If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Cowboy Soup Recipe is just what you need. Packed with tender ground beef, fresh veggies, and a symphony of spices, this soup is a colorful celebration of robust flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or just want a filling dish to cozy up with, this Cowboy Soup Recipe brings together simplicity and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cowboy Soup Recipe comes together with a mix of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in the soup’s bold taste and inviting texture. From the hearty ground beef to the vibrant vegetables and perfectly balanced spices, every component adds a layer of deliciousness you’ll love.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps soften the vegetables.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base flavor.
- Celery: Delivers a subtle crunch and earthy undertone.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a fragrant depth.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this soup truly satisfying.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Contribute creaminess and absorb all the savory flavors.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and color.
- Canned green beans: Bring freshness and texture with ease.
- Diced tomatoes: Introduce a bright, tangy juiciness.
- Black-eyed peas: Add a slightly nutty flavor and protein boost.
- Corn: Sweet kernels to balance the spice.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the rich tomato flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to add complexity.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky heat.
- Chili powder: Brings a warm, spicy kick.
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes: Adjustable to perfect your desired heat and seasoning.
- Beef broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and crushed crackers to elevate your serving experience.
How to Make Cowboy Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming up olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and celery, cooking just long enough to soften them and let their natural sweetness shine through. When they’re translucent and tender, add minced garlic, cooking for another minute or two to release that irresistible fragrance. This step builds the flavor base that makes Cowboy Soup Recipe so comforting.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to your pot. Break it apart with your spoon and brown it evenly until there’s no pink left, which should take around five to seven minutes. Browning the beef not only adds rich taste but also creates those savory bits stuck to the bottom that bring amazing depth to the soup.
Step 3: Combine the Veggies and Tomato Paste
Now it’s time to pile in the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juices, black-eyed peas, and corn. Stir everything together so that the tomato paste coats the ingredients, giving the soup body and a burst of vibrant color.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in four cups of beef broth, which can be increased to six if you prefer a thinner consistency. Then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. These spices create the deliciously bold character that defines this Cowboy Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring your soup up to a boil on high heat, then reduce it to medium-low and cover it with a lid. Let it simmer for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This simmering melds all the flavors so beautifully you’ll want to dive right in.
Step 6: Final Taste and Serve
Give your soup a taste test. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you’re craving extra punch. Serve your Cowboy Soup Recipe piping hot, ready for your favorite toppings to make each bite even more exciting.
How to Serve Cowboy Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bowl with a handful of shredded cheese that melts perfectly into the hot soup, a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, freshly chopped cilantro to brighten flavors, sliced jalapeños if you crave a spicy twist, and some crushed crackers or crispy tortilla strips for added texture. These little extras make each serving feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This hearty Cowboy Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm cornbread that’s perfect for dunking. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or baked potatoes on the side round out the meal without overpowering the soup’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cowboy Soup Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey vibe or go for colorful Fiesta-style bowls to match the southwestern spirit. You can also ladle it into small mugs for a fun appetizer at a casual gathering or drizzle a bit of smoky hot sauce on top for an extra layer of excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cowboy Soup Recipe cools to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to four days, with the flavors melding even further overnight—often better the next day!
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge for optimal texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency if the soup has thickened. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this Cowboy Soup Recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasonings to compensate for turkey’s milder flavor.
How spicy is this Cowboy Soup Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and can be tailored to your liking by adjusting the red pepper flakes and chili powder. If you prefer a milder soup, simply reduce those spices or omit the jalapeños in the garnishes.
Is this soup gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check your canned ingredients for additives, this Cowboy Soup Recipe is naturally gluten free and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies beforehand to build flavors, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
What can I substitute for black-eyed peas?
If you can’t find black-eyed peas, navy beans or pinto beans make great substitutes, offering a similar texture and mild taste that complements this cowboy-style soup nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cowboy Soup Recipe that makes it a fantastic go-to meal for any day you want comforting, hearty, and wholesome food on the table quickly. It’s simple to make, packed with nourishing ingredients, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Now that you know all the secrets, I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own delicious memories with this beloved soup.
Print
Cowboy Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cowboy Soup packed with ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and bold seasonings. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering a satisfying blend of textures and smoky-spicy notes.
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
Seasonings & Liquids
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste
- 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 aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onion and celery, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Brown the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetables and beans: Stir in potatoes, carrots, drained green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, drained black-eyed peas, and corn. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season and add broth: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add more broth if desired to reach your preferred soup consistency.
- Simmer the soup: Turn heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14-16 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and add additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or crushed crackers.
Notes
- You can adjust the broth quantity if you prefer a thicker or thinner soup.
- Use smoked paprika and chili powder to add a nice smoky and spicy flavor—adjust to your heat preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- Adding toppings like cheese and sour cream provides creaminess and balances the spices.
- If you want to make this gluten-free, ensure the beef broth used does not contain gluten additives.
