Go Back
To make Creamy Cowboy Soup, you need a mix of hearty ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to the dish. Here’s the full list of what you'll need: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 4 cups beef broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The ground beef gives the soup its rich base. Onions and garlic add depth and aroma. Carrots and bell peppers bring a sweet crunch. Black beans and corn add heartiness. Diced tomatoes offer a tangy kick. Beef broth gives the soup its savory profile. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add warmth and a hint of smoke. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Use fresh cilantro or parsley as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness. With these ingredients, you will create a soup that is both hearty and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing onions and garlic: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and slightly translucent. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic. 2. Cooking the ground beef: Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes, until it turns brown. If there is too much fat, drain it out. 3. Adding vegetables and ingredients: Now, stir in 2 diced carrots and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. After that, add 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can of corn (drained), 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 4 cups of beef broth. Mix in 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. 1. Bringing the soup to a boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. This step helps blend all the flavors together. 2. Simmering the ingredients: Once the soup boils, reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld nicely. 3. Finishing touches with heavy cream: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes. This adds a rich, creamy texture to the soup. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. To boost the taste of your Creamy Cowboy Soup, adjust your spices. Start by adding more chili powder for heat. If you like smoky flavors, increase the smoked paprika. Don't forget salt and pepper; they can make a big difference. Recommended spices include: - Chili powder - Cumin - Smoked paprika These spices work well together, giving the soup a rich and bold flavor. Mix them in as you cook for the best results. For the best texture, cook the beef until it’s nicely browned. This adds depth to the soup. When you add the carrots and bell peppers, cook them until soft but still crunchy. This keeps the vegetables from becoming mushy. Cooking times for perfect vegetables: - Sauté onions and garlic for 5 minutes. - Cook carrots and red bell pepper for 5 minutes. These times help keep your veggies flavorful and vibrant. Presentation matters! For a lovely finish, garnish your soup with fresh cilantro or parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Pairing ideas for meals: - Serve with crusty bread for dipping. - Pair with a light salad for balance. These options make your meal more satisfying and enjoyable. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat and calories in your soup. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency. Garnish Variations: Experiment with different garnishes like avocado slices or shredded cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the proteins in this soup. Ground beef works great, but you can try chicken or turkey. These meats cook fast, making them easy to use. For a veggie option, use lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and fiber without the meat. Feel free to add or swap out vegetables too. You can try zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potatoes. These choices give the soup more color and taste. Each swap makes the soup your own. If you like heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. This gives the soup a spicy kick. Start with a little, then add more to taste. You can also mix in spices like cayenne or crushed red pepper for extra warmth. To lighten the soup, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Both options keep it creamy but cut some calories. You can even use low-fat yogurt for a tangy twist. These changes make the soup fit any diet while keeping it delicious. To keep Creamy Cowboy Soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. The soup stays good for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on medium until warm. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For long-term storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Just be sure to heat it all the way through before serving. To add heat, use more chili powder. You can also add diced jalapeños. If you like it hot, try a splash of hot sauce. Adjust these spices to your taste. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just cool it down and store it in the fridge. It will last for about three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to serve. Creamy Cowboy Soup pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. For a fun twist, try tortilla chips on the side. They add crunch and flavor! This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make Creamy Cowboy Soup. You learned how to sauté vegetables, cook ground beef, and blend flavors perfectly. Remember the tips for seasoning and cooking techniques to boost taste. Consider variations for different proteins or spiciness based on your preference. Store your soup properly to enjoy later. These practices will help you create a dish that warms both the belly and heart. Cooking can be simple and fun; enjoy every step!

Creamy Cowboy Soup

A hearty and creamy soup with ground beef, beans, and vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the diced carrots and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  • Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes until warm and creamy.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh herbs.
Keyword beef, cowboy, creamy, soup