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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
