Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish. It is filled with wonderful flavors and many ingredients that come together to create a delicious meal. The soup has origins from the American West and is sometimes called cowboy chili. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for busy families or anyone new to cooking. The mix of vegetables, meat, and spices creates a warming meal, especially on colder days.
People love Cowboy Soup for its rich taste and variety of textures. You can adjust ingredients as you like, making it good for many different diets. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you will have a fabulous meal ready in no time. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, this soup is an excellent choice for a satisfying dinner.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love Cowboy Soup for many reasons. First, it is full of flavors. With spices like chili powder and smoked paprika, each bite bursts with taste. Second, it is very easy to make. The steps are simple, and you use just one pot, which means easier cleanup.
Moreover, this soup is flexible. You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home. Don’t have ground beef? Use turkey or leave out the meat for a vegetarian soup. Want to add some corn? Go ahead! There is room for creativity.
Another great reason to love this soup is that it is satisfying. The mix of beef, beans, and potatoes fills your stomach and keeps you warm. It is also great for feeding a crowd or making meals for the week. Leftovers can easily be stored and reheated.
Finally, Cowboy Soup is a dish that brings people together. Serve it at the dinner table, and everyone will enjoy it. The warmth of the soup, along with its inviting smell, makes it hard to resist.
HOW TO MAKE Cowboy Soup
Making Cowboy Soup is a breeze. Just follow the steps below, and you will have a delicious bowl of soup ready in no time. Gather your ingredients first to make the process smooth and easy.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Cowboy Soup, you will need:
- A large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- A cutting board
- A knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (mined)
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces (4 medium potatoes))
- 4 carrots (peeled and sliced into rounds)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans (drained)
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn (drained)
- 4-6 cups beef broth (I used 6 cups)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Toppings as desired (see notes)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Once it’s hot, add the onion and celery. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Now, add the ground beef. Brown it until no pink remains.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients: potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, corn, and spices. Mix well.
- Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Stir until combined and add more broth up to 2 cups to reach the desired consistency.
- Turn the heat up to high and bring it to a boil.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 14-16 minutes. You want the potatoes and carrots to be fork-tender.
- Taste the soup. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
HOW TO SERVE Cowboy Soup
Cowboy Soup is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or top it with delicious ingredients. Consider adding shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, or fresh herbs like cilantro on top. These toppings will give your soup an extra boost of flavor and texture.
It is also great served with bread or crackers on the side. A slice of crusty bread to dip into the soup adds a nice crunch and richness.
This soup also makes a fantastic lunch the next day. Warm it up and bring it to work or school. It is filling and tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Cowboy Soup
Cowboy Soup stores well. If you have leftovers, put them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 4 days. When you want to eat it again, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
You can also freeze Cowboy Soup. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, place it in airtight freezer bags or containers. Be sure to leave some space for the soup to expand as it freezes. It can last in the freezer for about 3 months.
When you are ready to eat the frozen soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally until it is hot all the way through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Cowboy Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience by serving it with sides. Here are some ideas:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread works wonderfully.
- Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread pairs nicely with the savory soup.
- Salad: A fresh side salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a light touch.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be a fun and tasty side.
- Rice or Quinoa: If you want a heartier meal, serve the soup over rice or quinoa.
Depending on the toppings and sides, you can give Cowboy Soup a new twist every time you serve it.
VARIATIONS
Cowboy Soup is versatile. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or more chili powder for heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with mushrooms and add more beans or lentils.
- Different Veggies: Use any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Beans Variety: Swap black-eyed peas with kidney beans or pinto beans.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor.
Feel free to customize the soup to your taste. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
1. Can I make Cowboy Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead. The flavors will deepen overnight, and it will taste even better.
2. Is it necessary to use beef broth?
No, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste or if you want a vegetarian version.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
4. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat and sauté the veggies in a pan. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cowboy Soup
Making Cowboy Soup ahead of time is easy. Here are some tips:
- Chop Veggies Early: You can dice the vegetables the day before. Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Cook Meat Ahead: Brown the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- Prepare Broth: If using homemade broth, make it a day or two before and store it in the fridge or freezer.
- Meal Prep: You can make a big batch and freeze portions. Just thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
Making Cowboy Soup ahead of time can save you effort during busy days. It’s an easy way to have a quick meal on hand!
Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Once it’s hot, add the onion and celery. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Now, add the ground beef. Brown it until no pink remains.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients: potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, corn, and spices. Mix well.
- Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Stir until combined and add more broth up to 2 cups to reach the desired consistency.
- Turn the heat up to high and bring it to a boil.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 14-16 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
- Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.