why make this recipe
Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It brings together a mix of flavors that satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. This soup is not only simple to make but also full of nutrients from vegetables and protein from the beef. Families love it because it’s filling and can easily be made in one pot, which means less cleanup after dinner. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or just want a big bowl for yourself on a cold day, Cowboy Soup is a great choice.
how to make Cowboy Soup
Making Cowboy Soup is straightforward, and it doesn’t take a lot of time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious recipe right in your kitchen.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions :
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will create a nice base for your soup and prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pot.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the heated oil. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step adds great flavor to the soup.
Brown the Ground Beef: Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it is browned evenly, stirring frequently. Make sure to break it into small pieces. This will also take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Once the beef is browned, stir in the mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes (including their juice), beef broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This step brings together all the ingredients that make the soup tasty.
Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. You will know it’s boiling when you see bubbles forming at the surface.
Simmer the Soup: After boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust Seasoning: After 20 minutes, taste the soup. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you think it needs more flavor. This is your chance to make it perfect for your taste!
Serve Hot: Once you’re happy with the taste, it’s time to serve! Pour the Cowboy Soup into bowls and enjoy!
how to serve Cowboy Soup
Cowboy Soup is great served hot, and it can be enjoyed on its own or with some tasty extras. You might like to serve it with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth. Some people enjoy adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also add a nice touch of color and flavor.
how to store Cowboy Soup
If you have leftovers (which is great because this soup tastes even better the next day!), you should store them properly. Let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, Cowboy Soup freezes well too. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top since liquids expand when frozen. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make Cowboy Soup
Use Lean Beef: If you want a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. This will reduce the fat content in the soup.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even potatoes can work well in this soup.
Add Spice: If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference too.
Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add some cooked rice, beans, or even a bit of flour mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Use Homemade Broth: For added flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
variation
Cowboy Soup is quite versatile! You can easily adapt the recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. If you like a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half before serving. You can also experiment by adding different herbs like thyme or oregano for added flavor depth.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the beef, onion, and garlic in a pan before transferring everything to a slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work well in this recipe. Just add them in as you would with fresh ones; there’s no need to thaw them first.What can I serve with Cowboy Soup?
Cowboy Soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, corn chips, or a fresh salad. You can also try serving it with a side of grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combination.
Cowboy Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days, packed with flavors from vegetables and beef.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot in bowls and enjoy!
Notes
For a healthier version, use lean beef or turkey. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: soup, cowboy soup, hearty soup, comfort food, beef soup