Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. This rich and flavorful soup combines tender ground beef, vegetables, beans, and a creamy finish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey or meat alternative)
- 1 large Onion (yellow or white for best flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned with juice)
- 1 cup Corn (canned or frozen)
- 15 oz Black Beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 2 medium Potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet, diced small)
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (fresh cheese preferred)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, black beans, and potato cubes, along with the spices: smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 4: Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
- Step 6: Ladle the Creamy Cowboy Soup into bowls, garnishing with sliced green onions, extra cheese, or tortilla chips. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, use a meat alternative and vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ground beef.
- Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like extra heat.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to make the soup dairy-free while keeping it creamy.
- Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it fully, then store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, but be sure to chop them finely and add some extra liquid or broth, as canned tomatoes provide both liquid and concentrated flavor.
Print
Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cozy weeknights. This flavorful soup features ground beef, potatoes, black beans, corn, and tomatoes simmered with smoky spices, then enriched with creamy cheddar cheese and heavy cream for a velvety finish. Easy to prepare and customizable with substitutions for dietary preferences, it’s a satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey or meat alternative)
- 1 large Onion (yellow or white, diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 medium Potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet, diced small)
- 1 cup Corn (canned or frozen)
- 15 oz Black Beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned with juice)
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (fresh cheese preferred)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, black beans, and diced potatoes. Add the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy cowboy soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips. Serve hot for a filling and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Heavy cream can be replaced by coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust chili powder amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on stovetop or microwave.
- Adding chopped green onions or tortilla chips on top adds a nice crunch and extra flavor when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy cowboy soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup recipe, cheesy soup, weeknight dinner, comfort food, southwestern soup, black bean soup, potato soup
