Cowboy Soup

This hearty and flavorful Cowboy Soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, making it the perfect comfort food. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that will please the whole family. Full of bold spices and hearty ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and beans, this soup is a filling option for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Soup brings together the perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich broth. The combination of spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning gives the soup a delicious depth of flavor, while the potatoes, carrots, and beans provide texture and heartiness. Plus, it’s super easy to make in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. This one-pot wonder is sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 stalks celery, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 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

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 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 (I used 6 cups)

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste

Toppings (optional):

• Chopped cilantro

• Shredded cheese

• Sour cream

• Crumbled tortilla chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), black-eyed peas, corn, and 4 cups of beef broth. Mix until well combined. Add up to 2 more cups of broth if you prefer a thinner soup.

4. Simmer the Soup: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14-16 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add any desired toppings like chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or crumbled tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add more beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, and extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

• Spicy Version: Add more chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.

• Low-Carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower or rutabaga for a lower-carb version of the soup.

• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions, garlic, and celery. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may want to add a little more broth or water when reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if you prefer a leaner or different flavor profile.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will develop more as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and heat on the stovetop.

4. Can I make this soup without the beans?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of beans, you can skip them and add more vegetables, like bell peppers or squash, for extra texture and nutrition.

5. How do I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, red pepper flakes, or a chopped fresh jalapeño. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the red pepper flakes.

6. How can I make the soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher, or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

7. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones. Just add them during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking so they don’t become too soft.

8. Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this soup in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes and quick release the pressure.

9. Can I add pasta to this soup?

Yes, you can add small pasta like elbow macaroni or bowtie pasta. Add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking and adjust the broth if needed to account for the pasta absorbing some liquid.

10. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally dairy-free. You can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for topping.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Soup is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and full of bold, savory ingredients. With ground beef, vegetables, beans, and a rich broth, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily. Whether you serve it for dinner on a busy weeknight or at a family gathering, this soup will surely become a new favorite. Top it with your favorite garnishes and enjoy a warm, filling bowl of goodness!

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