Cowboy Soup Ground Beef Recipe

Welcome to the world of Cowboy Soup, where hearty flavors, tender beef, and a comforting medley of vegetables come together to create a dish that’s perfect for cold nights or when you need something filling and satisfying. This ground beef-based soup is like a cross between a stew and a chili, packing a punch of flavor in every spoonful. It’s an easy, no-fuss meal that will keep you coming back for more.

If you’re someone who enjoys simple but flavorful meals that don’t require a ton of effort, then you’ll fall in love with this Cowboy Soup recipe. Whether you’re feeding a big family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. So grab your apron, pull out your pot, and let’s dive into how you can make this amazing dish from scratch.

Here’s a recipe that’s as easy as it is filling. With the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef combined with vegetables, beans, and spices, Cowboy Soup offers a taste of the rustic outdoors right in your kitchen. This recipe uses everyday ingredients, so you won’t need to scour specialty stores for anything exotic. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Ready to get started? Let’s break it down.

Ingredients Needed

Before you begin, here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Cowboy Soup:

1 lb ground beef – The star of the show! Opt for lean ground beef (80/20) for that perfect balance of fat and flavor.
1 onion, diced – A classic aromatic that adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
1 bell pepper, diced – Choose red, green, or yellow for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, minced – For that aromatic, savory bite that pulls everything together.
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – For some hearty protein and a creamy texture.
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained – A touch of sweetness and crunch.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – For that tangy, tomatoey base that gives the soup its depth.
1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies – Adds a mild heat and tang, enhancing the soup’s flavor complexity.
2 cups beef broth – The liquid base that gives the soup its hearty consistency.
2 tsp chili powder – To add a rich, spicy warmth.
1 tsp cumin – For that smoky, earthy depth.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential to bring out all the flavors and balance the dish.
1 tsp smoked paprika – A smoky kick that elevates the soup’s richness.
1/2 tsp dried oregano – To add a subtle herby aroma.
1 tbsp olive oil – To sauté the vegetables and ground beef.
Optional: Sour cream or shredded cheese for topping – Adds creaminess and indulgence!

Cooking Instructions

Alright, now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

Brown the Beef: Start by heating your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nice and browned, drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften and start to become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, letting the spices bloom and release their flavors. This step is crucial for building the flavor profile of the soup.
Incorporate the Vegetables: Now, add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and green chilies to the pot. Stir everything well to combine.
Pour in the Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.
Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Cowboy Soup has a purpose, whether it’s adding flavor, texture, or nutrition:

Ground Beef: A classic choice for any soup or stew, ground beef gives the soup its meaty, hearty base. It’s filling, satisfying, and perfect for soaking up all those spices and broth.
Bell Peppers and Onions: These aromatic vegetables add sweetness and flavor to the base of the soup, making it well-rounded. They also provide texture and color, which helps the soup feel vibrant and inviting.
Beans and Corn: Kidney beans are not only a great source of protein, but they also provide a soft, creamy texture that complements the beef. Corn, on the other hand, adds a little sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are the core spices that give Cowboy Soup its signature flavor. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that enhances the overall richness of the soup, while oregano brings in an earthy herbal note.
Beef Broth: This provides the perfect liquid base for the soup, ensuring that all the ingredients have something to swim in. It also intensifies the beef flavor, making each spoonful deliciously comforting.

Expert Tips

Lean Beef: If you’re using lean ground beef (like 90/10), make sure to cook it on medium heat to avoid overcooking and drying it out. If you prefer a richer soup, you can always go with a fattier blend (80/20 or 85/15).
Simmer Longer for Deeper Flavor: While you can eat the soup right after 20 minutes, simmering it longer (up to 45 minutes) will allow the flavors to meld even more deeply. The longer you let it cook, the more robust the flavors will be.
Use Leftover Beef: If you have leftover cooked beef (from tacos or burgers, for example), you can use that in this soup. Just throw it in and let it warm up with the broth.
Make It Spicier: If you like things spicy, feel free to add a chopped jalapeño, more chili powder, or even some hot sauce. This will turn the soup into a fiery delight.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the toppings! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, or a handful of fresh cilantro will add extra creaminess, tang, or brightness to each bite.

Recipe Variations

Cowboy Soup is versatile! You can easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

Swap the Meat: If you don’t eat beef, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Ground sausage also adds a nice savory depth to the soup.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or potatoes. These will add more bulk and nutrients to the soup.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra beans (like black beans or pinto beans) and maybe some lentils for added protein. You could also add tofu or tempeh for texture and flavor.
Use Different Beans: If kidney beans aren’t your thing, try black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean brings its own texture and flavor to the soup.
Swap the Broth: If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You could also go with a low-sodium version for a healthier option.

Final Words

Cowboy Soup is the kind of dish that doesn’t need to be fancy to be amazing. It’s all about the combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering, comforting meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a delicious one-pot dinner to enjoy at home, this soup is sure to hit the spot. It’s an easy recipe to make, and the leftovers are even better the next day-so you can look forward to more tasty meals!

Cowboy Soup Ground Beef Recipe