Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Cowboy Soup is the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will warm you to the core. It is hearty and comforting, making it an excellent choice for chilly weeknights. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later.
How to Make Creamy Cowboy Soup
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)
Directions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and diced potatoes.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.
How to Serve Creamy Cowboy Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can top it with additional shredded cheese, fresh herbs like cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.
How to Store Creamy Cowboy Soup
Let any leftover soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Creamy Cowboy Soup
- For extra flavor, add some diced bell peppers or jalapeños.
- You can adjust the spices according to your heat preference.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or mash some of the potatoes.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, simply substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead! Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
Q: Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Creamy Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and diced potatoes.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.