Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, the wind’s howling outside, and all you want is something warm, hearty, and oh-so-comforting to cozy up with. That’s where my easy creamy cowboy soup comes in—it’s been my go-to for years on nights just like that. I first whipped up this soup during a family ski trip when everyone was freezing and starving after a long day on the slopes. The moment that rich, creamy broth hit their bowls, I knew I had a winner. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and just the right blend of spices, this soup comes together in about 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become my cold-weather staple.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup

This soup is pure comfort in a bowl, and here’s why it’ll become your cold-weather favorite too:

Quick & easy – From fridge to table in 35 minutes flat, even on busy weeknights
Rich, creamy goodness – That velvety broth hugs every hearty bite
Packed with protein – Ground beef and beans keep you full and satisfied
Customizable – Throw in extra veggies or spice it up however you like

Seriously, it’s like a warm hug for your tastebuds when the temperature drops!

Ingredients for Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this soul-warming pot of goodness. I always keep these staples on hand during soup season – they come together like magic when the temperatures drop!

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular – I use 85/15 for best flavor)
1 onion, diced (about 1 cup – yellow or white both work great)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp pre-minced if you’re in a hurry)
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color – I love the pop of red!)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (don’t drain – that liquid’s gold!)
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or frozen works too)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained (but not rinsed – keeps the flavor)
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium lets you control the salt)
1 cup heavy cream (the magic that makes it creamy)
1 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought – your call)
Salt and pepper to taste (I add this last, after tasting)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch. Want it lighter? Try ground turkey instead of beef. For extra veggies, toss in some diced zucchini or mushrooms when sautéing the peppers. Vegetarian? Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles and use veggie broth. The beauty of this soup is how forgiving it is – make it your own!

How to Make Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup

Alright, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a steaming pot of comfort ready in no time:

Brown the beef first – Crumble that ground beef into your pot over medium heat and let it get nice and browned (about 5 minutes). That caramelization equals flavor!
Softening the veggies – Add your diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper right into the pot with the beef. Cook until they’re tender (about 3-4 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Bring on the broth – Pour in those diced tomatoes (juice and all), corn, black beans, and beef broth. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a lively boil.
Simmer time – Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This lets all those flavors get to know each other.
Creamy finish – Stir in the heavy cream and taco seasoning, then simmer for another 5 minutes until perfectly creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

That’s it! Your kitchen will smell amazing and you’ll have a pot of creamy cowboy goodness ready to warm everyone up.

Tips for the Best Creamy Cowboy Soup

Drain excess fat from beef after browning for a lighter soup
Let soup rest 5 minutes off heat before serving – flavors meld beautifully
Garnish with shredded cheese, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips
If soup thickens too much when reheating, stir in a splash of broth

Serving Suggestions for Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup

Oh, how I love serving this soup! A big, crusty loaf of bread is my go-to for dunking into that creamy broth – it’s practically mandatory at my house. For fresh contrast, I’ll often add avocado slices or a simple green salad on the side. This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings (we’re talking generous, soul-warming bowls here), perfect for feeding a hungry crew or ensuring delicious leftovers. Pro tip: set out bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro so everyone can customize their perfect bite!

Storing and Reheating Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just pop it in an airtight container once cooled. When reheating, go low and slow on the stove, stirring often. The cream might separate a bit, but a good whisk brings it right back together. Microwave works too – heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Pro tip: add a splash of broth if it thickens too much overnight. The flavors actually deepen, making leftovers even more delicious!

Nutritional Information for Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup

Just a quick note – these numbers are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. But generally, one serving of this soup has about 350 calories, 20g fat, 25g carbs, and 18g protein. Perfect for keeping you full and satisfied on those chilly nights!

FAQs About Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup

Can I freeze this soup? I wouldn’t recommend it – the cream tends to separate when frozen and thawed, giving you a grainy texture. Trust me, it’s better fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

How can I make it spicier? Oh, I love this question! Toss in some diced jalapeños when sautéing the veggies, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning. A dash of hot sauce at the end works wonders too.

Can I use chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey both work beautifully. Just brown it the same way you would the beef. The flavor changes slightly, but it’s still delicious comfort food.

Can I make it vegetarian? You bet! Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The beans still give it plenty of protein. For ideas on plant-based cooking, check out this guide on natural Ozempic recipes for inspiration.

Why is it called cowboy soup? Honestly? I have no idea – but I imagine cowboys would’ve loved this hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal after a long day on the range! For more hearty, traditional meals, you might enjoy exploring recipes like the Kentucky Mule recipe.

Share Your Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup Experience

I’d love to hear how your cowboy soup turns out! Snap a pic of your steaming bowl and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing folks enjoy this cozy recipe. Drop a comment below if you tried any fun twists or if it warmed you up on a chilly night like it does for me!

25-Minute Easy Creamy Cowboy Soup for Blissful Cozy Nights

Author: Zach
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and creamy soup perfect for cold nights, packed with flavor and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
4 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp taco seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and beef broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add heavy cream and taco seasoning. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for a lighter version.
Add shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: creamy cowboy soup, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, cold night dinner