Description
This Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring ground beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and a blend of spices. Simmered to perfection and enriched with creamy cheddar cheese and heavy cream, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings and serves six generously.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef 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
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy and Garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Extra shredded cheese (for garnish)
- Crushed tortilla chips (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté together for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant, which builds the flavor base for the soup.
- Build the Soup Base: Stir in the beef broth along with the diced tomatoes (with juice), drained corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced potatoes. Then add smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts completely and the soup achieves a rich and creamy texture.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the creamy cowboy soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly before adding the cream.
- Use fresh diced tomatoes if canned are unavailable, adjusting the liquid accordingly.
- This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
