Name: Cowboy Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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 (about 4 medium potatoes); 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 (6 cups recommended); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons chili powder; Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste; Shredded cheese; Sour cream; Chopped green onions; Fresh cilantro; Crushed tortilla chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

I absolutely love a warm, hearty bowl of soup, and this Cowboy Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I want something comforting yet packed with flavor. It’s a robust, satisfying stew that combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of seasonings that remind me of cozy nights around a campfire. Whenever I make it, the rich aromas fill the kitchen and the whole house seems to come alive with anticipation.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup Recipe

What really draws me to this Cowboy Soup Recipe is its incredible flavor profile. The blend of smoky paprika, chili powder, and Italian seasoning layers beautifully over the tender beef and earthy vegetables, creating a robust taste that’s deeply comforting. The combination of potatoes, carrots, black-eyed peas, and corn adds texture and sweetness that balance out the savory spices perfectly. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug.

Another thing I appreciate is how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. I’m not spending hours chopping or juggling too many steps. It’s mostly about layering ingredients and letting them simmer together, so I get to enjoy the delicious smells and anticipation without any fuss. This makes it ideal for everything from a family dinner after a busy day to a weekend gathering where I want to impress without stress. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and stands out with its beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round metal pot is filled with six clear sections of ingredients in a broth. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise, the first section contains whole olive-green green beans, followed by chopped light yellow potatoes mixed with slices of orange carrot, topped with a sprinkle of greenish dried herbs. Next is a section with chunks of dark red tomato in the broth. Below that, white and black-eyed beans fill the space, then bright red diced tomatoes, and finally bright yellow corn kernels. The pot is sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Cowboy Soup Recipe are wonderfully simple but each plays an important role in the final taste and texture. From hearty vegetables to flavorful spices, every element contributes to making this soup a satisfying meal full of color and warmth.

Olive oil: The base for sautéing veggies, it adds a subtle richness and helps develop flavor.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when softened.
Celery: Adds a fresh, mild crunch and aromatic quality.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, fragrant aroma.
Ground beef: The heartiest protein component that makes this soup filling and robust.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy and tender, these cubes thicken the soup and add body.
Carrots: Sweet, colorful, and nutritious, they brighten every spoonful.
Green beans: Adds a bit of snap and extra vegetable goodness.
Tomato paste: Concentrates a rich tomato flavor and deepens the color.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a fresh tomato bite.
Black-eyed peas: Earthy and hearty legumes that bulk up the soup delightfully.
Corn: Sweetness and texture contrast that elevates the whole dish.
Beef broth: The savory liquid base that melds all the flavors together.
Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend giving an Italian kick to the spice profile.
Smoked paprika: Adds a distinct smoky warmth without overpowering.
Chili powder: Gives a subtle heat and complexity.
Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes: Essential for seasoning and adjusting the spice level exactly how you like it.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and celery and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell that wonderful fragrance.

Step 2: Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up and cook until there’s no pink remaining, making sure it browns nicely without turning dry.

Step 3: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), black-eyed peas, corn, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add 4 cups of beef broth and mix everything thoroughly. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add up to 2 more cups of broth.

Step 4: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 14 to 16 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and all the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. Then serve immediately, hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

This Cowboy Soup Recipe makes about 8 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time is quick, around 10 minutes for chopping and gathering ingredients. The cooking itself takes approximately 20 minutes, including browning the meat and simmering. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time needed since it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh, though letting it sit for a few minutes can help the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve This Cowboy Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a hearty stew showing about five visible layers: a deep red broth base, chunks of golden yellow potatoes, bright orange carrot slices, green beans, and small pieces of cooked ground meat scattered throughout, topped with finely chopped green herbs. A woman's hand holds a spoon inside the bowl, scooping some stew. In the background, part of another similar bowl of stew is partially visible. The bowls rest on a wooden surface with a striped black and white cloth nearby, all placed on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Cowboy Soup Recipe, I love pairing it with a crusty artisan bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up all the savory broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly and adds a refreshing crunch. For a bit of indulgence, topping the soup with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream makes it even more decadent and cozy.

Presentation-wise, I like to ladle the soup into wide, shallow bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It really brightens the dish and makes it feel homemade and special. For drinks, a bold red wine like a Zinfandel or a smoky whiskey cocktail pairs beautifully with the smoky and spicy notes of the soup. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, an iced tea with lemon or a sparkling water with lime works wonderfully.

This soup is perfect for chilly weeknights, casual weekend dinners, or even holiday gatherings when you want something both comforting and impressive. I always recommend serving it hot or warm to enjoy its full depth of flavors, and sticking to moderate portion sizes since it’s so filling and rich.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cowboy Soup Recipe is because it invites you to make it your own. For example, if you want to go a bit leaner or reduce the red meat, substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully while keeping the hearty texture intact. For a vegetarian twist, you can skip the meat altogether and add extra beans, lentils, or diced mushrooms to maintain that satisfying bite and protein content.

When it comes to dietary modifications, making this soup gluten-free is easy — just ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free and avoid any processed ingredients with hidden gluten. For vegan versions, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or even roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a rich, earthy flavor.

If you want to experiment with flavor, try swapping the smoked paprika for chipotle powder for a different kind of smoky heat, or add a splash of barbecue sauce to deepen the smoky-sweet profile. For cooking methods, I sometimes prepare this in my slow cooker by browning the beef first, then dumping everything in and cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours, which makes the flavors incredibly melded and smooth.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Cowboy Soup Recipe, I store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh and flavorful. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best because they don’t absorb odors and are easy to reheat from. I usually keep the soup refrigerated up to 4 days, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well and is a lifesaver to have in the freezer for busy days. Before freezing, I let the soup cool completely to room temperature, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss in quality, so you can enjoy the flavors fresh whenever you want.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, I prefer simmering the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat it evenly and preserve that fresh texture. If you’re short on time, reheating in the microwave works too—cover the bowl to retain moisture and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. I avoid boiling it again, as that can break down the potatoes and veggies, compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Cowboy Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better the next day because the flavors have time to meld fully. Just prepare the soup, cool it down, then refrigerate or freeze as needed. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Is this soup spicy, and can I adjust the heat?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat because of the chili powder and red pepper flakes. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more kick, add extra chili powder or fresh jalapeños while cooking.

Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?

You can substitute canned vegetables like green beans or corn, but I recommend rinsing and draining them well to avoid extra saltiness. Fresh vegetables provide better texture and flavor, especially for potatoes and carrots.

What toppings do you recommend for this Cowboy Soup Recipe?

My favorites include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or even crushed tortilla chips for some crunch. These add extra texture and flavor that complement the soup perfectly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Store cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Cowboy Soup Recipe enough if you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and simple to make. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and joy to the table, making any occasion feel special. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite go-to dish for those cozy days and family dinners. Give it a go – your taste buds will thank you!