Cowboy Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and a rich tomato broth. This rustic soup is perfect for feeding a crowd, warming you up on chilly nights, or bringing the flavors of the ranch right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefoniongarliccarrotscelerypotatoesdiced tomatoes (canned)tomato saucebeef brothkidney beanscorn (canned or frozen)green beans (canned or frozen)Worcestershire saucechili powderpaprikasaltpepperolive oil
directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
Stir in chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Add kidney beans, corn, and green beans. Mix well.
Season with Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesTotal time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Stir in cooked pasta or rice to make it even heartier.
Swap out kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans.
Add shredded cheese on top before serving for a cheesy finish.
storage/reheating
Store Cowboy Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Is Cowboy Soup spicy?
It’s mildly spiced, but you can adjust the chili powder or add hot sauce to your liking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the beef and add more beans or use plant-based meat alternatives.
What’s the best side dish for Cowboy Soup?
Cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread pair perfectly with this soup.
How do I thicken Cowboy Soup?
Simmer uncovered for longer, mash some of the potatoes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry if you’d like it thicker.
Conclusion
Cowboy Soup is a filling, one-pot meal that brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients for a true taste of the ranch. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and sure to satisfy everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave something warm, hearty, and delicious!
Print
Cowboy Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Cowboy Soup is a hearty, rustic one-pot soup made with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and a savory tomato broth. This comforting dish is budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd on chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup green beans (canned or frozen)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Add kidney beans, corn, and green beans. Mix well.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Stir in cooked pasta or rice for added heartiness.
- Swap kidney beans for black or pinto beans if preferred.
- Top each bowl with shredded cheese for extra flavor.