Cowboy Soup Easy Comfort Recipe with a Hearty Kick

Name: Cowboy Soup (Hearty, One Pot Comfort with a Kick!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 stalks celery, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 pound ground beef; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 cup frozen green beans; 1 cup corn (fresh, canned or frozen); 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Nothing says comfort like a bubbling pot of cowboy soup. It’s the kind of rustic, hearty recipe that hugs your belly and warms you to your toes. Packed with beef, beans, and chunky veggies, this one pot wonder is ready to become your go to for busy weeknights or slow, snuggly Sundays.

Why You’ll Crave This Cowboy Soup

Hearty cowboy soup with ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes in a rustic bowl on a wooden table.

This cowboy soup isn’t just filling. It’s downright soul soothing.
From the moment you start sautéing onions and garlic, your kitchen turns into a cozy haven. It’s quick to whip up, packed with pantry staples, and loaded with flavor that gets even better overnight.
It’s also naturally gluten free and flexible enough to tweak with what you’ve got on hand. Dinner win.

Simple, Pantry Friendly Ingredients

Flat lay of cowboy soup ingredients including ground beef, vegetables, canned goods, and seasoning on a light background.

The Flavor Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped

The Protein and Hearty Veggies

1 pound ground beef
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup frozen green beans
1 cup corn (fresh, canned or frozen)
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)

Seasonings and Extras

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 cups beef broth
1 can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed

How to Make Cowboy Soup (Step by Step)

Step-by-step images showing how to make cowboy soup from sautéing and browning meat to adding vegetables and simmering.

1. Sauté the Veggies

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until they start to soften and smell amazing, about 5 minutes.

2. Brown the Beef

Add in the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Keep going until there’s no pink left. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Simmer with Everything

Toss in the potatoes, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, black eyed peas, and all your spices. Pour in the beef broth and give it all a stir.

4. Taste and Adjust

Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it gently bubble for 25 to 30 minutes. The potatoes should be fork tender, and the soup should smell rich and deeply comforting. Taste, then add salt or spice if it needs a kick.

Tips for the Best Pot of Cowboy Soup

Dice your potatoes evenly so they cook at the same pace
Frozen mirepoix is a total time saver
Like it brothy? Add an extra cup of stock before serving
Spice lovers can splash in hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne

Feeling the soup mood? Craving more rustic flavors? Try this slow cooker German potato soup with sausages

Recipe Variations You’ll Love

Vegetarian version? Skip the beef and add lentils or plant based crumbles
Low carb idea? Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets
Try different beans like black beans, kidney beans, or pinto
Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Freeze in flat zip bags for space saving storage up to 3 months
Add a splash of broth when reheating to revive that silky texture

Or go full on comfort food with this cabbage roll soup that’s hearty and satisfying

Cowboy Soup in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

For the slow cooker, brown the beef first, then add everything to your crockpot. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours

For the Instant Pot, use sauté mode for the beef and veggies. Add the rest, seal, and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Natural release

Pair it with this creamy chicken lasagna soup for the ultimate cozy dinner combo

Favorite Toppings (Optional but Delicious)

Shredded cheddar
A dollop of sour cream
Crushed tortilla chips
Fresh green onions
A few dashes of hot sauce

FAQ

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps wonderfully in the fridge and actually tastes better after a day

What’s the best substitute for black eyed peas?

Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans all work great

How do I thicken cowboy soup?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid or mash a few potatoes right in the pot for natural thickness

Warm, filling, and full of flavor, this cowboy soup is the ultimate easy comfort meal. Try it this week and don’t forget to rate, comment, or pin for later

Cowboy Soup (Hearty, One Pot Comfort with a Kick!)

Table of Contents