Hearty Cowboy Soup Recipe: Rustic Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty cowboy soup warms up chilly evenings with robust flavors that transport you straight to the rugged ranch lands.

Ranch cooks know exactly how to create satisfying meals from simple ingredients.

Rustic and unpretentious, this recipe captures the spirit of western cooking traditions.

Beef, beans, and vegetables combine in a rich broth that tells stories of open campfires and long cattle drives.

Spices dance through each spoonful, bringing bold southwestern charm to your kitchen.

Generous portions make this a perfect meal for hungry travelers and hardworking folks.

Saddle up and let’s cook something memorable that’ll make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Proper Storage of Cowboy Soup for Later Meals

• Store leftover Cowboy Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

FAQs

• What ingredients make cowboy soup hearty and filling?

Ground beef, black-eyed peas, potatoes, and corn create a protein-packed and satisfying meal that provides substantial nutrition and keeps you full for hours.

• Is cowboy soup considered a healthy meal?

Yes, it’s nutrient-dense with vegetables, lean protein from ground beef, and low-fat ingredients. The soup provides balanced nutrition with multiple food groups in one dish.

• Can I make cowboy soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors are well combined.

Favorite Features of Hearty Cowboy Soup Recipes

• Hearty One-Pot Wonder: Cowboy Soup delivers a complete meal in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making dinnertime a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Packed with versatile ingredients, this recipe welcomes creative additions like different vegetables or protein swaps, allowing personal culinary expression.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable pantry staples and ground beef, this soup stretches ingredients to feed a crowd without breaking the bank, perfect for family meals or potlucks.
• Nutrient-Rich Comfort: Loaded with vegetables, beans, and lean protein, Cowboy Soup provides a balanced, wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.

Gather These Ingredients for Cowboy Soup Perfection

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds richness and depth to the cowboy soup.
• Beef Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and create a satisfying texture.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Carrots, Green Beans, Corn: Colorful vegetables that contribute nutrition and variety to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create a robust tomato base that adds acidity and depth to the soup.
• Black-Eyed Peas: A protein-packed legume that adds nutritional value and texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheese, Tortilla Chips: Delicious garnishes that add extra texture and flavor to the finished soup.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and create a non-stick cooking surface.

How to Cook Cowboy Soup, Start to Finish

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Grab a large Dutch oven and drizzle olive oil across the bottom.

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery

Sizzle these veggies for 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance around for another minute until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Drop ground beef into the hot pan and break it apart with your cooking utensil.

Cook the meat until every single bit turns from pink to a rich brown color.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Mountain

• Chunky potatoes
• Sliced carrots
• Fresh green beans
• Juicy diced tomatoes
• Black-eyed peas
• Sweet corn kernels
• Rich tomato paste
• Your favorite spice blend

Pour in beef broth to create a luxurious liquid base.

Stir everything together so the flavors can mingle and get acquainted.

Step 4: Let the Soup Bubble and Brew

Bring the mixture to a rollicking boil, then dial down the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let everything cook for 14-16 minutes.

The potatoes should become fork-tender and soft.

Step 5: Taste and Tweak

Take a spoonful and evaluate the flavor.

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the soup sings with deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Crispy tortilla chips
• Chopped fresh herbs

Enjoy your cowboy-style feast straight from the pot!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Cowboy Soup

• Sauté vegetables in olive oil until they caramelize slightly, releasing deeper, richer taste profiles for more complex soup dimensions.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, lean chicken, or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary needs without losing hearty texture.
• Adjust broth quantity based on desired thickness – less broth creates thicker stew-like texture, while more liquid makes lighter soup version.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne to create personalized heat and depth in cowboy soup.
• Store soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, noting flavors typically improve after first day as ingredients continue melding together.

Cowboy Soup Add-Ins for Extra Heartiness

• Vegetarian Cowboy Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Cowboy Soup: Add diced jalapeños, swap black-eyed peas for black beans, and include chipotle powder to create a zesty southwestern-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Cowboy Soup: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets and reduce corn content to lower the carbohydrate count while keeping the robust cowboy soup essence.
• Instant Pot Cowboy Soup: Convert the recipe for pressure cooking by reducing liquid and cooking time, creating a faster preparation method without compromising taste and texture.

Serving Cowboy Soup with Simple Sides

• Rustic Ranch Feast: Serve this hearty soup with warm, buttered cornbread for a satisfying meal that feels like home.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with crumbled bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham to add extra protein and depth of flavor.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled queso fresco on top for a creamy, melty finish that complements the soup's robust profile.
• Crunch Factor: Add crispy tortilla strips, toasted breadcrumbs, or oyster crackers for a delightful textural contrast that makes each spoonful exciting.

Cowboy Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty cowboy soup brings rustic ranch-style comfort straight from Western kitchens to dinner tables. Savory beef, robust vegetables, and rich spices create a satisfying meal that connects you with frontier spirit and home-cooked tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) ground beef
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (approximately 1 lb/0.45 kg)
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 1 (14.5-ounce/411 grams) can green beans, drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce/411 grams) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can corn, drained

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4–6 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, warm olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté chopped onions and celery for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic, releasing its fragrant essence.
3. Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking thoroughly until no pink remains, ensuring complete browning.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, black-eyed peas, corn, green beans, and diced potatoes and carrots.
5. Sprinkle in selected spices to enhance the soup’s robust flavor profile.
6. Gradually pour beef broth into the mixture, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly and create a harmonious base.
7. Increase heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to medium-low temperature.
8. Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer for 14-16 minutes, or until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to personal preference.
10. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese or crispy tortilla chips.
11. Serve immediately while piping hot, enjoying the hearty and comforting cowboy-style soup.

Notes

• Choose leaner ground beef like 90/10 or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Swap beef broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this hearty soup.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing each person to control their spice preference.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in refrigerator to speed up cooking process and make meal preparation more efficient.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg