Cowboy soup is the kind of recipe that brings comfort on a chilly day and fills the kitchen with a heartwarming aroma. It’s a family favorite, perfect for big gatherings, busy weeknights, or simply curling up with a cozy bowl. Originating from the Southwest, cowboy soup blends Tex-Mex spices with hearty ingredients like ground beef, tender Yukon potatoes, black-eyed peas, and corn. It’s a meal that tells a story, echoing the flavors and warmth of a traditional cowboy stew made for hardworking folks after a long day on the range.
This soup has that slow-simmered taste, but the good news is that it only takes about an hour to bring together. And don’t be fooled by its simplicity—each spoonful is a burst of flavors and textures that leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds. It’s a straightforward, all-in-one recipe where everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into this flavorful cowboy soup recipe that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: Loaded with protein, fiber, and wholesome veggies, cowboy soup is a meal in a bowl.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it a great choice for weeknights.
- Flexible and Customizable: Easily adjust spices or swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers are delicious and store well, making it an ideal recipe for batch cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious cowboy soup:
- Ground beef – 1 pound for a rich, meaty base.
- Yukon gold potatoes – 4 medium potatoes, diced for a creamy texture that holds up well in soup.
- Onion – 1 large, diced to add a sweet and savory depth.
- Carrots – 2, diced to add color, texture, and natural sweetness.
- Celery – 2 ribs, diced for flavor and crunch.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for a robust, aromatic base.
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 ounces) for a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- Tomato sauce – 1 can (8 ounces) for added richness.
- Beef broth – 4 cups to provide a flavorful soup base.
- Corn – 1 can or 1 cup frozen, for a pop of sweetness.
- Black-eyed peas – 1 can, drained and rinsed, for extra protein and texture.
- Green chilies – 1 small can (optional) to add mild heat and flavor.
- Tex-Mex seasoning – 1 tablespoon, for that signature Southwestern kick.
- Bay leaf – 1, for added depth in the background.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
How to Make Cowboy Soup
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering and prepping your ingredients. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes so they’re ready to go. This makes the cooking process seamless and ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pot.Tip: Browning the beef adds flavor to the soup, so make sure not to skip this step!
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it’s golden and aromatic.
- Add the Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies if you’re using them. Stir in the Tex-Mex seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. This blend of flavors will simmer together to create a rich, hearty base.
- Add the Potatoes and Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced potatoes, corn, and black-eyed peas. Give everything a good stir to ensure it’s well combined.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender. The flavors will meld beautifully as it simmers, creating a thick, savory broth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Helpful Tips for Making Cowboy Soup
- For a Thicker Soup: Let the soup simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the liquid, which will give you a heartier consistency.
- Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne if you like a bit more heat.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on hand, a sprinkle on top before serving can add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Storage Instructions
Cowboy soup stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
- In the Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- In the Freezer: Freeze this soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Fat: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cowboy soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this soup can be made in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Can I use different beans?
Absolutely! Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans can be great substitutes for black-eyed peas if you prefer a different flavor or have them on hand.
What toppings go well with cowboy soup?
This soup is delicious with shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, or even a few crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch and flavor.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this cowboy soup, you’ll love these other warming, hearty dishes:
Conclusion
Cowboy soup is a meal that brings warmth and joy, combining the hearty ingredients of a classic cowboy dish with Southwestern flavors. This one-pot recipe is ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks, blending comforting ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, cowboy soup is bound to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy each spoonful and the cozy feeling it brings, knowing it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
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Cowboy Soup Recipe: A Warm Hug in a Bowl
Description
Cowboy soup is the kind of recipe that brings comfort on a chilly day and fills the kitchen with a heartwarming aroma. It’s a family favorite, perfect for big gatherings, busy weeknights, or simply curling up with a cozy bowl. Originating from the Southwest, cowboy soup blends Tex-Mex spices with hearty ingredients like ground beef, tender Yukon potatoes, black-eyed peas, and corn. It’s a meal that tells a story, echoing the flavors and warmth of a traditional cowboy stew made for hardworking folks after a long day on the range.
This soup has that slow-simmered taste, but the good news is that it only takes about an hour to bring together. And don’t be fooled by its simplicity—each spoonful is a burst of flavors and textures that leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds. It’s a straightforward, all-in-one recipe where everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into this flavorful cowboy soup recipe that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious cowboy soup:
- Ground beef – 1 pound for a rich, meaty base.
- Yukon gold potatoes – 4 medium potatoes, diced for a creamy texture that holds up well in soup.
- Onion – 1 large, diced to add a sweet and savory depth.
- Carrots – 2, diced to add color, texture, and natural sweetness.
- Celery – 2 ribs, diced for flavor and crunch.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for a robust, aromatic base.
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 ounces) for a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- Tomato sauce – 1 can (8 ounces) for added richness.
- Beef broth – 4 cups to provide a flavorful soup base.
- Corn – 1 can or 1 cup frozen, for a pop of sweetness.
- Black-eyed peas – 1 can, drained and rinsed, for extra protein and texture.
- Green chilies – 1 small can (optional) to add mild heat and flavor.
- Tex-Mex seasoning – 1 tablespoon, for that signature Southwestern kick.
- Bay leaf – 1, for added depth in the background.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering and prepping your ingredients. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes so they’re ready to go. This makes the cooking process seamless and ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pot.Tip: Browning the beef adds flavor to the soup, so make sure not to skip this step!
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it’s golden and aromatic.
- Add the Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies if you’re using them. Stir in the Tex-Mex seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. This blend of flavors will simmer together to create a rich, hearty base.
- Add the Potatoes and Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced potatoes, corn, and black-eyed peas. Give everything a good stir to ensure it’s well combined.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender. The flavors will meld beautifully as it simmers, creating a thick, savory broth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.