Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with ground beef, bacon, beans, and corn in a rich cheddar broth. Perfect for a satisfying one-pot dinner, it comes together quickly with just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave all drippings in the pot.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef to the same pot. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart, until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 6-8 minutes. Drain most excess grease, leaving a thin coating in the pot.
3. Step 3: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add undrained diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and scrape up any browned bits from the pot bottom.
5. Step 5: Bring to a full boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes until flavors are well developed and broth deepens in color.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese is fully melted and broth is smooth and creamy. Do not return to a boil after adding cream.
7. Step 7: Remove and discard bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with reserved crispy bacon and fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen flavor when using leaner proteins.
• For a thicker soup, mash a portion of the beans before adding or blend one cup of the finished soup and stir it back in.
• Freeze the soup base without cream and cheese for best results. Stir them in fresh after reheating on the stovetop.
• For a spicier version, add one diced jalapeño along with the onions in step 3.
• Always use freshly shredded cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For best texture, add cream and cheese fresh when reheating if they were not included before storing. You can also freeze the soup base (without cream and cheese) for up to 3 months; thaw and add dairy ingredients before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and bacon, then using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. To keep the flavor rich, consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce.

What is the best way to reheat this creamy soup?

Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop to prevent curdling. Stir frequently and avoid boiling once the cream and cheese have been added to maintain the creamy texture.

Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 771 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot American classic packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, beans, corn, and a rich cheddar-infused broth. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Bacon

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Goods and Broth

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 4 cups beef broth

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside on paper towels, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the same pot over medium heat. Break it apart and cook until fully browned with no pink remaining, around 6-8 minutes. Drain most of the excess grease, leaving a thin coating in the pot.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Beans, Corn, and Seasonings: Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir in oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a full boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes until flavors meld and broth deepens in color.
6. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted and the broth is creamy. Avoid boiling after adding dairy.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle soup into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter protein option. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost flavor when using leaner meats.
• For a thicker texture, mash some of the beans before adding them or blend one cup of soup and stir it back in.
• Freeze soup base without cream and cheese for best reheating results; add dairy fresh on the stovetop.
• Add diced jalapeno with onions for a spicier variation.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for smooth melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Cowboy Soup, ground beef soup, bacon soup, bean soup, American soup, hearty soup, cheddar soup