Cowboy Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with a medley of vegetables, beans, ground beef, and seasonings that come together in a comforting, satisfying bowl of goodness. This rustic soup is perfect for cold weather, with its rich, savory broth and filling ingredients that make it a one-pot meal ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this soup is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Soup is a complete meal in one bowl, offering a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory flavor. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. This soup is easy to prepare, making it a great option for meal prep or feeding a large family. It’s also a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys bold, zesty flavors with a satisfying, filling texture. Plus, it stores and reheats well, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
1 cup water
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or tortilla chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to become fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer a little longer or mash some of the beans to create a heartier texture.
Serve the soup hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or tortilla chips.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add extra veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the soup to make it even more hearty and nutritious.
Use different beans: You can swap the kidney beans and black beans for pinto beans, white beans, or any other beans you like.
Make it spicier: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup some extra heat.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add more beans or tofu for added protein.
Serve it with rice: For an even heartier meal, serve the soup over cooked rice or alongside cornbread.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This soup also freezes well—just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. It will still provide plenty of flavor, especially when seasoned well with the spices in this recipe.

2. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.

3. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, chicken broth will work just fine and create a lighter flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian version.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce. Taste and adjust until you reach your preferred spice level.

5. Can I freeze Cowboy Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes very well. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. Can I use canned vegetables for this soup?

Yes, canned vegetables such as corn and beans are perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium.

7. Can I make Cowboy Soup in the slow cooker?

Yes! To make this soup in the slow cooker, brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic first. Then, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

8. Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Yes, frozen corn can be used instead of canned corn. Just add it directly to the soup with the other ingredients.

9. How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a spoon or an immersion blender to create a creamier texture. You can also let the soup simmer for a longer time to reduce and thicken the broth.

10. Can I serve Cowboy Soup with bread?

Yes, Cowboy Soup is fantastic when served with crusty bread or cornbread on the side. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth for the perfect bite.

Conclusion

Cowboy Soup is a comforting, filling, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a savory base of ground beef, beans, and vegetables, it’s a complete meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Whether you’re serving it on a cold evening or packing it for lunch, this soup will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and sides for a hearty, flavorful meal!