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Are you searching for easy hamburger meat recipes that deliver big flavor without spending hours in the kitchen? This Creamy Cowboy Soup is exactly what you need! Combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a luscious creamy broth, this hearty soup is one of those quick dinner ideas that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner recipes for busy weeknights or lazy dinners that don’t compromise on taste, this cowboy soup checks all the boxes. It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and incredible Southwestern flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all? It comes together in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
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What Makes Creamy Cowboy Soup Special?
This recipe belongs to that coveted category of quick and easy dinner recipes that taste like you spent all day cooking. The combination of ground beef and bacon creates a rich, smoky base, while ranch-style beans and sweet corn add texture and subtle sweetness. The creamy evaporated milk sauce ties everything together beautifully, creating a soup that’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
If you’re exploring easy meals with ground beef or dinner ideas with ground beef, this soup offers a delicious twist on traditional ground meat recipes for dinner. The Southwestern seasonings cumin, garlic, and diced tomatoes with green chilies give it that signature cowboy flavor that sets it apart from ordinary beef soups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 3 slices | Provides smoky flavor |
| Ground beef | 1 pound | 80/20 blend works best |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
| Potatoes | 2 medium | Peeled and diced |
| Diced tomatoes with green chilies | 10 oz can | Adds Southwestern flavor |
| Ranch style beans | 15 oz can | Don’t drain |
| Corn | 15 oz can | Drained |
| Beef broth | 2 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Creates roux |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons | Thickening agent |
| Evaporated milk | 3/4 cup | Adds creaminess |
Seasonings
- 3/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by placing bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned (about 8 minutes). Drain the bacon slices on paper towels, then chop when cool enough to handle. Set aside this crispy bacon will add incredible texture and flavor to your soup.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base
While the bacon cools, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add evaporated milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly (about 2 minutes), then remove from heat. This creamy sauce is what transforms ordinary soup into something special.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook the diced onions over medium heat until they become nearly translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up chunks with a spatula as it cooks, for 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your soup from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Add the chopped bacon, diced tomatoes with green chiles, ranch-style beans, and corn to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes. Stir everything together with your kitchen utensils. Season with garlic granules, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (20 to 30 minutes). The potatoes should be cooked through but still hold their shape.
Step 6: Add the Cream and Serve
Pour the evaporated milk mixture into the soup and stir to combine. The soup will become beautifully creamy and rich. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cowboy Soup
- Don’t skip the bacon: It adds essential smoky flavor that defines this recipe
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better than russets
- Control the heat level: Use mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies depending on your preference
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together
- Adjust consistency: Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup, or simmer longer for a thicker stew-like consistency
Serving Suggestions
Top your Creamy Cowboy Soup with:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Diced avocado
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
Serve alongside warm cornbread, flour tortillas, or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Note that the potatoes may change texture slightly after freezing, but the soup will still taste delicious.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
Recipe Variations
Slow Cooker Method
Brown the bacon, beef, and onions first, then transfer everything except the evaporated milk mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream mixture during the last 15 minutes.
Instant Pot Version
Use the sauté function to cook bacon, beef, and onions. Add remaining ingredients (except cream), seal, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release, then stir in the cream mixture.
Make It Lighter
Use ground turkey instead of beef, turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, and substitute low-fat evaporated milk to reduce calories while maintaining flavor.
Vegetarian Option
Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, use vegetable broth, and skip the bacon (or use vegetarian bacon alternatives).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken recipes work wonderfully in this soup. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but it’s still delicious.
Q: What are ranch-style beans?
A: Ranch-style beans are pinto beans cooked with seasonings, tomatoes, and sometimes jalapeños. If you can’t find them, use regular pinto beans and add extra diced tomatoes.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil, and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of evaporated milk. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy.
Q: How can I thicken my cowboy soup?
A: If your soup is too thin, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot, or make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, or celery make great additions. Add them when you sauté the onions.
Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: The diced tomatoes with green chilies add mild heat. Use mild versions for less spice, or omit them entirely and use regular diced tomatoes for a non-spicy version.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
Among hamburger meat recipes, this Creamy Cowboy Soup stands out as one of the most practical options for families. It’s genuinely one of those quick and easy dinner recipes that doesn’t require exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. Everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup a huge win for lazy dinners when you’re exhausted after a long day.
The soup is naturally kid-friendly with familiar flavors, yet sophisticated enough to satisfy adult palates. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, stretching a pound of ground beef to feed 6-8 people. For anyone building a repertoire of ground meat recipes for dinner, this should be at the top of your list.
Nutritional Benefits
While this is comfort food, it’s also surprisingly nutritious. The ground beef provides protein and iron, beans add fiber and additional protein, potatoes offer complex carbohydrates and potassium, and the vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals. It’s one of those healthy dinner recipes that doesn’t taste “healthy” it just tastes good.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cowboy Soup represents everything we love about easy meals with ground beef: simple preparation, incredible flavor, and the ability to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas with ground beef for tonight or planning your weekly meal prep, this soup delivers on all fronts.
The combination of smoky bacon, savory beef, hearty vegetables, and that luscious cream sauce creates a bowl of pure comfort that’ll quickly become a family favorite. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or any time you need a satisfying meal that comes together quickly.
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Equipment Used in This Recipe
- Frying Pans – For cooking the bacon
- Pots – Large pot or Dutch oven for the soup
- Kitchen Utensils – Spatula and spoons for stirring
- Chef’s Knives – For dicing vegetables
- Cutting Board – For prep work
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise measurements