Cowboy Soup

 

Cowboy Soup: A Hearty, Homestyle Classic Straight From the Ranch

Few meals capture the rugged warmth of the American West quite like Cowboy Soup. Loaded with tender beef, savory vegetables, beans, tomatoes, and bold seasonings, this one-pot wonder has all the charm of a campfire dinner—without the need for an open flame or a saddle.

Traditionally made by ranch hands who needed a filling meal that could simmer slowly over the fire, Cowboy Soup is rustic, nourishing, and deeply comforting. Today, it’s a beloved family recipe perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or any time you crave something hearty and flavorful.

If you’re looking for a soup that’s as satisfying as it is simple, this is it.

---

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Soup

• Easy one-pot prep: Dump, simmer, and serve—no fancy steps required.

• Flexible ingredients: Use what you have in your pantry or freezer.

• Feeds a crowd: Great for gatherings, game nights, or meal prep.

• Big, bold flavor: Smoky, savory, and rich—true cowboy comfort.

---

⭐ Cowboy Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel tomatoes (or diced tomatoes with green chiles)

• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

• 3 cups beef broth

• 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled & diced

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: green beans, okra, celery, or bell peppers

• Optional garnish: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños

---

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess fat, then add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.

2. Add the Veggies

Stir in potatoes, carrots, and any optional vegetables you’re using.

3. Add the Liquids & Beans

Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, Ro-Tel, pinto beans, kidney beans, and corn.
Stir gently to combine.

4. Season It Up

Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust as needed.

5. Simmer

Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer 30–40 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are tender and flavors have deepened.

6. Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or jalapeños if desired.

---

Tips & Variations

Make It Spicier

• Add extra Ro-Tel

• Use spicy chili powder

• Stir in chipotle peppers in adobo

Make It Heartier

• Add cooked pasta, elbow macaroni, or rice

• Use stew beef instead of ground beef

Make It Healthier

• Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken

• Add spinach or kale at the end

Make It a Slow Cooker Meal

Brown the beef first, then dump everything into your slow cooker.
Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

---

Serving Ideas

Cowboy Soup shines on its own, but it’s even better with:

• Warm cornbread

• Buttermilk biscuits

• A crisp green salad

• Grilled cheese or quesadillas for the kids

---

Why Cowboy Soup Feels Like Home

There’s something magical about a recipe that requires little effort yet delivers big comfort. Cowboy Soup is humble, satisfying, and full of flavor—reminding us that the best meals are often the simplest.

With each spoonful, you’ll taste tradition, warmth, and the spirit of old-fashioned cooking.