well for up to three months as well. Just make sure it cools all the way down before freezing.
• Customize: You are welcome to change the ingredients to suit your tastes. You can replace the beans with black beans or chickpeas, or you can add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. Add some diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to your soup if you want it hotter.
• Thinning the Soup: You can use an immersion blender or a fork to mash some of the beans or veggies if you’d like a thicker soup. As an alternative, you can incorporate a thickener, like a cornstarch and water slurry.
• Serving Ideas: A serving of cornbread or crusty toast goes very well with cowboy soup. Before serving, top with some shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an added touch.
  • If you’re looking for another twist on Cowboy Soup, check out this Cowboy Soup Recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen for more inspiration and variations.

Variations of Cowboy Soup

• Southwestern Cowboy Soup: To give it a southwestern flair, add some chopped cilantro and a can of diced green chilies.
• Vegetarian Cowboy Soup: Use vegetable broth in place of the meat. Add more veggies, such as sweet potatoes or squash, and more beans.
• Spicy Cowboy Soup: To give the soup an extra kick, add hot sauce or spicy sausage.
  • If you enjoy hearty meals like Cowboy Soup, you might also love this Meatloaf Recipe Lipton Onion Soup, which offers a flavorful and easy-to-make dish for dinner.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

1. Can I replace ground beef with ground turkey?

Yes, if you’d rather have something leaner, ground turkey makes a terrific replacement. It will still have a robust flavor and texture.

2. How hot can I get with this soup?

To give the soup a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adapt to your desired level of heat.

3. Can I use canned tomatoes in place of fresh ones?

Of course! If preferred, use around 2 cups of finely diced fresh tomatoes. To balance the flavor, you might need to modify the seasoning.

4. What foodstuffs go well with cowboy soup?

This soup tastes well with a simple side salad, cornbread, or crusty bread. Additionally, you can top it with some shredded cheese or a dab of sour cream.

5. Can I use a slow cooker to make this soup?

Indeed, a slow cooker can be used to prepare this soup. Put all of the ingredients in a slow cooker after browning the meat and sautéing the veggies. Cook for 3–4 hours on high or 6–8 hours on low.