The Best Cowboy Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty and rustic cowboy soup brings frontier flavors straight to your kitchen table.

Memories of campfire cooking drift through every spoonful of this robust dish.

Ranch hands and trail cooks knew exactly how to create satisfying meals with simple ingredients.

Chunky vegetables and tender meat blend into a comforting one-pot wonder that fills hungry bellies.

Southwestern spices dance across your palate with each savory bite.

Peppery undertones and rich broth make this recipe a true culinary adventure.

Saddle up and start cooking – deliciousness awaits you!

Simple Ways To Change Cowboy Soup

• Vegetarian Cowboy Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meatless version that maintains robust flavor and protein content.
• Spicy Southwest Cowboy Soup: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, and mix in diced green chiles to create a fiery southwestern-style soup with extra kick.
• Low-Carb Cowboy Soup: Swap potatoes with cauliflower chunks and reduce corn to lower carbohydrate content while keeping the classic soup's rich taste profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef, cook on low for 6-8 hours to develop deeper, more concentrated flavors with minimal hands-on preparation.

Great Pairings For Cowboy Soup

• Pair with Rustic Cornbread: Serve alongside golden, slightly sweet cornbread that complements the hearty soup's robust flavors and soaks up the rich broth perfectly.
• Boost with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the beef's deep, smoky notes and provide a warming companion to the soup.
• Finish with Tangy Coleslaw: Add a crisp, cool coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to contrast the soup's warmth and provide a refreshing crunch that balances the meal's richness.
• Garnish with Sharp Cheddar: Sprinkle aged cheddar cheese on top to introduce a sharp, creamy element that melts beautifully and adds extra depth to the cowboy soup's complex flavor profile.

How To Store Cowboy Soup And Reheat Later

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor loss and contamination.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Let soup cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs About Cowboy Soup

• What ingredients make Cowboy Soup hearty and filling?

Ground beef, potatoes, black-eyed peas, corn, and mixed vegetables provide substantial protein and nutrients, creating a robust and satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, Cowboy Soup is nutritionally balanced with lean protein from ground beef, multiple vegetables offering vitamins and minerals, and low-fat cooking method. It’s a wholesome one-pot meal packed with essential nutrients.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in Cowboy Soup are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s allergen-free status.

Why Cowboy Soup Is So Filling And Tasty

• Create Hearty Comfort: Pack this robust soup with a medley of vegetables, ground beef, and rich seasonings that deliver a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup, using basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making dinner preparation stress-free and convenient.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or adding toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs to match your family's taste preferences.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from ground beef, fiber from beans and vegetables, this soup provides a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that supports overall health and keeps everyone feeling full.

Cowboy Soup Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the soup.

• Onion, Celery: These aromatic vegetables create a flavorful base for the soup.
• Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Corn: Colorful vegetables that add texture and nutritional value to the dish.
• Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture to the soup.
• Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• Black-Eyed Peas: A protein-rich legume that contributes to the soup's heartiness.
• Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds rich, savory flavor to the soup.

• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder: A blend of spices that gives the soup its distinctive southwestern cowboy-style flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that allow for final flavor adjustment.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and create a flavorful foundation for the soup.

How To Make Cowboy Soup Step By Step

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

• Onion
• Celery

Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot and cook thoroughly until no pink remains, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Step 3: Build the Hearty Base

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes
• Black-eyed peas
• Corn
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Beef broth

Stir everything together, adding extra broth if you want a thinner consistency.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Crank heat to high and bring soup to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 14-16 minutes until potatoes are tender. Taste and season with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Add your favorite toppings. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave until steaming hot.

Helpful Tips For Cowboy Soup Success

• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences without compromising texture.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust beef broth quantity to achieve your preferred thickness – less broth for a heartier stew-like texture, more for a lighter soup.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve nutrients and color.
• Elevate Serving Experience: Top with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add brightness and creamy contrast.

Cowboy Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cowboy soup delivers a rustic taste of western comfort straight from chuck wagon traditions. Rich beef, beans, and robust vegetables combine in a soul-warming bowl perfect for hungry ranch hands and home cooks alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)
• 4 carrots (peeled and sliced into rounds)
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Canned Ingredients

• 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
• 4–6 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (to taste)

Optional Toppings

• Parmesan cheese
• Shredded cheddar
• Green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Fritos
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions and celery in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
2. Brown ground beef in the same pot, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains.
3. Pour in beef broth, then add potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and corn. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
4. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce temperature to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14-16 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed for balanced flavor.
6. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Optional: Top with preferred garnishes like shredded cheese or fresh herbs.
7. Refrigerate any remaining soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on hearty flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during browning to enhance the meat’s depth and richness, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Customize the soup’s heat level by adjusting chili powder and red pepper flakes, allowing each diner to control their spice experience according to personal preference.
• Use fresh or frozen vegetables interchangeably, making this recipe adaptable year-round and perfect for using whatever produce you have on hand.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg