Cowboy Hamburger Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days or when you’re craving a hearty, filling meal. A rich blend of ground beef, vegetables, beans, and spices, this soup packs in plenty of flavor and warmth, all while being simple to prepare. What makes it even better is that it’s cooked in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze! If you’re looking for a satisfying soup that brings a taste of the West to your table, this cowboy-inspired soup is a must-try.
What Is Cowboy Hamburger Soup?
Cowboy Hamburger Soup is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring ground beef, a variety of vegetables, and a savory broth base. It’s a customizable soup that allows you to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. The key components are the hearty mix of veggies, beans, and beef, which come together to create a comforting, rustic meal.
This soup is perfect for feeding a crowd, as it’s packed with protein and nutrients. It’s also a great way to use up pantry staples while still preparing something flavorful and filling. Whether you serve it for dinner or lunch, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients for Cowboy Hamburger Soup
Here’s a rundown of the essential ingredients for Cowboy Hamburger Soup. While the list might seem long, each ingredient adds something special, from flavor to texture, ensuring the soup is as satisfying as it is delicious.
- Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and create a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
- Onion – Provides a savory foundation and aroma.
- Carrots – Adds sweetness and crunch.
- Celery – Offers texture and a fresh taste.
- Ground Beef – The star of the soup, making it hearty and filling.
- Garlic – Adds depth and a subtle spiciness to the flavor.
- Cumin – This spice gives the soup a warm, earthy flavor.
- Chili Powder – Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Oregano – Brings an aromatic, herby flavor to the soup.
- Kosher Salt – Balances the other flavors and enhances the taste.
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds just the right amount of spice without being overpowering.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes – Adds a tangy, juicy flavor that forms the base of the soup.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies – Adds a slight kick of spice and additional flavor.
- Canned Chili Beans – Contributes protein and a bit of heat.
- Canned Corn – Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness to the soup.
- Canned Green Beans – Brings more texture and flavor, making the soup feel even heartier.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – These potatoes add richness and make the soup more filling.
- Beef Broth – Enhances the flavor of the base and ties all the ingredients together.
- Cilantro or Parsley – For garnish, offering a fresh, aromatic finish.
How to Make Cowboy Hamburger Soup
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create this flavorful soup.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside. This is the foundation of your soup, so having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat, if necessary, and set the meat aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes aromatic.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Once the vegetables are softened, add the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables and ground beef in the spices. This step will allow the seasonings to bloom and infuse the soup with incredible flavor.
Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Next, add the canned diced tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the soup base is smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 6: Add the Beans, Potatoes, and Corn
Stir in the chili beans, corn, and green beans. Then, add the Yukon Gold potatoes, making sure everything is well-mixed. The potatoes will add body and texture to the soup, making it more filling.
Step 7: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to soften, the flavors to meld, and the soup to thicken. Stir occasionally and check the potatoes to ensure they’re tender and fully cooked.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serving
Once the potatoes are soft and the soup is well-flavored, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in cilantro or parsley for a fresh, herbal finish.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can pair it with some crusty bread or a light side salad to make the meal even more satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Hamburger Soup
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup incredibly easy.
- Hearty and Filling: With a blend of ground beef, potatoes, beans, and vegetables, this soup is packed with nutrients and protein, making it a complete meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices and ingredients based on your preferences. Add more veggies, change the type of beans, or adjust the level of heat to your liking.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it freezes beautifully, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it later.
Nutritional Benefits of Cowboy Hamburger Soup
This soup is rich in protein, vitamins, and fiber thanks to the mix of ground beef, beans, and vegetables. It’s a great way to load up on nutrients while still enjoying a comforting, flavorful meal. The Yukon Gold potatoes add a hearty touch, making the soup perfect for those needing extra energy on a cold day.
Additionally, it’s easy to make this recipe gluten-free and adaptable to a variety of dietary needs by swapping out ingredients as needed.
Conclusion
Cowboy Hamburger Soup is the ultimate meal for those who want something that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. With its combination of savory beef, hearty vegetables, and a mix of spices, it’s a soup that will satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or preparing for a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.