Hearty Cowboy Soup – A Rustic, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Meal

If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and filling dinner that’s easy to prepare, Hearty Cowboy Soup is the perfect choice. Inspired by rustic ranch-style cooking, this soup brings together ground beef, beans, vegetables, tomatoes, and seasonings to create a bold, satisfying dish that feels like it came straight from a campfire.

This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and made with everyday pantry staples—making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a hearty cold-weather meal, this cowboy soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.


Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup

  • One-pot recipe – easy cleanup and no fuss
  • Hearty & filling – loaded with meat, beans, and vegetables
  • Rich, savory flavor – seasoned perfectly for satisfying comfort
  • Flexible & customizable – swap ingredients based on what you have
  • Perfect for cold nights – warm, cozy, and incredibly comforting

🥩 Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or use frozen)
  • 2–3 potatoes, diced
  • 1–2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

🔥 How to Make Hearty Cowboy Soup

1. Brown the Beef

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat.
  • Break it apart and cook until no longer pink.
  • Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté Aromatics

  • Add diced onion and garlic.
  • Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables & Broth

Stir in:

  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Corn
  • Pinto beans
  • Kidney beans
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Rotel
  • Beef broth

Mix thoroughly.


4. Season It

Add:

  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cumin
  • Salt & pepper

Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.


5. Simmer

  • Bring soup to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 25–35 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are tender and flavors meld together.

6. Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and enjoy with:

  • Cornbread
  • Crackers
  • Tortilla chips
  • Cheese on top
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh parsley or green onions

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Cowboy soup pairs wonderfully with:

  • Skillet cornbread
  • Buttery biscuits
  • Grilled cheese
  • Garlic toast
  • Fresh salads

For a camp-style serving, enjoy it with warm tortillas or Dutch oven bread.


🔄 Variations & Add-Ins

Spicy Cowboy Soup

  • Add jalapeños
  • Use spicy Rotel
  • Add hot sauce or chili flakes

Cowboy Soup with Sausage

Replace ground beef with smoked sausage, chorizo, or Italian sausage.

Veggie-Loaded Version

Add zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or celery.

Creamy Cowboy Soup

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Velveeta cheese at the end for a richer version.

Southwestern Style

Add taco seasoning, black beans, and lime juice.


🧊 How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:

  • Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.

Freeze:

  • Freezes extremely well for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat:

  • Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little broth if needed.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Hearty Cowboy Soup is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, loaded with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in one pot, it’s easy enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough for cold-weather weekends or big family dinners.

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Hearty Cowboy Soup – A Rustic, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Meal


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale


  • 1 lb ground beef


  • 1 onion, diced


  • 2 cloves garlic, minced


  • 3 potatoes, diced


  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained


  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained


  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes


  • 4 cups beef broth


  • 1 tsp chili powder


  • 1 tsp paprika


  • Salt & pepper to taste



  • Optional: sliced jalapeños, fresh parsley



Instructions

  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic; drain excess fat.

  2. Add potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, and beef broth.

  3. Stir in chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  6. Serve hot with optional jalapeños or parsley.


PREP TIME & NUTRITION :

 

  • Prep Time: 10 mins

  • Cook Time: 30 mins

  • Total Time: 40 mins

  • Servings: 6

  • Calories: 310

  • Net Carbs: 22g

  • Fats: 12g

  • Protein: 22g

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