Name: Cowboy Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 stalks celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 medium), cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds; 2 lbs ground beef; 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 (use 6 cups for a thinner soup); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons chili powder; Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; Parmesan cheese; Shredded cheddar cheese; Green onions; Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos; Sour cream

Big bowls of hearty Cowboy Soup are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or warming up after a long day. Loaded with ground beef, chunky potatoes, colorful veggies, and a zesty broth, this is the kind of one-pot meal that makes everyone feel at home. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, Cowboy Soup delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort—making it not just a classic in ranch kitchens, but an instant favorite in any household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cowboy Soup is how incredibly simple but essential the ingredients are. Each component is chosen for its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant colors—there’s no filler, just hearty goodness in every spoonful!

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies for an aromatic base.
Yellow onion: A sweet, mellow flavor that gives depth to the soup.
Celery: Contributes crunch and bright freshness.
Garlic: Essential for that warm, inviting aroma and a punch of flavor.
Ground beef: The heart of Cowboy Soup—hearty, savory, and oh-so satisfying.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up the broth.
Carrots: A little touch of sweetness and beautiful color.
Canned green beans: Convenience and a welcome green pop in each bite.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and deepens the color.
Canned diced tomatoes: Adds texture and tangy, balanced acidity.
Canned black eyed peas: Creamy, hearty, and totally classic in Cowboy Soup.
Canned corn: Sweet and juicy, the bursts of corn make every spoonful fun.
Beef broth: The flavorful liquid gold that ties everything together.
Italian seasoning: A magical blend that brings herbal brightness.
Smoked paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Chili powder: A little warmth and Southwestern charm.
Salt, pepper, & red pepper flakes: For seasoning to taste—spice it up as you like!
Toppings (optional): Think cheese, green onions, tortilla chips, or sour cream—finish your Cowboy Soup your way.

How to Make Cowboy Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a big Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion and celery. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn soft and translucent, then stir in the minced garlic and let everything get fragrant—this sets the stage for all the savory flavor to come.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add your ground beef to the pot and break it up with a sturdy spoon. Cook until there’s no pink left—think lots of scrumptious, sizzly bits. This step ensures your Cowboy Soup gets all its bold, meaty backbone and extra cozy richness.

Step 3: Build the Soup

Now for the fun part! Stir in the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black eyed peas, corn, beef broth (start with 4 cups), and all those flavorful seasonings: Italian herbs, smoked paprika, chili powder, plus generous pinches of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. If your pot looks packed, good! If you want a brothier soup, add in the extra beef broth—a little at a time until you hit just the right consistency.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Crank the heat up and bring that pot to a lively boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low, pop on a lid, and let everything simmer away for 14 to 16 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the carrot rounds perfectly soft without falling apart. Taste, adjust your seasonings if you like it bolder or spicier, and get ready to serve up pure comfort.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Ladle hot Cowboy Soup into big bowls and pile on your favorite toppings. Whether it’s a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, tangy green onions, or a swoop of sour cream, finishing touches make it extra special. Gather everyone around and dig in immediately—this is real-deal, stick-to-your-ribs fare!

How to Serve Cowboy Soup

Garnishes

The best thing about Cowboy Soup is how customizable it is with garnishes. A handful of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, while chopped green onions add a pop of color and sharpness. Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos make for a crunchy contrast, and a dollop of sour cream brings creamy coolness that’s especially nice on a spicy bowl.

Side Dishes

Cowboy Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s even better with sides! Try it with cornbread, crunchy garlic bread, or warm flour tortillas to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad or simple slaw also pairs perfectly, brightening up the meal and adding a touch of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to impress, try serving Cowboy Soup in individual bread bowls or mini cast iron pots. Add fun little topping bars so each guest can make their bowl unique. This recipe is also fantastic for potlucks or family game night—set up your slow cooker and let everyone serve themselves straight from the warm pot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cowboy Soup holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container and you’ll have perfect lunches or quick dinners for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making every bowl even tastier the next day!

Freezing

This soup is a freezer hero! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label, date, and tuck away for up to three months. When you’re ready for a bowl of Cowboy Soup magic, just thaw and reheat for a meal that tastes freshly made.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. If it’s too thick, just splash in a bit more beef broth to revive that soul-warming consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simply brown the ground beef first, then add everything to your slow cooker and set on low for six to eight hours or high for four to six hours. It’s a great “set it and forget it” option for busy days.

Can I substitute other beans?

Definitely. While black eyed peas are traditional, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or even baked beans can all tuck in seamlessly. Let your pantry guide you—Cowboy Soup is flexible and forgiving!

Is there a vegetarian version?

There sure is! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or more beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef. You’ll still have that satisfying, chunky texture and bold seasoning that makes Cowboy Soup unforgettable.

How spicy is Cowboy Soup?

This recipe has a gentle smokiness from the paprika and a mild kick from chili powder and red pepper flakes. You control the heat: just add more chili powder or flakes if you like it fiery, or dial back for a kid-friendly bowl.

Can I make Cowboy Soup ahead for meal prep?

Yes! Cowboy Soup is fantastic for meal prep because it tastes even better after a night in the fridge. Portion it into containers, and you’ve got meals ready to go for several days—a real time-saver!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s deeply comforting, quick to make, and guaranteed to satisfy every appetite, Cowboy Soup is calling your name. Round up these simple ingredients and make a pot—you’ll be amazed how fast it disappears. Go on, give this hearty soup a try and make it your next family favorite!