If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying, and downright flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Cowboy Soup Recipe is calling your name. Packed with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices that deliver a little kick, this soup is a fantastic way to fill up hungry bellies and bring a bit of rustic charm to your table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for friends, this recipe combines simplicity and flavor in a way that will have you making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cowboy Soup Recipe is straightforward, and each one plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory beef to the fresh vegetables and bold seasonings, every component helps build the character of this delicious soup.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps soften the aromatics.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Brings a mild sweetness and base flavor when sautéed.
- 3 stalks celery, diced: Adds subtle crunch and an earthy note.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives your soup that irresistible depth and aroma.
- 2 lbs ground beef: The star protein, providing heartiness and robust flavor.
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces: Offers buttery creaminess and a comforting bite.
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained: Gives texture and freshness to the soup’s mix.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Adds acidity, moisture, and a hint of tang.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed: Brings earthy creaminess and a southern flair.
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained: Offers subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the broth.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that adds complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings smokiness and a warm, slightly sweet spice.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and southwest flair.
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and adding your desired kick.
- 4-6 cups beef broth: The savory liquid base that ties all ingredients together (use 6 cups for a thinner soup).
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, crushed crackers: These elevate your serving with texture and extra flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start off by heating up two tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion and celery. Let these cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and start to become translucent — this creates a fragrant and flavorful foundation. Then, add the minced garlic and stir it in for another couple of minutes until the kitchen fills with that amazing garlicky scent.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Now it’s time for the star of the show: the ground beef. Add the beef directly into the pot with your softened veggies. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown thoroughly, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until there’s no pink left. This browning step builds deep flavor that will carry through the entire soup.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
With your browned beef in place, stir in the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced carrots, drained green beans, tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes (including the juices), rinsed black-eyed peas, and corn. Mix everything together so all the ingredients start to mingle in the pot.
Step 4: Pour Broth and Season
Next, pour in 4 cups of beef broth to cover the mixture. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that signature Cowboy Soup kick. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add up to 2 more cups of broth to reach your desired thickness.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a steady boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, cover your pot, and let the soup gently simmer for 14 to 16 minutes. This window allows the potatoes to become tender and all those flavors to fuse into one comforting mix.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste your Cowboy Soup Recipe and tweak the seasoning. Add extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Ladle the soup hot into bowls and prepare to dress it up with some of your favorite garnishes for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Cowboy Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of my favorite Cowboy Soup Recipe is that it plays well with lots of garnishes. Shredded cheese melts beautifully when sprinkled on top, providing a creamy contrast to the smoky broth. A dollop of sour cream adds richness and cools down the spices, while chopped cilantro brings fresh herbal brightness. For those who like extra heat, sliced jalapeños pack a punch, and crushed crackers add an irresistible crunch.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or cornbread makes the meal even more memorable. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s bold flavors. You could also serve it with a baked potato or some roasted veggies on the side for a full spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Cowboy Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls for a rustic, casual feel perfect for gatherings. Alternatively, top it with crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of smoky bacon bits for added texture and flavor layers. Garnishing with fresh herbs right before serving makes it look as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best perks of this Cowboy Soup Recipe is how well it keeps. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors practically deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to save for busy days when you want a quick, satisfying meal. When freezing, leave out any sour cream or fresh garnishes to add after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Cowboy Soup gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwave reheating unless you’re short on time, as slow heating brings out the best flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. Just be sure to brown it well and adjust seasonings as needed, since these meats have a milder flavor than beef.
How spicy is this Cowboy Soup Recipe?
The soup has a gentle warmth from chili powder and optional red pepper flakes, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always add more jalapeños or red pepper flakes to kick it up to your preferred heat level.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your beef broth and seasonings contain no gluten. It’s a safe and tasty choice for gluten-free diets.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add potatoes towards the end to avoid overcooking them.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if needed?
If you want it thicker, simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the broth, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water. Another trick is to mash some of the potatoes in the pot to naturally thicken the soup.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Cowboy Soup Recipe finds a special spot in your recipe collection. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple to make yet packed with bold, comforting flavors that make everyone feel at home. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this soup warms the soul and satisfies every time. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Cowboy Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a blend of spices. This comforting one-pot meal combines potatoes, carrots, green beans, black-eyed peas, and corn simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth base, perfect for a satisfying dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste
Liquids
- 4–6 cups beef broth (use 6 for a thinner soup)
Toppings (Optional)
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and celery. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the meat fully, ensuring no pink remains, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, drained green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juices, drained black-eyed peas, and corn. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Pour broth and season: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth initially and stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Add more broth if you want a thinner soup consistency.
- Simmer the soup: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and add extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Serve the soup hot, topped with your choice of shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or crushed crackers.
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of beef broth.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well; reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
