Cowboy soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines various ingredients, often including ground beef, beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s perfect for a filling meal, especially on chilly days. Here’s a simple recipe for making cowboy soup.
Cowboy Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro
Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
5. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more chili powder or spices based on your preference.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the cowboy soup into bowls and top with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro.
Tips:
- This soup is very versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or potatoes based on what you have on hand.
- You can make this soup ahead of time, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious cowboy soup!