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.
Print
Hearty Cowboy Soup – A Rustic, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Meal
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 potatoes, diced
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
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1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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4 cups beef broth
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: sliced jalapeños, fresh parsley
Instructions
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In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic; drain excess fat.
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Add potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, and beef broth.
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Stir in chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot with optional jalapeños or parsley.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
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Prep Time: 10 mins
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Cook Time: 30 mins
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Total Time: 40 mins
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Servings: 6
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Calories: 310
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Net Carbs: 22g
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Fats: 12g
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Protein: 22g