Creamy Cowboy Soup
A comforting Tex-Mex soup with ground beef, beans, corn, and a touch of cream for a rich finish.
Ingredients
Meat & Beans
- 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 15 oz Black Beans Any canned bean can be used.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion Yellow or white onions work great.
- 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is best; garlic powder can be used if necessary.
- 3 medium Potatoes Waxy potatoes are best for consistency.
- 1 cup Corn Frozen or canned corn works beautifully.
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes Fire-roasted tomatoes can add extra flavor.
Liquids
- 4 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used for a milder taste.
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1 tsp Cumin An essential flavor component.
- 1 tsp Salt Essential for flavor balancing.
- 1 tsp Black Pepper Essential for flavor balancing.
Toppings
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Fresh cheese will melt beautifully.
- 2 tbsp Green Onions Adds freshness and crunch.
- 1 cup Tortilla Chips Perfect for scooping or topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Cooking
- Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute to wake up the spices.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, potatoes, corn, and black beans. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer 12–15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Heat gently until the cheese melts and soup is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving
- Serve hot topped with chopped green onions and crunchy tortilla chips if you like.
Notes
Brown the meat well for deeper flavor. For a lighter soup, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk. For extra smoky heat, try a small pinch of chipotle powder.