Cheesy Cowboy Soup

Cheesy Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines robust flavors and rich textures to create the ultimate comfort food. This soup brings together savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a colorful medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy broth.

The Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheeses melt seamlessly into the soup, providing a luscious, velvety texture and a rich, cheesy flavor that is sure to please any cheese lover. Enhanced with a touch of spice from cayenne pepper and green chilies, this soup offers a satisfying, warming experience perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.

Whether served as a main course or a starter, Cheesy Cowboy Soup delivers a deliciously indulgent meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese creates a smooth, creamy broth that envelops the ingredients, providing a luxurious mouthfeel and a comforting experience with every spoonful.

Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and an assortment of vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing. It offers a well-rounded meal that can stand alone or be paired with a side for an even heartier experience.

Flavorful and Savory: The blend of spices, including cumin, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper, adds depth and complexity to the soup, resulting in a savory flavor profile that’s rich and robust.

Comfort Food Appeal: Cheesy Cowboy Soup is the epitome of comfort food, offering warmth and coziness, making it perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.

Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing for variations in protein or additional vegetables to suit personal preferences. It’s an excellent dish for using up pantry staples and can be tailored to accommodate different tastes.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: This provides a hearty, savory base for the soup, offering protein and depth of flavor. It can be substituted with other ground meats like turkey or pork for a different taste.

Velveeta and Sharp Cheddar Cheese: These cheeses melt into the broth, creating a rich, creamy texture and a deliciously cheesy flavor that is central to the soup’s appeal.

Potatoes: Chopped potatoes add substance and a comforting, starchy element to the soup, making it more filling and satisfying.

Vegetable Medley: A colorful mix of onion, red bell pepper, black beans, corn, and green chilies provides a variety of flavors, textures, and nutrients, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.

Spices and Seasonings: Cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper contribute to the soup’s savory and slightly spicy flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to each bite.

Cheesy Cowboy Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or your preferred ground meat

4 small potatoes, chopped into pieces

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1 can green chilies

2 ½ cups milk

3 cups beef broth

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup flour

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup bacon bits

1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook this roux for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to brown.

Step 2:

Gradually whisk in the milk, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the mixture from heat and refrigerate until needed later.

Step 3:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the grease and set the beef aside.

Step 4:

In the same pan with the remaining grease, add the bell pepper, onion, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are fork-tender, about 10 minutes, and season with cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Step 5:

Add the corn, black beans, and green chilies to the pan. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 6:

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 7:

Stir in the refrigerated roux mixture and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is thick, smooth, and the cheese is fully melted.

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Step 8:

Remove from heat and serve the soup hot, garnished with bacon bits and grated cheddar cheese.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the seasonings as needed to complement your choice of meat.

Cheese Choices: Velveeta provides a smooth, creamy texture, but you can use other meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby if you prefer. The sharp cheddar adds a punch of flavor, so consider keeping it for balance.

Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying.

Adjusting the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and use mild green chilies. For more spice, increase the cayenne or add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.

Roux Preparation: Ensure the roux is cooked until it starts to brown to avoid a raw flour taste. This step is crucial for thickening the soup and adding a nice depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker.

Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables beforehand, then transfer them to the slow cooker.

Add the remaining ingredients except for the cheese and roux. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Stir in the cheese and roux in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow them to melt and thicken the soup.

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken the soup, you can add more roux or blend a portion of the potatoes and vegetables to create a creamier texture.

If you prefer a thinner consistency, add additional beef broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

What can I serve with Cheesy Cowboy Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad.

These sides complement the rich flavors of the soup and provide a balanced meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While you can freeze the soup, the texture of the cheese may change upon reheating.

If freezing, consider doing so before adding the cheese.

When ready to serve, thaw the soup, reheat it, and then add the cheese to ensure a smooth texture.

How can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Feel free to include additional vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots.

Chop them into small, even pieces and sauté them with the bell pepper and onion to ensure they cook evenly.

This not only adds flavor but also increases the nutritional value of the soup.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?

Absolutely! Fresh corn can be used in place of canned corn for a fresher taste and texture.

Simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the soup when you would normally add the canned corn.

You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the corn is tender.

How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy when added to the soup?

To avoid a grainy texture, add the cheese gradually and stir constantly over low heat until it’s fully melted.

Ensure the soup is not boiling when adding the cheese, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.

Is there a way to make this soup less spicy if I’m sensitive to heat?

Yes, to reduce the spiciness, you can omit the cayenne pepper or use a smaller amount.

Additionally, choose mild green chilies and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

You can always add a touch of hot sauce later if you find you want more heat.

What can I use to replace Velveeta cheese if I prefer a different cheese?

If you’re looking to replace Velveeta, consider using a combination of cream cheese and a mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby.

These will provide a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well.

Be mindful of the seasoning, as plant-based substitutes may alter the flavor profile slightly.