Cowboy Soup is the ultimate comfort meal when you need something hearty and satisfying on a busy night. This rustic classic is packed with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and a broth that warms you right from the first spoonful. It’s a simple, nutritious recipe that cooks in one pot and always makes enough to feed the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup
Cowboy Soup is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight cooking feel effortless. Everything simmers together in one pot, so cleanup stays light. The blend of ground beef, carrots, potatoes, corn, and tomatoes delivers rich flavor without needing heavy cream or complicated steps.
It’s also a great “pantry-friendly” recipe — many ingredients come straight from cans or staples you already have. Even better: leftovers taste even richer the next day, making this a meal-prep favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) green beans, drained
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4–6 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh parsley, shredded cheese, crackers
How to Make Cowboy Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2 — Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue sautéing until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3 — Add Veggies, Seasoning, and Broth
Mix in the potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, green beans, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and corn. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth to start — add up to 2 more cups depending on how thick or soupy you prefer it.
Step 4 — Simmer to Perfection
Turn heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14–16 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have blended beautifully.
Step 5 — Taste and Serve
Adjust seasonings as needed. Add red pepper flakes for more kick or black pepper for extra warmth. Ladle into bowls and finish with toppings you love.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the protein: Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter soup.
- Make it thicker: Mash a few potato cubes in the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
- Add greens: Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Extra veggies: Peas, zucchini, or sweet potatoes make flavorful additions.
- Kid-friendly: Reduce chili powder if you want a milder, sweeter broth.
🥣 Easy Cowboy Soup for Cozy Weeknight Dinners
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Hearty one-pot Cowboy Soup loaded with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and veggies in a cozy, flavor-packed broth.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
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
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder
Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste
Optional toppings: fresh parsley, shredded cheese, crackers
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and celery and cook for 2–3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until no pink remains; drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, corn, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and stir to combine, adding up to 2 additional cups to reach your desired soup consistency.
7. Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14–16 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
10. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
You can use kidney beans or pinto beans instead of black-eyed peas.
Add extra vegetables like peas, zucchini, or spinach if desired.
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 70
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve Cowboy Soup with warm rolls, crusty bread, or buttery crackers. A side salad or fruit adds extra freshness to the meal.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen as they sit.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. This recipe also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 34g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Soup is simple, hearty, and perfect for nights when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. With its wholesome ingredients and rich, cozy flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite all year long.