Searching for a delicious, hearty, and easy meal that satisfies everyone? This cowboy soup recipe is your answer! It’s a comforting one-pot wonder featuring savory ground beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a rich, smoky broth. With quick prep and a wonderfully comforting nature, this easy cowboy soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome dinner fast. It’s simple enough for beginners and packed with flavor that even picky eaters will love.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup Recipe
This incredible cowboy soup recipe offers so much to adore, making it an instant family favorite.
- It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that truly fills you up.
- The recipe makes a big batch, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week.
- You’ll appreciate how quick and easy it is to prepare, even on your busiest days.
- It’s excellent for meal prep and freezes beautifully for future meals.
- This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a healthy choice.
- Enjoy its rustic, smoky Tex-Mex flavors that warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients You Need
Crafting this delicious cowboy soup recipe requires a simple list of ingredients, many of which you likely have on hand. Gather these fresh and pantry staples to create a flavorful and filling meal.
- 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)
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this cowboy soup to your liking or to use what you have.
- Vegetables: Save time by using a bag of frozen mirepoix (diced onion, celery, carrots).
- Other Veggies: Enhance your soup with bell peppers, mushrooms, or a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes.
- Potatoes: Swap Yukon gold potatoes for baby red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, or canned baked beans are excellent substitutions for black-eyed peas.
- Broth: Use beef bone broth for extra richness and nutrients in your cowboy soup.
- Seasoning: Add a packet of taco seasoning or a dash of Cajun seasoning for a twist.
- Heat: A few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper will add a welcome kick.
Equipment Needed
Gathering your kitchen tools before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You will need just a few basic items to prepare this hearty cowboy soup.
- Large Dutch oven or a sturdy stock pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or a heat-resistant spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this cowboy soup recipe is straightforward and takes less time than you think. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting meal.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and celery. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 2: Brown Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot with the sautéed aromatics. Break up the beef with your wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary. This keeps your cowboy soup from being greasy.
According to the USDA, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure safety and prevent foodborne illness.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring your cowboy soup to life! Stir in the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, drained green beans, and tomato paste. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, and drained corn. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir everything until well combined. If you prefer a thinner soup, add up to 2 additional cups of beef broth now.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the Dutch oven, and let it simmer gently for 14-16 minutes. Continue cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Ladle the warm cowboy soup recipe into individual bowls. Add your desired toppings right before serving. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Soup
Elevate your homemade cowboy soup with these helpful hints and troubleshooting advice.
- Avoid overcooking; potatoes should be fork-tender, not mushy.
- Use good quality beef broth for the deepest, most savory flavor.
- The soup is often even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- Prep your vegetables ahead of time to make cooking faster.
- Always adjust seasoning to your personal preference before serving.
- Don’t be afraid to drain excess fat from the ground beef for a lighter soup.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile cowboy soup easily adapts to your preferences, from how you serve it to how you store leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your hearty soup with warm cornbread or a crusty loaf of bread.
- Garnish individual bowls with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh green onions.
- For an extra crunch, top with crushed tortilla chips or Fritos.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store cooled cowboy soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, covered, until heated through.
Flavor Variations
- Smokier: Boost the smokiness by increasing the smoked paprika or adding a tiny drop of liquid smoke.
- Spicier: Kick up the heat with more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Herbaceous: Stir in fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Cooking Method Variations
- Slow Cooker: Brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics in a skillet first. Transfer them to your slow cooker, then add all remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to brown the beef and cook the aromatics directly in the Instant Pot. Add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 15 minutes. Perform a quick release of pressure before serving this quick cowboy soup recipe.
Nutritional Information
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this cowboy soup recipe. Please remember these values can vary based on specific brands and exact quantities used.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
This soup provides a great source of protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized. It’s also packed with vitamins from all the vegetables. Studies highlight that vegetable-rich soups are excellent sources of minerals, vitamins, and fiber which are often lacking in daily diets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes it “cowboy soup”?
“Cowboy soup” typically refers to a hearty, rustic, and often Tex-Mex inspired one-pot meal. It usually features ground meat, beans, corn, potatoes, and smoky spices, making it a substantial and satisfying dish.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! To make a vegetarian cowboy soup, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based ground protein substitute. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How can I thicken the soup?
If your soup is thinner than you prefer, you can thicken it in a couple of ways. Mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup.
What are good toppings for cowboy soup?
Classic toppings include shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh green onions or chives. For added texture, consider crushed tortilla chips, crispy fried onions, or even a few pickled jalapeño slices.
Conclusion
This cowboy soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience, perfect for warming up your family on any day. Its ease of preparation, robust flavors, and incredible versatility make it a fantastic addition to your recipe rotation. We encourage you to try this simple, flavorful soup and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. Share your comments, rate the recipe, or explore our other quick and easy soup recipes!
