Cowboy Soup Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal packed with ground beef, vegetables, and bold seasonings. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day and brings a comforting, rustic vibe to your dinner table.

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
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 4-6 cups beef broth
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Smoked paprika (to taste)
- Chili powder (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Step 4: Add the potatoes, carrots, drained green beans, diced tomatoes with juices, black-eyed peas, and corn to the pot.
- Step 5: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth to start, then add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Add more beef broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning as needed before serving. Enjoy your comforting cowboy soup warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the vegetables or sprinkle in cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an additional depth of flavor.
- Try fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro as a garnish to brighten the dish before serving.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Cowboy Soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. Adding extra beans or lentils will help keep it hearty and satisfying.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Simmer the soup uncovered for longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water and stir it in, cooking until the soup thickens.
PrintCowboy Soup Recipe
This hearty Cowboy Soup is a comforting, flavorful stew packed with ground beef, Yukon gold potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want a filling, home-cooked meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
Meat and Broth
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4–6 cups beef broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté the onions, celery, and garlic: Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the 2 pounds of ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Add the tomato paste and spices: Stir in the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and deepen in flavor.
- Add vegetables and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, green beans, diced tomatoes with juice, black-eyed peas, and corn. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth to start; add more as needed to cover ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning and thickness: If the soup is too thick, add additional beef broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn kernels for more texture.
- This soup stores well and can be reheated for several days after cooking.
- Can be frozen in portions for quick meals later.
- Adjust chili powder to control the spice level.
Keywords: Cowboy Soup, hearty soup, ground beef soup, vegetable beef soup, easy soup recipe, one pot meal

