Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy Soup is the ultimate comfort food that delivers on every front. This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and beans creates a protein-packed meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
What makes this Cowboy Soup special is its ability to transform simple, affordable ingredients into something extraordinary. The blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the soup simmers. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
This recipe is also fantastic for meal prep and freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy homemade Cowboy Soup whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers exceptional value and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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)
How to Make Cowboy Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by dicing your onion and celery, mincing the garlic, and cutting your potatoes and carrots. Having everything prepped before you begin cooking will make the process much smoother.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Spices Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the spices become fragrant.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, potatoes, carrots, green beans, black-eyed peas, and corn to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth initially, adding more as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup Bring the Cowboy Soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Step 7: Season and Serve Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Pot: Use a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot that can hold at least 6 quarts. This ensures even heating and prevents the soup from sticking to the bottom.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Properly browning the ground beef creates a deeper, richer flavor in your Cowboy Soup. Take the time to let it develop a nice crust before stirring.
Layer Your Seasonings: Adding the tomato paste and spices after browning the meat allows them to bloom and develop more complex flavors.
Adjust Liquid as Needed: Start with less broth and add more as needed. You can always thin the soup, but it’s harder to thicken it once it’s too watery.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your Cowboy Soup before serving and adjust the seasonings. Every palate is different, so trust your taste buds.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Difficulty: Easy
This Cowboy Soup recipe is designed to be foolproof and adaptable. The cooking method ensures that all the vegetables cook evenly while the flavors meld together beautifully. The combination of beef broth and the natural juices from the vegetables creates a rich, satisfying base that’s neither too thick nor too thin.
