It was a chilly autumn evening, and the aroma of simmering Cowboy Soup filled my kitchen. This is one of those recipes that’s been passed down in my family for generations, and it’s a true comfort food classic.
Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet satisfying enough for a weekend gathering. It’s packed with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy: This Cowboy Soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of beef, beans, vegetables, and spices creates a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal.
- Budget-Friendly: This soup uses simple, affordable ingredients, making it a great option for stretching your grocery budget.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, beans, or spices.
Cowboy Soup
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
## Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Brown the beef well: Browning the beef thoroughly adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Adjust the broth: Depending on your preferred consistency, you can adjust the amount of beef broth. Add more for a thinner soup, or less for a thicker, stew-like consistency. For a quick weeknight meal, check out our easy kimchi fried rice.
Season to taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more chili powder for a spicier kick, or more Italian seasoning for a richer herbal flavor.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, corn, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
## That’s a Wrap
This Cowboy Soup is just the thing for a chilly evening or a hearty weekend meal. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to try some of our other delicious dinner recipes! We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Let us know what you think of this cozy soup!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
The Pantry Lineup
This Cowboy Soup calls for simple, hearty ingredients you likely already have on hand. Ground beef provides the protein base, while a colorful mix of vegetables adds flavor, texture, and nutrients. Canned beans and tomatoes make this a quick and easy meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Base: 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 3 stalks celery (diced), 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- The Star: 2 lbs ground beef
- Hearty Veggies: 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces), 4 carrots (peeled and sliced into rounds), 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans (drained)
- Flavor Boosters: 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
- Spice It Up: 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons chili powder, Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (to taste)
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, corn, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Brown the beef well: Browning the beef thoroughly adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Adjust the broth: Depending on your preferred consistency, you can adjust the amount of beef broth. Add more for a thinner soup, or less for a thicker, stew-like consistency. For a quick weeknight meal, check out our easy kimchi fried rice.
- Season to taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more chili powder for a spicier kick, or more Italian seasoning for a richer herbal flavor.
Make It Your Way
- Spicy Cowboy Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Cowboy Soup: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or 1 block of crumbled firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Southwestern Cowboy Soup: Add a can of diced green chilies and a teaspoon of cumin for a Southwestern flair. Try our delicious Korean stew recipes for a twist!
- Creamy Cowboy Soup: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It should keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I make this in a crock-pot?
To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef on the stovetop. Then, transfer the browned beef and all other ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
Can I use different beans or vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to swap out the black-eyed peas for other beans like kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. You can also add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini.
What are some good toppings for this soup?
This soup is great with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add some chopped green onions or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
Pairs & Plates
Cowboy Soup is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides. Serve it with a crusty bread for dipping, or a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast. Cornbread is another classic pairing. Check out our delicious Korean side dishes for more inspiration!
That’s a Wrap
This Cowboy Soup is just the thing for a chilly evening or a hearty weekend meal. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to try some of our other delicious dinner recipes! We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Let us know what you think of this cozy soup!
