If there’s one thing that can turn an ordinary Tuesday night into a cozy family dinner, it’s a big pot of Cowboy Soup simmering on the stove. Think of it as a hug in a bowl—hearty ground beef, tender veggies, and a savory broth that warms you up faster than a Texas campfire. And the best part? You can have it ready in just 30 minutes.
As a busy mom of three, I can tell you this soup has saved me more than once on hectic evenings when everyone’s hungry yesterday. It’s quick, filling, and somehow makes everyone at the table go for seconds—even my picky eater who usually pushes carrots around his plate like it’s an Olympic sport.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup
- Quick and easy: Dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids, spouses, neighbors—everyone loves it.
- Customizable: Toss in extra veggies or swap beans based on what’s in your pantry.
- Comfort food vibes: Perfect for chilly nights, game day, or casual gatherings.
What Does Cowboy Soup Taste Like?
Cowboy Soup is bold and hearty. The beef gives it a rich, savory base while the veggies and beans add layers of sweetness and texture. The broth is smoky with a little kick (thanks, paprika and chili powder), but not so spicy that the kids will complain. Imagine the flavors of a stew, but lighter and faster.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cowboy Soup
One of the best things about Cowboy Soup is that it doesn’t require anything fancy—you can probably pull half of these ingredients right out of your pantry. The other half? Just grab them fresh at the store, and you’ll be all set for a hearty, wholesome dinner. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters in this recipe:
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sauté the onion and celery, building a flavorful base. You could use butter for richness, but olive oil keeps it light and heart-healthy.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down. If you’re like me and always keep onions on hand, you’ll never run out of uses—they’re in everything from soups to Chicken Pastina Soup.
- Celery (3 stalks, diced): A humble veggie that gives balance and an earthy crunch to the broth.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Because no pot of soup is complete without that warm, savory garlic aroma.
- Ground beef (2 pounds): The star of the show! Lean ground beef gives Cowboy Soup its hearty, cowboy-style flavor. You can swap for ground turkey if you’re aiming for something a little lighter.
- Yukon gold potatoes (1 pound, cubed): Tender and buttery, these potatoes make the soup filling enough to serve as a full meal.
- Carrots (4, peeled and sliced): They bring sweetness and a pop of color. My kids love spotting the bright orange in their bowls.
- Canned green beans (1 can, drained): Adds texture and makes this soup feel like a garden harvest in one pot.
- Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): Intensifies the broth with a rich, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, with juices): Brings in acidity and keeps the broth light but flavorful.
- Black-eyed peas (1 can, drained): The secret bean that makes Cowboy Soup feel hearty yet homey. They hold their texture and soak up flavor beautifully.
- Corn (1 can, drained): Sweet kernels that add brightness and a subtle crunch—like little golden nuggets scattered throughout the bowl.
- Beef broth (4–6 cups): The foundation of the soup. Start with 4 cups for a thicker stew-like feel, or add more broth if you prefer it soupier.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning for herby notes, smoked paprika for a touch of campfire smokiness, chili powder for gentle heat, plus salt and pepper to taste.
👉 Pro tip: Cowboy Soup is one of those recipes where the seasonings are flexible. If you love extra spice, don’t be shy with the chili powder. Want it milder for kids? Dial it back and let the beef and veggies shine.
This lineup of ingredients is what makes Cowboy Soup so comforting—simple pantry staples, fresh vegetables, and just enough spice to keep every spoonful interesting.
How to Make Cowboy Soup Recipe
Making Cowboy Soup is as easy as rounding up a few ingredients and letting the stove do most of the work. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide that walks you through the process, even if it’s your first time making homemade soup.
Step 1: Sauté the flavor base
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion and celery. Let them cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic begins—the base of Cowboy Soup comes from these humble veggies releasing their sweetness.
👉 If you love cozy broths with an aromatic kick, this step is very similar to how I start my Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.
Step 2: Add garlic for aroma
When the onion and celery are tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just about a minute—long enough to release that rich, garlicky smell but not so long that it burns. Trust me, the garlic transforms the broth into something irresistible.
Step 3: Brown the beef
Now it’s time for the star of the show: ground beef. Add the beef directly to the pot and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. This should take about 6–8 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left—this step not only cooks the meat but also layers in the hearty cowboy flavor that makes this soup so satisfying.
Step 4: Add the hearty vegetables and beans
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste. Each ingredient brings something different to Cowboy Soup—the potatoes make it filling, the beans make it earthy, and the corn adds a touch of sweetness.
Step 5: Pour in the broth and season
Now pour in 4 cups of beef broth to start. You can always add more if you like a soupier consistency. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors marry nicely.
Step 6: Simmer to perfection
Raise the heat and bring your pot of Cowboy Soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and let it simmer for 14–16 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the broth smells like absolute heaven.
Step 7: Taste and adjust
Before serving, give your Cowboy Soup a quick taste test. Want more smokiness? Add another pinch of paprika. Craving heat? A little extra chili powder won’t hurt. This is the time to make it your own.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Ladle the steaming Cowboy Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like. Pair it with warm bread, cornbread, or even my Garlic Bread Rolls for a complete, hearty dinner.
This step-by-step process makes Cowboy Soup foolproof. It’s a recipe that doesn’t require fancy techniques, just simple layering of flavors that results in a bowl of comfort food everyone will love.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cowboy Soup
- Don’t skip the browning: It builds deep flavor in the broth.
- Potatoes first: Cut them evenly so they cook at the same speed.
- Broth control: Start with 4 cups; add more if you like it soupier.
- Veggie swaps: Try kidney beans instead of black-eyed peas, or sweet potatoes for a fall twist.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day.
Storage for Cowboy Soup
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- Meal prep tip: Freeze in single-serve containers for quick lunches.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Soup in the slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely—it lightens the soup while keeping it hearty.
How do I thicken Cowboy Soup?
Mash a few potato chunks into the broth or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
What can I serve with it?
Cornbread, garlic rolls, or even a fresh side salad.
Conclusion
There you have it, friends—Cowboy Soup, your new weeknight lifesaver. It’s fast, filling, and packed with flavor. The kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family linger a little longer around the table. Give it a try, and let me know if it becomes a regular at your house too.
And if you love soups as much as I do, you’ll also want to check out my Chicken Pastina Soup or this cozy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Best Cowboy Soup – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Winner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the rich flavors of ground beef and hearty vegetables in a warm, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this quick and satisfying dish can be on your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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 carrots (peeled and sliced)
1 can green beans (drained)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 can black-eyed peas (drained)
1 can corn (drained)
4–6 cups beef broth
Italian seasoning
smoked paprika
chili powder
salt
pepper
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and celery; sauté until soft. Stir in minced garlic for another minute.
2. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned with no pink remaining. Mix in all remaining ingredients along with 4 cups of beef broth.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 14-16 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot with your choice of toppings.
Notes
This soup is easily customizable—swap in your favorite beans or veggies based on what you have on hand. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
