If there’s one dish I could call my kitchen champion, it’s Cowboy Soup. This recipe blends hearty beef, vibrant vegetables, tender beans, and a swirl of southwest flavor, all bubbling together in one glorious pot. It’s that kind of meal where every spoonful feels like a warm hug—comforting yet robust, easy to whip up, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cowboy Soup is how each simple ingredient shines on its own and comes together for a symphony of color, taste, and texture. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find items, just classic pantry staples that deliver big flavor every time.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Gives the soup a flavorful, hearty base that makes it truly satisfying.
- Small onion, diced (1): Adds aromatic sweetness and depth with each bite.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings a subtle kick and fragrance you’ll smell as soon as it hits the pan.
- Canned diced tomatoes (15 oz): Offer vibrant acidity and those irresistible tomato chunks.
- Canned corn, drained (15 oz): Lends the perfect pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- Canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz): Pack in plant-based protein and a soft, creamy texture.
- Canned diced potatoes, drained (15 oz): Bring satisfying starchiness without much prep.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz): Add a zingy, slightly spicy kick to the stew.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Enriches the soup with comforting, savory goodness.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Layers in gentle warmth and an earthy undertone.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the southwestern flavor, with a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Always worth tasting as you go for that perfect seasoning.
- Optional: frozen green beans or carrots (1 cup): Toss in extra veggies for more color and nutrition if you like.
How to Make Cowboy Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by warming your favorite large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up. Sauté until it’s all browned with no pink, and don’t forget to drain off any extra fat for a cleaner, lighter base. This first step sets up that rich, savory foundation.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
With the beef still in the pot, add in your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the onion to soften and the kitchen to start smelling absolutely incredible. These aromatics boost every layer of Cowboy Soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Now pile in the diced tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, diced potatoes, and those tomatoes with green chilies. Pour in the beef broth and give everything a gentle stir to mix all the colors and textures together. The pot should look wonderfully full and inviting at this point!
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat and bring your Cowboy Soup to a lively boil. Then lower it to a bare simmer, letting it cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every so often, enjoying how the flavors mingle and deepen as it simmers.
Step 5: Finish with Additional Veggies (Optional)
If you’re adding extra frozen vegetables, stir them in with about 10 minutes left to cook. This keeps them brightly colored and just-tender, adding even more variety to each spoonful.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle the piping-hot Cowboy Soup into bowls. It’s ready to be enjoyed as is, or with your favorite cornbread or crackers for that final comforting touch.
How to Serve Cowboy Soup
Garnishes
This is where you can let guests have some fun! Cowboy Soup begs for garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or even a handful of crispy tortilla strips. Each topping adds another layer of flavor and color—let your mood (or whatever’s in the fridge) guide you.
Side Dishes
You really can’t go wrong with a chunk of warm cornbread or a pile of saltine crackers next to your bowl of Cowboy Soup. For a classic touch, serve with a simple green salad or even baked potatoes, which soak up that flavorful broth beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cowboy Soup in bread bowls for an impressive, edible vessel! For parties or cozy gatherings, pour it into mugs for a casual, hands-on snack. Little jars with layered garnishes can make for a fun meal prep lunch, ready to grab and heat throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, Cowboy Soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making tomorrow’s lunch a treat you’ll look forward to!
Freezing
Cowboy Soup is a freezer champion. Portion cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pour soup into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat until simmering gently. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up in the fridge or freezer. For quick meals, the microwave works beautifully in one- or two-minute bursts, stirring between rounds.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option. The spices and veggies guarantee Cowboy Soup stays flavorful no matter which protein you choose.
What if I don’t have canned potatoes?
No problem! Use peeled, diced fresh potatoes instead; just let the soup simmer a little longer (add 10–15 minutes) until the potatoes are tender.
How can I make Cowboy Soup spicier?
If you like extra heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne, swap in hot diced green chilies, or stir in some sliced jalapeños. You’re in complete control of the spice level.
Can I make Cowboy Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Leave out the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You could also add extra beans or meatless crumbles for a hearty plant-based version.
Does Cowboy Soup work in a slow cooker?
It does. Brown the beef and onion/garlic as usual, then move everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Add delicate veggies, like green beans, in the last hour.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s as soul-warming as it is simple, Cowboy Soup is it. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend over, and prepare to ladle out bowl after bowl of comfort and joy. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the magic of this tried-and-true favorite!
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Cowboy Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cowboy Soup recipe that is a perfect one-pot meal for a cozy dinner. This beef soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory spices, creating a satisfying and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 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 diced potatoes, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen green beans or carrots
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, diced potatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra frozen vegetables in the last 10 minutes of cooking if using.
- Serve: Serve hot with cornbread or crackers.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or extra green chilies.
- You can substitute fresh diced potatoes if preferred—just simmer longer until tender.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
