Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups beef broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1-2 jalapeños sliced or hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, stirring frequently. Drain excess fat for a cleaner taste.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant. These aromatics lay the flavorful foundation for your soup.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and pinto beans, mixing everything well to meld the flavors together.
- Add Corn and Spices: Pour in frozen or fresh corn along with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste for the perfect balance of warmth and spice. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if using.
- Pour in Beef Broth and Simmer: Finally, add beef broth and bring the soup to a boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for at least 20 minutes so all the ingredients melt into a rich, hearty stew.
Notes
- Use fresh chili powder and cumin to maximize flavor intensity.
- Browning the beef adds caramelized notes that deepen the overall taste.
- Drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess salt and starch for a cleaner broth.
- Simmer slowly on low heat to enhance flavor melding and tenderize beans.
- If the soup feels too thick, add more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: cowboy soup, ground beef soup, southwestern soup, hearty soup, comfort food, bean soup, easy dinner, meal prep soup