Hearty Cowboy Soup

At 12 Tomatoes, we’ve explored a range of “cowboy” themed dishes, from Cowboy Chicken to Cowboy Spaghetti. However, among all these hearty creations, this Cowboy Soup stands out as my absolute favorite. It’s a robust and satisfying dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. Loaded with beans, potatoes, sweet corn, and a trio of meats, this soup is like chili but with even more depth and richness of flavor. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and filling.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 (12 oz) packages of kielbasa sausage, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 (14.5 oz) can of crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 2 (16 oz each) cans of baked beans
• 1 (7 oz) can of chopped green chiles, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can of sweet corn, undrained
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup water
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Brown the Sausage:
   • Add the kielbasa sausage to the bacon drippings in the pot. Cook until browned on both sides, adjusting the heat as necessary. Remove the sausage to the plate with the bacon.
3. Cook the Beef and Onion:
   • In the same pot, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Season and Add Flour:
   • Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour and chili powder over the mixture, stirring well and cooking for about one minute.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, baked beans, chopped green chiles, sweet corn, chopped potatoes, cooked bacon, and sausage to the pot. Pour in one cup of water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
6. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.

Bonus Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. This will give your Cowboy Soup an added kick and a touch of brightness.

Conclusion:

This Cowboy Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Its rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture make it an excellent choice for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a cozy dinner, this soup will surely be a hit. Enjoy every flavorful bite!