Description
Savory bacon drippings sizzle with onion, garlic, and jalapeño before mingling with browned beef, beans, and tomatoes. A swirl of cheddar and cilantro adds creaminess and freshness to this bold, warming cowboy soup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes with juice
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and add chopped bacon. Cook until crisp then remove bacon and set aside.
- Add chopped onion garlic bell pepper and jalapeño to the bacon drippings and sauté until softened about 5 minutes.
- Push vegetables to the side of the pot and add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes black beans kidney beans corn beef broth and diced green chiles. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in cooked bacon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese sour cream and chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- This soup freezes nicely for up to three months in an airtight container.
- Adjust the spiciness by using fewer chili peppers or omitting the jalapeño seeds.
- Serve with warm tortilla chips or cornbread for an authentic Tex-Mex experience.