Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together ground beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, seasoned with smoky Tex-Mex spices. This one-pot meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing leftovers for the week. It's quick to make, customizable, and ideal for chilly evenings or busy nights.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 stalks celery, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 medium potatoes)

• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices

• 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained

• 4–6 cups beef broth (adjust for desired consistency)

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Directions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, black-eyed peas, corn, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.

4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14–16 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fat: 15g

• Fiber: 8g

• Sodium: 800mg