Easy Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 red pointed pepper
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
1 tablespoon mild chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) taco mixed beans
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) green beans
1 can (7 oz / 200 g) sweetcorn
4 cups (1 liter) beef stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions for 4-5 minutes or until translucent.
Add the lean ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Stir in the red pointed pepper, finely chopped garlic cloves, and jalapeño, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper begins to soften.
Add the mild chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano to the pot, stirring to evenly coat the beef and vegetables in the spices.
Next, add the canned diced tomatoes, taco mixed beans, green beans, and sweetcorn, and stir to combine.
Add the beef stock to the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve the cowboy soup hot with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 601mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 31g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness to your preference.
If you want to make it milder, you can reduce or omit the jalapeño and use a milder chili powder.
Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can add more jalapeño or use a hotter chili powder.
What can I use as a substitute for beef?
If you prefer a vegetarian or lower-fat option, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like veggie crumbles or lentils.
This will give the soup a different flavor but still be delicious.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! While canned vegetables are convenient, you can use fresh diced tomatoes, fresh green beans, and fresh corn kernels if you prefer.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop.
If it thickens upon refrigeration, you can add a little more beef stock or water when reheating.
What are some good garnishes for this cowboy soup?
Popular garnishes include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice.
These toppings can add extra flavor and texture to your soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer a lighter meat option. It will alter the flavor slightly but can still be delicious.
How can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu.
Additionally, use vegetable stock instead of beef stock and check that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What can I do to reduce the spiciness of the soup?
If you want to make the soup less spicy, you can omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount of chili powder used.
Adjust the spice level to your taste by tasting and adding seasonings gradually.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Just keep in mind that the flavors may meld and intensify over time.
What are some creative garnishes for this cowboy soup?
Besides crusty bread or tortilla chips, you can garnish this soup with shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice.
These toppings can add variety and flavor to your soup.