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Discover the ultimate comfort food with this hearty cowboy soup recipe. It’s a satisfying, one-pot wonder packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients. This warming soup comes together effortlessly, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families. Get ready to enjoy a deeply savory meal that everyone will love, proving how easy and delicious homemade soup can be.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this incredible cowboy soup recipe for many reasons. It offers a taste of the old West in a modern, easy format.
- This recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make, perfect for busy evenings.
- It’s packed with flavorful ground beef and a bounty of healthy vegetables.
- Enjoy a complete, comforting meal all cooked in just one pot, simplifying cleanup.
- The soup is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences.
- It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, hearty meal that satisfies on any day.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and pantry staples to create your delicious cowboy soup. Precision in ingredients ensures the best flavor. This robust cowboy soup recipe relies on a balance of meat, vegetables, and savory broth for its comforting taste.
- 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 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 (I used 6 cups)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Toppings as desired (see notes)
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to adjust this classic cowboy soup. Feel free to customize ingredients based on what you have.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less fat, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Potatoes: Red potatoes or russet potatoes work beautifully if Yukon golds aren’t available. Just ensure even sizing.
- Vegetables: Swap green beans for frozen mixed vegetables, peas, or extra corn. Add fresh spinach at the end.
- Broth: Vegetable broth or chicken broth can easily replace beef broth for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Adjust chili powder to your heat preference, or add a pinch of cayenne for more kick. A bay leaf can deepen the flavor during simmering.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this simple cowboy soup recipe. Most items are likely already in your kitchen.
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for browning meat and simmering the soup.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For prepping all your vegetables efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Colander: Useful for draining the ground beef and rinsing canned goods.
How to Make Cowboy Soup
Creating this delightful cowboy soup is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time. This robust cowboy soup recipe brings big flavors with minimal effort.
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the ground beef and brown thoroughly until no pink remains. Break up the meat with your spoon as it cooks.
The Maillard reaction, a chemical process that rearranges amino acids and sugars in meat, creates the rich brown color and savory flavors developed during browning. Learn more about the Maillard reaction in cooking.
Drain any excess fat from the pot using a colander or by carefully spooning it out. This step prevents the soup from becoming greasy.
Stir in the rest of the ingredients: diced potatoes, carrots, drained green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, drained black-eyed peas, drained corn, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add 4 cups of beef broth until combined. Add up to 2 cups more broth to reach your desired soup consistency.
Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 14-16 minutes. Continue cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender. Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed to suit your preference.
Serve this hearty soup hot with your desired toppings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions on the stove or covered in the microwave until thoroughly heated through.
Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Soup
Elevate your homemade cowboy soup with these simple, effective pro tips.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Brown ground beef in batches if your pot isn’t large enough to prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Season in Layers: Add salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, not just at the end, for deeper flavor.
- Perfect Potatoes: Cook until potatoes are just tender, not mushy, for ideal texture. Check them frequently during simmering.
- Umami Boost: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bouillon cube alongside the broth can deepen savory notes.
- Proper Browning: Ensure your ground beef gets a good sear. This creates rich, caramelized flavors that transfer to the soup.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile cowboy soup easily adapts to your meal plan and preferences. Enjoy it fresh or save it for later.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your hearty soup with delicious accompaniments.
- Top individual bowls with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve alongside warm, flaky cornbread or crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Properly store leftovers to enjoy this delicious soup again.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to storage containers.
- Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Variations
Customize your cowboy soup to suit any taste or dietary need.
- Meat: Try ground chicken, turkey, or even cubed smoked sausage for a different protein.
- Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers with the onions, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end.
- Spice: For more heat, add diced jalapeños with the onions or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to individual bowls.
- Dietary: Make it dairy-free by omitting cheese/sour cream. Ensure all broth is gluten-free for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition Information
This cowboy soup recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, offering a balanced meal. The nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation method. Actual values may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make cowboy soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply cool and store it in the refrigerator. - Is cowboy soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. - How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices, or include a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. A dash of hot sauce also works wonders. - What exactly is “cowboy soup”?
A hearty, rustic soup traditionally made with ground beef, beans, potatoes, and various vegetables in a savory broth. This cowboy soup recipe often features robust seasonings. - Can I use different beans?
Certainly! Kidney beans, cannellini beans, or pinto beans all make excellent substitutions for black-eyed peas.
Conclusion
This hearty cowboy soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure comfort. With its rich, savory flavors and simple one-pot preparation, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. We encourage you to try this incredibly satisfying soup and discover your new favorite family meal. Enjoy the warmth and robust taste that this classic dish brings to your table.
Hearty Cowboy Soup Recipe: A Quick & Delicious One-Pot Meal
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- colander
Ingredients
- 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, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 14.5 oz can green beans, drained
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 15 oz can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can corn, drained
- 6 cups beef broth (or 4 cups for thicker soup)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and celery. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned and no pink remains, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, corn, seasonings, and 4–6 cups of beef broth depending on desired thickness.
- Increase heat and bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 14–16 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or parsley.
