Craving a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s also surprisingly healthy? Look no further than this hearty Cowboy Soup recipe! Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick, easy dinner, this delicious dish is packed with vegetables, beans, and lean protein – making it a wholesome choice for the entire family. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this cowboy soup is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Let's dive into this amazing recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This simple step builds a delicious base of flavor for your soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease. Using lean ground beef or turkey helps keep this a healthy meal.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, beef broth, oregano, basil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some fresh chopped green onions. This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy night in.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cowboy Soup:
- For a thicker soup: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Cowboy Soup: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Chicken Cowboy Soup: Substitute ground chicken for the beef.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
This delicious and easy cowboy soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking, making it a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Enjoy!