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Cowboy Cookies Hearty Beef & Bean Soup

A robust and satisfying soup, affectionately named "Cowboy Cookies" for its hearty ingredients and savory drop biscuits that resemble small, rustic cookies, perfect for a cold day on the range.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 lean
  • 1 large Yellow Onion chopped
  • 2 Carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 Celery Stalks diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes undrained
  • 4 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional, for heat
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Savory Drop "Cookies" (Biscuits)
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 cup Cold Butter cubed
  • 1/2 cup Milk plus more if needed
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Chives chopped

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry blender (optional)

Method
 

Prepare Soup Base
  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans and kidney beans. Continue to simmer gently while you prepare the "cookies."
Prepare Drop "Cookies" (Biscuits)
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add chopped chives and then pour in 1/2 cup milk. Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be shaggy but come together. If too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
  3. Increase heat of the soup to a gentle simmer. Using a tablespoon or small scoop, drop dollops of the biscuit dough directly into the simmering soup. They should look like small, rustic cookies.
  4. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the "cookies" are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid too often during this time.
  5. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle the hearty "Cowboy Cookies" soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra chives or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The "cookies" are meant to be rustic and fluffy, not perfectly shaped. This soup also freezes well; freeze without the "cookies" if possible, and add freshly made "cookies" when reheating, or freeze with them, understanding they may change texture slightly upon thawing and reheating.