If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Cowboy Soup Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, all simmered together to create a rich, satisfying flavor that’s perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd. The Cowboy Soup Recipe manages to be both rustic and refined, capturing the essence of hearty cowboy cooking with every spoonful you enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cowboy Soup Recipe is delightfully straightforward, using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together to build a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender potatoes and carrots adding earthiness to the smoky spices that bring the dish to life.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil: For a savory, rich base to sautée your vegetables and beef.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3 stalks celery, diced: Brings a crisp, fresh flavor with a touch of bitterness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with its signature warm, fragrant aroma.
- 2 lbs ground beef: The hearty protein foundation that makes this soup truly satisfying.
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces: Their creamy texture balances the bold spices.
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds: Add sweetness and color contrast.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained: Boosts the vegetable variety and texture.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Gives tanginess and moisture to the broth.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed: Adds an earthy, subtle nutty flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained: Sweet kernels provide bursts of flavor throughout.
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that complements the savory beef.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a deep smoky undertone key to cowboy cuisine.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Adds a subtle kick of heat and complexity.
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste: Essential for perfect seasoning and heat control.
- 4-6 cups beef broth: The flavorful base of the soup—use more for a thinner consistency.
- Shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, crushed crackers: Perfect finishing touches for serving.
How to Make Cowboy Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by heating your olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your diced onions and celery. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their sweet, aromatic flavors. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute or two—this gentle step lays down the base layer of aroma and taste that will carry through the entire soup.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Next, pile in the ground beef. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it browns. Cooking it thoroughly until no pink remains usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step not only builds the rich meaty foundation but also adds texture to your Cowboy Soup Recipe, ensuring every bite feels satisfying and hearty.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring in the vibrant vegetables that make this soup a meal in itself. Stir in your potatoes, carrots, drained green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes including juices, black-eyed peas, and corn. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly lets all the flavors meld together—imagine those tender potatoes absorbing the spiced broth, while the corn adds gentle pops of sweetness.
Step 4: Pour Broth and Season
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth to start, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. If you love a thinner soup style, add more broth—just keep in mind that each addition softens the richness slightly. These seasonings infuse the soup with bold, rustic flavors that feel authentic and comforting.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Turn the heat up to high to bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce to medium-low for a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for about 14 to 16 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become fork-tender and the flavors to blend perfectly. This simmer is where all the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a harmonious, soul-warming Cowboy Soup Recipe.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a little extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you crave more kick. Ladle the soup into bowls, and get ready for everyone at the table to savor every spoonful of this rich, hearty, and lovingly crafted dish.
How to Serve Cowboy Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are the exciting finishing touches that bring your Cowboy Soup Recipe to life. Try sprinkling shredded cheese on top for a melty texture, adding a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, or scattering chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal note. If you like heat, sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes work beautifully, and crushed crackers bring a pleasant crunch.
Side Dishes
This soup stands strong on its own, but pairing it with some warm cornbread or buttery garlic bread makes it a feast. A crisp green salad lightly dressed with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup by bringing bright, fresh contrast, making the entire meal feel complete and thoughtfully composed.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving Cowboy Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls to soak up every last drop. Another idea is to add some tortilla chips on the side for dipping or even layering crushed chips right on top to add some southwestern flair and added texture that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cowboy Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without re-cooking from scratch.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. When stored in the freezer, it maintains its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy your favorite Cowboy Soup Recipe anytime you want a comforting, quick meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, just cover to avoid splatters and stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Cowboy Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and adds a hearty flavor, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of sausage and beef for a twist. Each option will bring its own unique flavor while keeping the essence of the soup intact.
Is this soup spicy?
This Cowboy Soup Recipe features mild to moderate heat with chili powder and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by increasing or reducing these spices, or by adding fresh jalapeños for some extra kick.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles or omit the meat altogether and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. Adding extra beans or lentils will boost protein content, keeping the soup hearty and satisfying.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for Cowboy Soup Recipe because they hold their shape well and have a buttery texture. However, red potatoes or red skin potatoes can also work nicely if that’s what you have on hand.
How long does it take to make this soup from start to finish?
This Cowboy Soup Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. The prep is quick, and the simmering step perfectly tenderizes the vegetables, so you don’t have to wait long for a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels like a warm embrace and delivers bold flavors with nourishing ingredients, this Cowboy Soup Recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable, so I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try and watch it become a family favorite in your home too.
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
Cowboy Soup is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal packed with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth base seasoned with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This comforting soup is perfect for a filling family dinner and can be garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro for added taste.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 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
Seasonings & Broth
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 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 base: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and celery. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Brown the meat by breaking it apart with a spoon until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 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 well to combine.
- Pour broth and season: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. If you prefer a thinner soup, add up to 2 more cups of broth.
- Simmer the soup: Turn 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 for 14-16 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Serve hot with your choice of shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and crushed crackers as toppings.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes as they hold their shape well when simmered in soup.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer uncovered for a longer period to reduce liquid.
- This soup can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
