Cowboy Soup

Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting meal that brings together ground beef, tender potatoes, and a medley of vibrant vegetables for a deliciously satisfying bowl. This dish starts by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic in olive oil, creating an aromatic base for the soup. Ground beef is browned to add depth and richness, while Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn provide a balanced mix of flavors and textures. Black-eyed peas add a hearty touch, complemented by a flavorful broth infused with tomato paste, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

INGREDIENTS

• Ground beef: 2 lbs
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
• Celery stalks: 3, diced
• Garlic cloves: 4, minced
• Yukon gold potatoes: 4 medium, cut into 1-inch pieces (approx. 1 lb)
• Carrots: 4, peeled and sliced into rounds
• Green beans (canned): 1 (14.5-ounce) can, drained
• Diced tomatoes with juices: 1 (14.5-ounce) can
• Black-eyed peas: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed
• Corn (canned): 1 (15-ounce) can, drained
• Tomato paste: 3 tablespoons
• Beef broth: 4-6 cups
• Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder: 2 teaspoons
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes: To taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and celery for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2:

Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and cook until no pink remains.

Step 3:

Stir in potatoes, carrots, green beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, black-eyed peas, corn, tomato paste, and spices. Add 4 cups of beef broth, adjusting the consistency with more broth if needed.

Step 4:

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 14-16 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 5:

Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.

Step 6:

Ladle into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as shredded cheese or tortilla chips. Serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Helpful Notes

• Add more beef broth if a thinner soup is preferred.
• Use fresh vegetables if available for an even heartier flavor.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Sam suggests adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for enhanced depth of flavor.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper.

Hearty Comfort in Every Spoonful

Cowboy Soup offers a blend of tender meat, potatoes, and veggies for a satisfying meal perfect for cold days or family gatherings.

Easy One-Pot Meal

With minimal prep and cleanup, this soup is a convenient way to enjoy a hearty dinner.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and flavors deepen after a day or two in the fridge.

What substitutions can I make?

You can use ground turkey instead of beef, or add different beans and vegetables to suit your preferences.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Ensure your beef broth and other ingredients are gluten-free if needed.

How do I thicken the soup?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

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Conclusion

Cowboy Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, beans, and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days, providing a balance of protein, veggies, and rich, savory broth. Made in a single pot, it's easy to prepare and full of nourishing ingredients, including Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery, green beans, corn, and black-eyed peas. The flavors are enhanced with smoked paprika, chili powder, and Italian seasoning, creating a warming dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or crusty bread for added texture and taste.