If there’s one dish that never fails to bring a touch of Southwestern comfort to the table, it’s Cowboy Soup. This hearty, vegetable-and-bean-packed soup combines savory ground beef, vibrant veggies, and a gentle kick of spice all in one big, soul-warming pot. It comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a versatile choice for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to a cozy weekend meal. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just want leftovers for the week, Cowboy Soup is sure to become a recurring favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cowboy Soup lies in its honest, no-fuss ingredients—everything works together to create a robust flavor and satisfying texture, and there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Here’s what you’ll need for a bowlful of bold taste and rustic charm.
- Ground beef: The heart of our soup, adding richness and a hearty bite to every spoonful.
- Olive oil (if needed): Used for browning the beef or sautéing veggies, especially if your beef is lean.
- Yellow onion: Adds essential sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- Garlic: A must for a punch of savory flavor and wonderful aroma.
- Carrots: Lend a subtle sweetness and bright color.
- Celery: Brings a slight crunch and aromatic undertones.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a lovely tomato flavor that melds with the broth.
- Canned corn: Introduces pop and sweetness, balancing the spiced notes.
- Pinto beans: For creaminess and earthy flavor—don’t forget to rinse them well.
- Kidney beans: Add color, substance, and a lovely firm texture.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: This is where the signature Southwestern zing comes into play.
- Beef broth: Forms the flavorful base and carries all the other ingredients beautifully.
- Chili powder: Provides warmth and classic cowboy flavor, but can be adjusted to taste.
- Paprika: Deepens the color and gives a subtle, smoky edge.
- Dried oregano: Adds herbal notes that brighten the whole pot.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, added to your liking.
- Peeled and diced potatoes (optional): Toss them in for added heartiness—great for extra-hungry days!
How to Make Cowboy Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by grabbing your largest pot or Dutch oven—Cowboy Soup needs room to breathe! Set it over medium heat and toss in the ground beef. Break it up well and cook until it’s browned all over; you’re looking for deep, savory aroma and a few tasty browned bits. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain most of it, but leave a hint for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
If your beef is lean or the pot looks dry, add a splash of olive oil. Now, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Give everything a good stir and let it sauté for about 5–6 minutes, just until the veggies have softened and start to smell irresistible.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Other Goodies
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, corn, both kinds of beans, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour in the rich beef broth, which instantly brings all those flavors together. If you’re adding potatoes, this is the moment—just toss them right into the mix.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, oregano, plus a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Give the pot a thorough stir so those spices are perfectly distributed. Bring the whole thing up to a lively boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. This gentle simmer allows the flavors to blend and the vegetables to become beautifully tender.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Before you ladle up, give the Cowboy Soup a good taste. Adjust the salt, pepper, or spice as you like—maybe even add a dash of hot sauce or extra green chilies if you’re feeling adventurous! Serve the soup piping hot for ultimate comfort.
How to Serve Cowboy Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a handful of sliced green onions can add the perfect finishing touch to your Cowboy Soup. Fresh cilantro or chopped parsley brings a burst of color, while crushed tortilla chips give an extra satisfying crunch. Don’t hesitate to invite everyone to garnish their own bowl—it’s all part of the fun!
Side Dishes
A hearty bowl of Cowboy Soup begs for classic Southern sides. Cornbread is a forever favorite, delivering a sweet contrast to the savory, spicy stew. Crackers, tortilla chips, or a thick slice of crusty bread are welcome additions too—they’re perfect for soaking up every last drop. If you’d like to round things out with a salad, go for something simple and tangy to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cowboy Soup in rustic mugs for a fireside vibe, or ladle it over a bed of fluffy rice for a meal that sticks to your ribs even more. For a party, set up a soup bar with bowls of garnishes so guests can customize their own creations. You can even hollow out bread bowls for an extra-special, hands-on presentation that’ll wow every hungry cowboy (or cowgirl) at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Cowboy Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. This soup will keep beautifully for up to four days, and you’ll find that the flavors actually deepen and become even more delicious overnight—making leftovers a true treat!
Freezing
Cowboy Soup is a freezer champion. After cooling, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Cowboy Soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. For single servings, the microwave works just fine—just cover your bowl and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring between each, to make sure it’s evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumble or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all the hearty flavors and textures that make Cowboy Soup so satisfying.
How can I make Cowboy Soup spicier?
If you crave more heat, add diced fresh jalapeños, extra green chilies, or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings. A dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end is also a quick way to give every bowl an extra kick.
Which other vegetables work well in Cowboy Soup?
This soup is incredibly adaptable. Try adding green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach towards the end of cooking. It’s a great way to use up whatever fresh or leftover veggies you have on hand.
Can I cook Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. This hands-off approach makes Cowboy Soup even easier for busy days.
Is Cowboy Soup gluten-free?
If you double-check your canned goods and broth for gluten ingredients, Cowboy Soup can absolutely be gluten-free. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free products if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Few things are more comforting than gathering around a steaming pot of Cowboy Soup, whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself after a long day. With its easy prep, hearty ingredients, and big, bold flavors, this recipe is bound to become as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine. Give it a try and discover why Cowboy Soup holds a special place at so many tables!
Print
Cowboy Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful beef soup loaded with beans, vegetables, and Tex-Mex spices. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Veggies and Beans:
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Broth and Seasonings:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Cook the ground beef in a large pot until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Veggies: Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, corn, beans, green chilies, broth, and seasonings. Add potatoes if using.
- Cook: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season as desired.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with preferred toppings.
Notes
- This soup is very versatile—use black beans, green beans, or any leftover veggies you have on hand.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or extra green chilies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
