Description
Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This flavorful soup combines tender ground beef, a medley of beans, corn, and tomatoes in a rich and creamy broth, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large stovetop pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the pinto beans, black beans, and corn kernels. Continue simmering, uncovered, for another 10 minutes to heat through.
- Incorporate Creaminess: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Heat gently without boiling to keep the soup creamy and prevent curdling.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños with the onions or sprinkle cayenne pepper while seasoning.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your beef broth and canned ingredients have no gluten-containing additives.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Use a slow simmer to avoid breaking the cream and maintain a smooth texture.
- For a thicker soup, mash some beans before adding or reduce liquid slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
