Imagine a cold, blustery evening, and you’re cozied up with a steaming bowl of Cowboy Soup. Packed with hearty vegetables and savory beef, it’s a deliciously comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup saves you time without skimping on flavor.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your meal with loved ones.
- Versatile Ingredients: Make use of pantry staples to create a dish that is both satisfying and simple to make.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies without leaving you feeling heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of Cowboy Soup is its simplicity. This recipe uses basic ingredients to build layers of robust flavor and delightful textures that make every spoonful a treat.
- Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and mild flavor that forms the aromatic foundation of this dish.
- Celery: Offers a crunchy texture and earthy taste that complements the other vegetables beautifully.
- Ground Beef: Brings a hearty and satisfying protein to the table, making this soup a true meal.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they thicken the soup naturally and add a delightful heartiness.
- Carrots: Sweet and colorful, they bring a gentle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, adding depth and a hint of acidity.
- Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid base that ties all the elements together with its rich, umami qualities.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a touch of aromatic complexity.
- Chili Powder: Introduces a subtle heat and a smoky undertone that warms the palate.
Variations
Customizing Cowboy Soup is as effortless as it is fun. Feel free to tweak it based on your dietary needs or flavor cravings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute for a veggie-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who like a little heat.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Include cumin and cilantro to infuse the soup with vibrant southwestern flavors.
How to Make Cowboy Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high. Add diced onion and celery, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, letting it cook another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base that sets the stage for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, browning until no pink remains. This enhances the soup’s depth, making it heartwarming and filling enough to be a standalone meal.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, and beef broth, adjusting with more broth until you achieve the desired consistency. The mix of vegetables ensures every bite is flavorful and balanced.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 14-16 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary to develop that perfect rich, layered profile.
Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Soup
- Balanced Browning: Make sure to thoroughly brown the beef to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Veggie Prep: Dice your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistency in texture.
- Broth Adjustment: Add broth gradually until you reach the preferred consistency; this allows you more control over the soup’s texture.
- Season Mindfully: Taste as you go, especially when adjusting seasonings, to strike the perfect balance without overpowering the dish.
How to Serve Cowboy Soup
Garnishes
Top your Cowboy Soup with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. These simple additions can elevate the dish into a personalized masterpiece.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side of cornbread to soak up every drop. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Cowboy Soup in rustic bowls with artisanal spoons for a cozy feel, or get creative by using bread bowls. This playful presentation adds an edible twist to the dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last up to four days. This makes Cowboy Soup a great option for meal prepping and easy weekday lunches.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to three months. Be sure to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat Cowboy Soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it in a covered dish, stirring midway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
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Can I make Cowboy Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a meatless substitute or hearty vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains all the tasty goodness.
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What can I add to make it spicier?
Add a bit of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat level, adjusting to your personal preference.
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How do I thicken the soup?
To thicken, mash a few of the potatoes in the soup with the back of a spoon, or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water for a thick, luscious consistency.
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Is Cowboy Soup gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and any seasonings you use are certified gluten-free if you’re serving someone with gluten intolerance.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Soup is more than just a dish; it’s an embrace of warmth and flavor that brings joy to any table it graces. I hope you find this recipe as comforting and satisfying as I do. Give it a try and let it add a delightful touch of coziness to your day!
Print
Cowboy Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a medley of vegetables and beans, seasoned with Italian herbs and smoky spices. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering rich flavors and robust textures in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Potatoes
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 medium potatoes)
Additional Vegetables
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained
Legumes and Canned Goods
- 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
Sauces and Broth
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 4–6 cups beef broth (preferably 6 cups)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and celery, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon and ensuring no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, drained green beans, diced tomatoes with juices, black-eyed peas, corn, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14-16 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with toppings as desired. Serve immediately while warm.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker or thinner soup, adjust the amount of broth accordingly.
- This soup is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn kernels for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.25 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
