Name: Cowboy Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups beef broth; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices; 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) diced potatoes, drained; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel); 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cowboy Soup is the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. Packed with ground beef, hearty veggies, and just the right kick of seasoning, this one-pot wonder is as satisfying as it is simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, Cowboy Soup brings bold, rustic flavors to your table with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cowboy Soup is how it takes pantry staples and turns them into something unforgettable. Each ingredient plays its part, adding depth, color, and heartiness with every spoonful. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it:

Ground beef: Rich, savory flavor forms the backbone of the soup. Browning it adds that irresistible depth.
Onion (chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic base that balances the beef.
Garlic (minced): Adds punchy, earthy notes that make everything taste brighter.
Beef broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together and gives the soup its soul.
Canned diced tomatoes with juices: Provides tang, color, and a touch of acidity to round out the flavors.
Canned whole kernel corn (drained): Sweet, juicy kernels add pops of color and a pleasant crunch.
Canned pinto beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy texture and protein-packed goodness bulk up the soup.
Canned diced potatoes (drained): Hearty and filling, they soak up all those delicious flavors.
Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel): A little heat and extra zest to keep things interesting.
Chili powder: Warm, smoky spice that defines the soup’s personality.
Cumin: Earthy undertones that deepen the Southwestern flair.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the best flavors in every bite.

How to Make Cowboy Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating up a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it fully browned and crumbly, with no pink left. Once ready, drain off any excess fat so your soup stays hearty but not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef. Let them cook for about three minutes, stirring now and then. The onion should soften and turn translucent, while the garlic fills your kitchen with its mouthwatering aroma.

Step 3: Add Broth and Veggies

Pour in the beef broth, and then add the diced tomatoes (with all their juices), corn, pinto beans, diced potatoes, and those zesty tomatoes with green chilies. Give everything a good stir so the flavors start mingling right away.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir again, then bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, so all the flavors can really come together.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before you serve, grab a spoon and taste the soup. Does it need a bit more salt, or maybe another pinch of pepper? Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste buds, then get ready to ladle up!

How to Serve Cowboy Soup

Garnishes

Cowboy Soup loves a good topping! Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a handful of shredded cheese for extra richness. If you like extra heat, a few jalapeño slices are perfect.

Side Dishes

Cornbread is a classic side, soaking up all the robust flavors of Cowboy Soup and adding a touch of sweetness to your meal. Crackers or a simple green salad also pair beautifully, keeping things balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cowboy Soup in rustic bowls for that homey, chuckwagon feel, or try ladling it into bread bowls for a fun twist. For casual gatherings, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own bowl with favorite garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the Cowboy Soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors only get better with time!

Freezing

Cowboy Soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave individual portions. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen veggies work great in Cowboy Soup. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.

What can I add for extra spice?

If you love heat, toss in a diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or use hot Rotel tomatoes. You can also add hot sauce when serving.

Is Cowboy Soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your canned goods and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten. Always double-check labels if you’re sensitive.

Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

How do I make Cowboy Soup vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The soup will still be hearty and packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something simple, satisfying, and absolutely full of flavor, give Cowboy Soup a try. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your favorite people around the table!

Cowboy Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and a rich broth seasoned with chili powder and cumin. This American classic is perfect for a comforting dinner and pairs beautifully with cornbread or crackers.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Vegetables

3 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced potatoes, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)

Seasonings

1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add liquids and vegetables: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, corn, pinto beans, diced potatoes, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. This combination creates a colorful and nutrient-rich base for the soup.
Season the soup: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and ensure the vegetables are tender.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, ideally accompanied by cornbread or crackers to complete the meal.

Notes

You can substitute fresh or frozen vegetables for canned ones for a fresher taste.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper.
This soup freezes very well and often tastes even better the next day when flavors have melded.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American