Cowboy Soup Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Soup is a hearty, flavorful stew packed with ground beef, vegetables, and bold spices. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s both comforting and easy to make any day of the week.

Ingredients
- 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 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 4-6 cups beef broth
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly until there is no pink remaining.
- Step 4: Mix in the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, black-eyed peas, and corn.
- Step 5: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Step 6: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer for 14-16 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to your taste.
- Step 8: Serve the soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños while cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use fresh vegetables when available for a brighter flavor.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste or mash a few potatoes before serving.
Storage
Store leftover cowboy soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make cowboy soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
Is cowboy soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free beef broth and check that canned goods contain no gluten additives.
PrintCowboy Soup Recipe
This hearty and flavorful Cowboy Soup combines ground beef, vegetables, and beans in a savory tomato-based broth seasoned with Italian herbs and smoky spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and packed with protein and vegetables, making it a classic homestyle soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
Meat & Broth
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4–6 cups beef broth
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned throughout with no pink remaining.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juices, black-eyed peas, corn, and seasonings including Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth to start, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer gently for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or spices as desired. Serve hot, optionally with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less beef broth depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and also freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
- For a stovetop slow-cook version, simmer on low for 45 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Keywords: cowboy soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup, vegetable soup, one pot meal

