Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1 — Brown the beef
- In a large soup pot, cook ground beef over medium heat.
- Break into crumbles and cook 5–7 minutes, until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2 — Sauté aromatics
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef.
- Cook 3–4 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
Step 3 — Add vegetables and tomatoes
- Stir in potatoes, black beans, corn, tomatoes with juice, and tomatoes with green chilies.
Step 4 — Add broth and seasonings
- Pour in beef broth.
- Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well to combine.
Step 5 — Simmer
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
- Simmer 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and flavors meld together.
Step 6 — Make it creamy
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Add cheddar cheese and allow it to melt completely into the soup.
Step 7 — Add green onions
- Stir in sliced green onions for freshness and color.
Step 8 — Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese or crunchy tortilla chips.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator Store for 3–4 days. Soup thickens as it chills — add broth when reheating if needed. Freezer Freeze before adding cream and cheese for best texture. Add cream and cheese after reheating. Reheating Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling once cream is added. 🥄 Variations
1. Spicy Cowboy Soup Add jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne. 2. Extra Creamy Version Add cream cheese along with heavy cream. 3. Protein Boost Add cooked shredded chicken or turkey. 4. Veggie Lover’s Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. 5. Cowboy Chili Hybrid Reduce broth and simmer longer for a thick chili-like consistency. 6. Smokier Flavor Add chipotle powder or smoked salt. 7. Budget-Friendly Version Use pinto beans instead of black beans. 8. Light Version Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. 9. Cheesy Upgrade Add Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese. 10. One-Pot Meal Prep Divide into containers for easy reheatable lunches. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes — it works great and reduces calories. 2. Do I need to peel the potatoes? No — leave the skin for texture; peel if preferred. 3. Can I use frozen corn? Absolutely — add directly to the pot. 4. Can this soup be made dairy-free? Use coconut milk and skip cheese. 5. Is this soup spicy? Mild, but you can make it hotter easily. 6. Can I use fire-roasted tomatoes? Yes — they add smoky depth. 7. How do I thicken the soup? Mash some potatoes or simmer uncovered. 8. Can I add pasta? Yes — small pasta shapes work well. 9. Does it freeze well? Freeze before adding cream and cheese. 10. Can I double the recipe? Yes — increase pot size and simmer time slightly. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Cowboy Soup is everything cozy comfort cooking should be — hearty, bold, creamy, and full of southwest-inspired flavor. With its mix of seasoned ground beef, rich broth, tender potatoes, sweet corn, black beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, every spoonful delivers a satisfying balance of richness and freshness. It’s a perfect one-pot meal for chilly nights, busy days, weekend gatherings, or whenever you crave a warm and filling soup with character. Simple to make, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully creamy, this cowboy-style soup is sure to become a staple recipe in your kitchen.
Refrigerator Store for 3–4 days. Soup thickens as it chills — add broth when reheating if needed. Freezer Freeze before adding cream and cheese for best texture. Add cream and cheese after reheating. Reheating Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling once cream is added. 🥄 Variations
1. Spicy Cowboy Soup Add jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne. 2. Extra Creamy Version Add cream cheese along with heavy cream. 3. Protein Boost Add cooked shredded chicken or turkey. 4. Veggie Lover’s Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. 5. Cowboy Chili Hybrid Reduce broth and simmer longer for a thick chili-like consistency. 6. Smokier Flavor Add chipotle powder or smoked salt. 7. Budget-Friendly Version Use pinto beans instead of black beans. 8. Light Version Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. 9. Cheesy Upgrade Add Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese. 10. One-Pot Meal Prep Divide into containers for easy reheatable lunches. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes — it works great and reduces calories. 2. Do I need to peel the potatoes? No — leave the skin for texture; peel if preferred. 3. Can I use frozen corn? Absolutely — add directly to the pot. 4. Can this soup be made dairy-free? Use coconut milk and skip cheese. 5. Is this soup spicy? Mild, but you can make it hotter easily. 6. Can I use fire-roasted tomatoes? Yes — they add smoky depth. 7. How do I thicken the soup? Mash some potatoes or simmer uncovered. 8. Can I add pasta? Yes — small pasta shapes work well. 9. Does it freeze well? Freeze before adding cream and cheese. 10. Can I double the recipe? Yes — increase pot size and simmer time slightly. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Cowboy Soup is everything cozy comfort cooking should be — hearty, bold, creamy, and full of southwest-inspired flavor. With its mix of seasoned ground beef, rich broth, tender potatoes, sweet corn, black beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, every spoonful delivers a satisfying balance of richness and freshness. It’s a perfect one-pot meal for chilly nights, busy days, weekend gatherings, or whenever you crave a warm and filling soup with character. Simple to make, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully creamy, this cowboy-style soup is sure to become a staple recipe in your kitchen.