"Cow Country" Soup
Hearty and flavorful beef and vegetable soup featuring tender ribs, fresh corn, green beans, and a variety of garden vegetables—perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 beef ribs ⓘ
- 8 potatoes, diced large ⓘ
- 4 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 2 onions, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. celery, sliced or diced
- 1 c. green beans ⓘ
- 3 ears fresh corn or 1 can regular corn
- 1 can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 2 okra pods, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. cabbage, cut up ⓘ
- 1/4 c. mango, diced ⓘ
- 8 tomatoes, scrunched ⓘ
- 1 c. peas ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cauliflower flowerets ⓘ
- 1 c. yellow crooked neck squash, cut in small wedges
Instructions
- Cook beef ribs until almost tender.
- Strain the broth and pick the meat from the ribs.
- Add the meat to the broth along with fresh carrots and green beans.
- Cook for 20 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and cook until done, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or thyme while cooking the broth. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef ribs with mushrooms or extra beans for depth. Adjust the vegetables based on seasonal availability, using what's fresh. This soup is versatile, so feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use up odds and ends in your fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup in deep bowls with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the presentation. This soup pairs beautifully with Busy Day Oven Beef Stew for a comforting dinner spread, or enjoy it on its own for a filling lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Cow Country" Soup contains roughly 2280 calories, with 72g protein, 367g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (308% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (213% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2652mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this soup. Just make sure to add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking them. This is a great time-saver and can help maintain the soup's freshness and texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the broth. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and makes for great meal prep. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating or freezing. It can be reheated easily, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).