Creamy Cowboy Soup (Print-Friendly Version)

A hearty southwestern soup with ground beef, beans, potatoes and cheese that's ready in 45 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.

# Ingredients List:

→ For the Soup Base

01 - 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or meat alternative
02 - 1 large onion, yellow or white, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
05 - 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, canned with juice
06 - 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
07 - 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed if canned
08 - 2 medium potatoes, Yukon Gold or russet, diced small

→ For the Spice Blend

09 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tbsp chili powder, adjust for heat preference
11 - 1 tsp cumin
12 - 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
13 - 0.5 tsp black pepper, adjust to taste

→ For Creaminess

14 - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for dairy-free
15 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, fresh preferred

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
02 - Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, black beans, and potato cubes, along with the spices: smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
06 - Ladle the Creamy Cowboy Soup into bowls, garnishing with sliced green onions, extra cheese, or tortilla chips. Serve hot.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess. Leftovers taste even better the next day!