When you need a meal that can wrangle a hungry crowd and warm everyone down to their boots, nothing hits the spot quite like a generous bowl of COWBOY SOUP. Brimming with tender ground beef, chunky vegetables, and a bold, tomato-rich broth, this soup is hearty, flavorful, and whip-smart simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a band of hungry wranglers or just want a taste of rustic comfort on a weeknight, this is the dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true magic of COWBOY SOUP is how a handful of pantry staples and classic veggies combine to create something so deeply satisfying. Each ingredient plays its own starring role, from heartiness and color to those cozy, craveable flavors you’ll love.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich base for sauteing and brings a subtle earthiness right from the start.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweet, mellow undertones and a classic aromatic foundation.
- Celery: Delivers fresh crunch and extra savory backbone to the broth.
- Garlic: Gives the soup an irresistible fragrant kick.
- Ground beef: The heart of the soup, offering richness and plenty of filling protein.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy, tender chunks for that classic stew-like texture.
- Carrots: Sweet, colorful rounds that balance the savory notes beautifully.
- Green beans: A pop of green and a satisfying snap with every spoonful.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and gives the broth a lovely, robust color.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds tang and the essence of slow-cooked flavor in a flash.
- Black eyed peas: Creamy, nutty legumes that add protein and hearty texture.
- Corn: Little bursts of sweetness and a hint of summer in every bite.
- Beef broth: The soul of the soup, bringing all the flavors together (use more or less for your favorite consistency).
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the soup with a blend of herbs for comforting depth.
- Smoked paprika: Lends warmth and a subtle smokiness that makes all the difference.
- Chili powder: Adds just enough gentle heat and Southwestern flavor.
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes: For perfect seasoning—you’re in charge of how much kick you want!
- Optional toppings: Choose your favorites from cheese and green onions to crispy tortilla chips for extra fun.
How to Make COWBOY SOUP
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and celery. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and the kitchen smells amazing. Now, stir in the garlic and let it cook for another minute or two—just until it’s fragrant and inviting.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next up, add the ground beef straight into your pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no pink remains, stirring as you go to ensure even browning. As the beef sizzles, it picks up all those savory onion and garlic notes, setting a delicious base for the rest of the COWBOY SOUP.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Once your beef is beautifully browned, it’s time for the main event: pile in the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), black eyed peas, and corn. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder, plus a good pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit more fire. Pour in about 4 cups of beef broth to get everything mingling—add up to 2 cups more if you want a thinner soup.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Crank up the heat until your COWBOY SOUP comes to a cheerful boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, pop a lid on the pot, and let everything simmer for 14 to 16 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender and the broth is shimmering with flavor. Give the soup a good stir and taste—this is the perfect time to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve Hot with Toppings
Ladle your piping-hot COWBOY SOUP into bowls and let everyone pick their favorite toppings. This is where customizations shine, so pile on cheese, green onions, sour cream, or crunchy chips for that signature finish!
How to Serve COWBOY SOUP
Garnishes
A steaming bowl of COWBOY SOUP isn’t complete without a little extra love on top. Shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips can turn each serving into your own personal masterpiece. Even a dash of hot sauce or a swirl of parmesan makes every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal by pairing COWBOY SOUP with freshly baked cornbread, crusty buttered rolls, or even a simple side salad. These extras soak up that flavorful broth and add satisfying variety to your table—perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving COWBOY SOUP in bread bowls for extra rustic charm, or ladle it into big mugs for easy, fireside sipping. A toppings bar is always popular! Lay out bowls of cheese, green onions, chips, and more, and let everyone customize their soup to their heart’s content. It’s a surefire way to make dinner feel fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the soup has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. COWBOY SOUP tastes even better the second day as the flavors continue to blend—plus, it’ll keep for up to 4 days, making it great for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Freezing
This soup is a champion when it comes to freezing. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat for speedy freezing (and extra room in your freezer), and label them with the date. COWBOY SOUP stays delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months—just defrost and reheat when you’re craving a cozy meal.
Reheating
Warm leftover COWBOY SOUP gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave individual servings (cover the bowl to prevent splatters), pausing to stir once or twice for even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup gets too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute. Just be mindful that you may want to adjust the seasoning to match your protein of choice.
Is it possible to make COWBOY SOUP vegetarian?
Definitely. Skip the beef, add more beans or diced mushrooms for heft, and use vegetable broth. The soup remains hearty and absolutely delicious without the meat.
Can I make COWBOY SOUP in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown your meat on the stove first, then transfer it (along with all the remaining ingredients) to your slow cooker. Cook on high for 5–6 hours or low for 6–8 hours—so easy and hands-off.
What other beans can I add?
Feel free to toss in your favorites! Black beans, chili beans, or even a can of baked beans work beautifully. It’s an easy way to put your own spin on classic COWBOY SOUP.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the veggies, or swirl in your favorite hot sauce at the end. The beauty of COWBOY SOUP is how easy it is to customize the heat level.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for something comforting, customizable, and incredibly satisfying, look no further than COWBOY SOUP. It’s a true classic with flavors big enough to satisfy a crowd and simple enough for busy weeknights. Grab your favorite pot and give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to comfort meal!
