Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
If youโre looking for a comforting, hearty meal thatโs easy to prepare, this Cowboy Casserole Soup recipe is a must-try! It takes all the classic flavors of a cowboy casseroleโground beef, beans, veggies, and a rich tomato-based brothโand turns it into a filling, satisfying soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nutritious, one-pot meal, this dish is both freezer-friendly and easy to make in an Instant Pot. Best of all, itโs a Weight Watchers-friendly option with only 3 points per serving, so you can enjoy it guilt-free. Warm up with this delicious soup thatโs bound to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients
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Youโll need 1 teaspoon of olive oil (5 ml), 3 cloves of minced garlic (9 g), and 1 medium onion sliced (1 cup or 150 g). Add 1 red bell pepper, diced (1 cup or 150 g), and 1 finely chopped red chili pepper (2 tablespoons or 30 g). Use 1 pound of 97% lean ground beef (350 g), and season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (1 g), 1 teaspoon of ground cumin (2 g), 1 teaspoon of paprika (2 g), and ยฝ teaspoon of salt (3 g). Include ยฝ cup each of dried black beans and red kidney beans, both soaked overnight (100 g each), ยผ cup of trimmed green beans (25 g), and 1 cup of corn kernels (150 g). Add 4 tablespoons of tomato paste (30 g) and 6 cups of beef broth (1.4 liters).
Soak the Beans
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Soak the dried black beans and red kidney beans overnight in separate bowls of water. The next day, drain and rinse the beans. In a large pot, cover the beans with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.Soak the dried black beans and red kidney beans overnight in separate bowls of water. The next day, drain and rinse the beans. In a large pot, cover the beans with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Sautรฉ Vegetables
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Set the Instant Pot to sautรฉ mode. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and let it warm for 30 seconds. Add minced garlic and sliced onions, sautรฉing for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. Add the diced red bell pepper and chopped red chili pepper, sautรฉing for another 2-3 minutes.
Cook the Ground Beef And Add Beans & Veggies
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Push the vegetables to the sides, creating space in the center. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir the beef to combine with the vegetables. Add the cooked black beans, red kidney beans, green beans, corn kernels, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Add Beef Broth
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Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Stir everything together.
Pressure Cook
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Cancel sautรฉ mode, close the Instant Pot lid, and set the valve to sealing. Set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release of remaining pressure.
Adjust Seasoning
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Open the lid and gently stir the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve
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Ladle the hot Cowboy Casserole Soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Variations and Substitutions
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To adjust the heartiness of the dish, you can add or omit potatoesโjust keep in mind that potatoes pair best with pinto beans, as black beans can create an unappealing color combination. For a lighter version, swap out beef for ground turkey and use chicken broth instead. While pork adds rich flavor, consider its higher point value. For added texture, top your dish with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch, and finish with a squeeze of lime, fresh cilantro, or pico de gallo for a vibrant flavor boost.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cowboy Casserole Soup
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For a time-saving option, use canned beans with their liquid to cut down on cooking time. To enhance the flavor, sautรฉ the vegetables first, which adds a subtle smoky note to the dish. When batch cooking, prepare a large portion and store it for future meals. Customize the heat to your liking by adjusting the spice levels with different chilies or hot sauces. To control texture, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls to prevent it from becoming overcooked.
