There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty Cowboy Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This robust, one-pot wonder combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and pantry staples to create a satisfying meal that feeds a crowd. With its rich flavors and stick-to-your-ribs heartiness, Cowboy Soup has become a beloved comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy Soup is the ultimate comfort food that delivers on every front. This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and beans creates a protein-packed meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
What makes this Cowboy Soup special is its ability to transform simple, affordable ingredients into something extraordinary. The blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the soup simmers. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
This recipe is also fantastic for meal prep and freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy homemade Cowboy Soup whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers exceptional value and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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 (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 as desired (see notes)
How to Make Cowboy Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by dicing your onion and celery, mincing the garlic, and cutting your potatoes and carrots. Having everything prepped before you begin cooking will make the process much smoother.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Spices Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the spices become fragrant.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, potatoes, carrots, green beans, black-eyed peas, and corn to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth initially, adding more as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup Bring the Cowboy Soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Step 7: Season and Serve Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Pot: Use a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot that can hold at least 6 quarts. This ensures even heating and prevents the soup from sticking to the bottom.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Properly browning the ground beef creates a deeper, richer flavor in your Cowboy Soup. Take the time to let it develop a nice crust before stirring.
Layer Your Seasonings: Adding the tomato paste and spices after browning the meat allows them to bloom and develop more complex flavors.
Adjust Liquid as Needed: Start with less broth and add more as needed. You can always thin the soup, but it’s harder to thicken it once it’s too watery.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your Cowboy Soup before serving and adjust the seasonings. Every palate is different, so trust your taste buds.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Difficulty: Easy
This Cowboy Soup recipe is designed to be foolproof and adaptable. The cooking method ensures that all the vegetables cook evenly while the flavors meld together beautifully. The combination of beef broth and the natural juices from the vegetables creates a rich, satisfying base that’s neither too thick nor too thin.
Notes
Topping Suggestions: Enhance your Cowboy Soup with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of hot sauce.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or lima beans work wonderfully in this recipe.
Meat Alternatives: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different twist on this Cowboy Soup.
Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños with the onions, increase the chili powder, or add a can of diced green chiles for extra heat.
Texture Preference: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last few minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker? A: You can thicken Cowboy Soup by mashing some of the potatoes, adding a cornstarch slurry, or simmering uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned? A: Absolutely! Use 1½ cups fresh or frozen corn and 1½ cups fresh green beans. Add them with the other fresh vegetables and adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: Is Cowboy Soup gluten-free? A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your beef broth and canned goods labels to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian? A: Yes! Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra beans or lentils for protein.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Cowboy Soup in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezer Storage: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add a little extra broth if the soup has thickened during storage.
Meal Prep Tips: This Cowboy Soup is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Related Recipes
For more hearty soup recipes, check out these delicious options from runoflif.com:
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Another comfort food favorite that’s creamy and satisfying
- Chicken and Dumplings – A classic one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold days
- Beef and Barley Soup – A nutritious and filling soup with tender beef and vegetables
- Chili Mac Soup – Combines the best of chili and mac and cheese in one bowl
- Vegetable Beef Soup – A lighter version that’s packed with fresh vegetables
Conclusion
Cowboy Soup is more than just a recipe – it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. This hearty, flavorful soup combines the best of simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some serious comfort food, this Cowboy Soup delivers every time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can make it your own by adjusting the vegetables, spices, or toppings to suit your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and makes great use of pantry staples, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights.
So grab your Dutch oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of the most satisfying Cowboy Soup you’ve ever tasted. Your family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll love how easy it is to make this crowd-pleasing favorite.