Description

This Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and a rich creamy base, it blends smoky spices with creamy cheddar cheese for a satisfying southwestern-inspired soup that’s easy to make and sure to warm you up.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey or meat alternative)

Vegetables & Legumes

1 large Onion (yellow or white)
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 cup Corn (canned or frozen)
15 oz Black Beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
2 medium Potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet, diced small)

Liquids

4 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned with juice)
1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)

Spices & Seasonings

1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
1 tbsp Chili Powder (adjust for heat preference)
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
0.5 tsp Black Pepper (adjust to taste)

Cheese

1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (fresh preferred)

Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook and break apart with a wooden spoon for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from being oily.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing fragrant aromas.
Add Broth and Vegetables: Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, black beans, and diced potatoes. Then add the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to monitor tenderness of the potatoes.
Add Cream and Cheese: Once potatoes are tender, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until cheese melts completely and soup becomes creamy and rich.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, extra cheddar cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips if desired. Serve hot for a cozy meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a different protein option.
Use vegetable broth and coconut milk to make the recipe dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly.
Adjust chili powder quantity to control the soup’s spiciness.
For extra texture, add diced bell peppers or jalapeños along with the onions.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Top with sour cream or avocado slices for added creaminess and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy soup, creamy soup, ground beef soup, southwestern soup, hearty soup, easy dinner recipe, cheesy soup, weeknight meal