Introduction to Cowboy Hamburger Soup
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to dinner. That’s why I absolutely adore this Cowboy Hamburger Soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and comforting. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a quick solution for a busy day. Plus, it’s a dish that will impress your loved ones, making them feel cherished and satisfied. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Hamburger Soup
This Cowboy Hamburger Soup is a lifesaver for busy nights. It’s not only easy to make, but it also comes together in just 45 minutes. The combination of savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a flavor explosion that warms the soul. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for you! Trust me, this hearty soup will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Cowboy Hamburger Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Cowboy Hamburger Soup a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: This is your base for sautéing. It adds a lovely richness to the soup.
- Onion: A small, finely diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Carrots: Peeled and thinly sliced, they add a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- Celery: Thinly sliced celery adds a nice crunch and aromatic flavor.
- Canned corn: Drained and rinsed, it adds sweetness and texture to the soup.
- Canned green beans: These provide a hearty element and are a great way to sneak in some greens.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Peeled and chopped, they make the soup filling and comforting.
- Ground beef: The star of the show! It adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Both regular and those with green chilies add acidity and a bit of heat.
- Canned chili beans: These bring a creamy texture and a kick of flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the aroma and taste, making everything more delicious.
- Cumin: This spice adds warmth and a hint of earthiness.
- Chili powder: A must for that classic cowboy flavor, it gives the soup a nice kick.
- Oregano: This herb adds a touch of freshness and complements the other spices.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to your taste.
- Beef broth: This is the liquid gold that ties everything together, making the soup rich and flavorful.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: For garnish, it adds a burst of color and freshness.
Feel free to customize this recipe! You can swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or even use ground turkey for a lighter option. The exact quantities for each ingredient are listed at the bottom of the article for your convenience.
How to Make Cowboy Hamburger Soup
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This Cowboy Hamburger Soup is straightforward and fun to make. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery sticks. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and become tender, releasing their lovely aromas. This step sets the foundation for your flavorful soup!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, it’s time to add the star of the show—2 pounds of ground beef. Crumble it into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Cook and stir until the beef is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 3: Add Spices and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and season with 1 ½ teaspoons of Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This allows the spices to bloom and the garlic to become aromatic, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s bring everything together! Add the canned diced tomatoes (both regular and with green chilies), chili beans, corn, green beans, and chopped Yukon gold potatoes to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, ensuring all the ingredients are covered. Mix everything well, making sure those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This is when the potatoes will become tender and soak up all those delicious flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to serve up your Cowboy Hamburger Soup! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic bread or your favorite sides. Enjoy every warm, hearty bite!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time to save precious minutes during cooking.
- Don’t skip the sautéing step; it enhances the flavors of the vegetables.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for easy reheating later.
Equipment Needed
- Large stock pot: Essential for making the soup. A Dutch oven works great too!
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables with ease.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Handy for accurate ingredient measurements.
Variations of Cowboy Hamburger Soup
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.
- Southwestern Twist: Incorporate black beans and corn, and use taco seasoning instead of the spices for a Southwestern flair.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Hamburger Soup
- Rustic Bread: Serve with crusty bread or warm cornbread for dipping.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup beautifully.
- Drinks: Pair with a chilled iced tea or a light beer for a refreshing touch.
- Presentation: Garnish with extra cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish.
FAQs about Cowboy Hamburger Soup
As you embark on your culinary adventure with Cowboy Hamburger Soup, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you.
Can I make Cowboy Hamburger Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I freeze Cowboy Hamburger Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this hearty soup! It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Each option will give the soup a unique twist!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also increase the amount of chili powder for an extra kick. Adjust it to your taste!
What sides pair well with Cowboy Hamburger Soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with rustic bread, a fresh salad, or even cornbread. These sides complement the flavors and make for a satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Cowboy Hamburger Soup is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of warmth and connection for your family. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients come together to form a comforting dish that feels like home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this soup is sure to bring smiles to the table. I love how it’s versatile, allowing you to customize it to your family’s tastes. So, grab your ingredients and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious spoonful, and make memories that last a lifetime!
Print
Cowboy Hamburger Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to dinner. That’s why I absolutely adore this Cowboy Hamburger Soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced
- 14 ounces canned corn, drained and rinsed
- 14 ounces canned green beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with juice
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 14 ounces canned chili beans, with juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery sticks. Cook until the vegetables soften and become tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Cook and crumble the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the garlic to become aromatic.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili beans, canned corn, green beans, and diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the beef broth to cover the ingredients. Mix well.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the soup is ready, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, paired with rustic bread or your choice of sides. Enjoy!
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just reheat before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or beans based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
