If you’re craving the kind of hearty, soul-warming meal that sticks to your ribs and makes the whole house smell amazing, you’re going to love Cowboy Soup. With its vibrant mix of ground beef, tender vegetables, bold spices, and a savory broth, this classic comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Every spoonful brings together the wholesomeness of beef and veggies with the southwestern flair of chili powder and smoked paprika, making it a crowd-pleaser you’ll want in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cowboy Soup is all about celebrating simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for maximum flavor. Each item on this list serves a tasty and practical purpose—from adding robust texture to lending rich color and seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef: Brings savory depth and protein, giving this soup its stick-to-your-ribs quality.
Olive oil: Helps soften veggies and adds a subtle richness.
Onion: Lends sweetness and backbone to the broth as it cooks down.
Garlic: Adds aromatic complexity—don’t skip it for that authentic cowboy flavor.
Carrots: Give pops of color and a natural sweetness that balances the spices.
Potatoes: Make each bowl deliciously filling and soak up all those flavorful juices.
Canned diced tomatoes: Supply tang and a touch of brightness to lift the soup.
Sweet corn: For cheerful bursts of sweetness and satisfying texture.
Pinto beans: Add creaminess and an earthy contrast that makes every bite interesting.
Beef broth: Serves as the rich, savory foundation for this entire pot.
Chili powder: Amplifies that signature southwestern warmth.
Smoked paprika: Infuses the soup with a subtle smokiness you’ll crave.
Dried oregano: Provides classic herby flavor and aromatic lift.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to round everything out—taste as you go!
Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens and freshens up every serving for a pop of color.

How to Make Cowboy Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to turn golden. Stir in the garlic and let it bloom for about 30 seconds, releasing all its amazing aroma—don’t let it brown!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to your pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. If your beef is especially fatty, tilt the pot and spoon off a bit of the excess grease for a lighter, cleaner soup.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Canned Goods

Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes next—they’ll need a head start to become tender. Now, pour in the diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and pinto beans. Give everything a thorough stir to introduce all the colors and textures.

Step 4: Build the Broth and Season

Pour in the beef broth to bring the soup together. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to distribute those warming flavors throughout.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the Cowboy Soup to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. The potatoes and carrots should become fork-tender, and the broth will thicken ever so slightly as all those flavors meld together.

Step 6: Adjust and Serve

Give your soup a taste and add more salt, pepper, or even an extra pinch of chili powder if you want a bit more kick. Ladle your hearty Cowboy Soup into big bowls, finishing each with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like a burst of color.

How to Serve Cowboy Soup

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley is a classic finish, but you can jazz up your Cowboy Soup with shredded cheese, thinly sliced green onions, or even a little diced avocado. For those who love a little heat, a few jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick!

Side Dishes

Nothing beats a big slice of warm, buttery cornbread on the side—it’s just made for dunking into a bowl of Cowboy Soup. Crusty French bread or a simple green salad make great partners too.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cowboy Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, Western-inspired meal. Or offer a toppings bar with cheese, sour cream, and crumbled tortilla chips so everyone can make their bowl their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Cowboy Soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Let it cool before transferring to airtight containers, and it’ll keep for up to 4 days. The flavors only get deeper and more irresistible by the next day.

Freezing

This is a dream meal for your freezer! Once completely cooled, ladle portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. It will keep well frozen for up to three months—perfect for future cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Cowboy Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add a splash of extra broth if the soup thickens up too much.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown your beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything into your slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

What are the best ways to add even more flavor?

Try tossing in a can of green chiles or diced jalapeños for heat, or stir in a handful of shredded cheddar at the end for cheesy richness. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can also create deeper, more complex notes.

Can I use different beans or veggies?

Definitely! Cowboy Soup is wonderfully flexible—swap in black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. You can also add bell peppers, zucchini, or celery depending on what you have.

Is Cowboy Soup gluten-free?

Yes, if you check that your beef broth and spices are gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and ideal for those avoiding wheat.

Can I make it vegetarian?

For a meatless take, simply skip the beef and add more beans or use a meat replacement. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and you’ll still have a deeply satisfying, comforting bowl.

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Soup is the ultimate cozy meal when you want something hearty, simple, and utterly delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with someone you love—there’s just something special about a big pot of soup shared around the table!

Cowboy Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Cowboy Soup recipe that combines ground beef with vegetables and beans in a savory broth, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Veggies and Broth:

2 medium carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Garnish:

1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot, cook onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, then brown ground beef.
Add Veggies and Broth: Stir in carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, beans, and broth. Season with spices.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Adjust and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot, garnished with parsley.