Creamy Cowboy Soup
A robust and creamy soup loaded with ground beef, colorful vegetables, and spices, perfect for cozy weeknights and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the soup base
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced Provides flavor and texture
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor
- 4 cups beef broth Can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed Provides protein and fiber
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies Adds mild spice
- 1 cup diced potatoes Can be peeled or unpeeled
For seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste Salt and black pepper
For finishing
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half Use half-and-half for a lighter version
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can experiment with different cheeses
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease afterward.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being cautious not to burn it.
Cooking
- Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika over the mixture. Stir well, letting the spices toast for about a minute.
- Pour in the beef broth, adding the undrained can of diced tomatoes, the other can with green chilies, diced potatoes, and the rinsed black beans. Mix thoroughly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it bubbles, reduce to low heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- When the potatoes are tender, mix in the drained corn and the heavy cream. Warm through gently, avoiding a rolling boil.
- Taste the soup, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, ladling generous portions into bowls and garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or warm cornbread and a simple side salad. Garnish with cilantro or green onions for added flavor. Consider hot sauce for added heat.