Name: Hearty Cowboy Beef Soup Recipe - Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 stalks celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 lbs ground beef; 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces; 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; 6 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cowboy Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hearty embrace, a comforting hug in a bowl that speaks of open fields and crackling campfires. There’s an undeniable magic that draws us to this robust dish, a primal satisfaction derived from its deeply savory flavors and filling textures. People adore Cowboy Soup because it’s the ultimate comfort food, designed to nourish both the body and the soul after a long day’s work, or simply when you need a taste of something truly substantial and delicious. What makes this Cowboy Soup so incredibly special is its perfect balance of tender beef, wholesome beans, sweet corn, and a rich, tomato-based broth seasoned with a medley of spices that evoke the spirit of the West. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a weeknight hero for busy families and a crowd-pleaser for weekend gatherings. Get ready to experience the rustic charm and irresistible goodness of this classic.”

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs ground beef
1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 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 typically use 6 cups for a soupier consistency)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

The Foundation: Sautéing Aromatics and Browning Beef

Step 1: Building Flavor from the Start

To kick off our delicious Cowboy Soup, we’ll begin extract by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced yellow onion and diced celery. We want to sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’ve softened and become translucent. This process, known as building an aromatic base, is crucial for infusing our soup with depth of flavor. Think of it as laying the groundwork for all the goodness to come. After the onions and celery have softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 2: Browning the Ground Beef

Now it’s time to add the star protein! Add the 2 lbs of ground beef to the pot with the softened vegetables. Break up the meat with your spoon and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until it’s thoroughly browned. This usually takes around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the heat of your stove and the size of your pot. Once the beef is nicely browned and no pink remains, drain off any excess grease. Removing excess fat helps keep the soup from becoming too oily and allows the other flavors to shine. This step is important for developing a rich, savory foundation for our Cowboy Soup.

Adding the Hearty Components: Vegetables and Liquids

Step 3: Incorporating the Vegetables and Tomato Paste

With the beef browned and aromatics softened, we’ll introduce the heart of our soup. Add the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced carrots, and drained green beans to the pot. Next, stir in the tomato paste. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring the tomato paste into the beef and vegetables. This brief cooking time for the tomato paste helps to deepen its flavor and remove any raw rawness. It adds a wonderful concentrated tomato richness that will bind everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Adding Liquids and Seasonings

Now it’s time to bring our soup to life with liquids and seasonings. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, making sure to include all those flavorful juices. Add the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas and the drained corn. Next, pour in 4 cups of the beef broth. We’ll start with 4 cups and add more later if needed to reach our desired consistency. Stir in the Italian seasoning and the smoked paprika. The Italian seasoning will provide a lovely herbal aroma, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the beef perfectly.

Simmering and Finishing Touches

Step 5: Simmering to Perfection

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot. During this simmering time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating that comforting and hearty taste characteristic of Cowboy Soup. If you prefer a soupier consistency, you can gradually add more beef broth, up to the remaining 2 cups, during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might want a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference and the saltiness of your broth.

Step 6: Final Adjustments and Serving

Once the vegetables are tender and the soup has simmered to your liking, give it one final stir. Check the consistency and add more beef broth if it seems too thick for your taste. The beauty of this soup is its adaptability, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Ladle the steaming hot Cowboy Soup into bowls. It’s wonderful served on its own, or you can pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the hearty, satisfying flavors that this classic cowboy meal has to offer!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to creating the most comforting and hearty Cowboy Soup! We’ve walked through each step, ensuring you can whip up this delicious meal with confidence. This robust soup is perfect for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or simply when you crave something truly satisfying. Its hearty ingredients come together to create a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and exciting. Don’t be afraid to get creative; this recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

For serving, Cowboy Soup is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with warm, crusty bread for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese also adds a delightful richness. For variations, consider adding some diced bell peppers along with the onions for an extra layer of flavor and color, or perhaps a can of drained corn for a touch of sweetness. You could also make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. We encourage you to experiment and make this Cowboy Soup your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Cowboy Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cowboy Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What kind of beans work best in Cowboy Soup?

While the recipe is versatile, kidney beans and pinto beans are classic choices that hold their shape well and contribute to the hearty texture of Cowboy Soup. Black beans are also a great option!