Discover a flavorful Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef recipe that’s packed with veggies and spices for a comforting, hearty meal. This vibrant soup combines savory ground beef, a colorful mix of vegetables, and a blend of bold seasonings that create a perfect balance of tastes and textures. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef is sure to warm you up and leave your family asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Comforting: The combination of ground beef and hearty vegetables offers a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce, this recipe is easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable: You can easily switch up vegetables or spices to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
One-Pot Wonder: This recipe requires minimal cleanup, making your cooking experience stress-free.
Perfect for Leftovers: Leftover soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a balanced, colorful bowl that delights every spoonful.

Ground Beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein to make the soup filling and hearty.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a foundation note for the soup’s depth.
Bell Peppers: Bring vibrant color and a mild crunch that enhances the texture profile.
Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and extra nutrients for a well-rounded soup.
Celery: Adds earthiness and crunch to balance out softer elements.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and depth.
Diced Tomatoes: Offer acidity and juiciness that brighten the overall flavor.
Beef Broth: Creates a savory base that enhances every ingredient.
Kidney Beans and Black Beans: Add protein, fiber, and heartiness to bulk up the soup.
Chili Powder and Cumin: Blend warm spices that give the soup its signature southwestern kick.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors.

Variations for Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef

This dish is incredibly forgiving and adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients and seasonings to your liking. Whether you’re avoiding certain foods or want to add your own twist, these variations will inspire you to make the Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef truly your own.

Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for lentils or extra beans for a plant-based protein boost without losing heartiness.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat and depth.
Chunky Style: Toss in diced potatoes or corn kernels for a thicker texture and added sweetness.
Low Carb: Remove beans and add more vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for a lighter option.
Smoky Flavor: Introduce smoked paprika or use chipotle peppers in adobo for an extra smoky dimension.

Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

How to Make Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. This step unlocks the rich beef flavor and creates a hearty base for the soup. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add chopped onions, bell peppers, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until veggies soften and release their aromas, about 5-7 minutes. This develops layers of natural sweetness and savory notes.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to toast the spices and enhance their flavors. Follow with diced tomatoes and combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Beans

Add beef broth along with kidney beans and black beans. Stir well to blend the ingredients and bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let the soup simmer gently for 20-30 minutes uncovered. This allows all ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef.

Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef

Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh produce boosts the flavor and texture; frozen can work but might affect overall taste slightly.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Start with milder amounts and increase if you prefer a bolder flavor profile.
Drain Beans Well: Rinsing canned beans prevents the soup from becoming too thick or salty.
Let It Rest: The soup tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight.
Serve with Crunchy Toppings: Consider crispy tortilla strips or crushed crackers to add delightful texture.

How to Serve Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef

Garnishes

Top your bowl of Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for creamy, tangy contrasts. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty soup with warm cornbread, crusty bread rolls, or a fresh garden salad to turn it into a complete meal that satisfies both the taste buds and hunger.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a rustic touch or ladle it over rice for a filling southwestern-inspired bowl. You can also offer assorted toppings in small bowls for a fun, build-your-own style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps preserve the flavors and freshness for easy meals later.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even diced steak can be used, but keep in mind the flavor and cooking times may vary slightly.

Is Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef spicy?

The base recipe is mildly spiced, but you can easily increase or decrease the heat by adjusting chili powder and adding fresh peppers as desired.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for convenient hands-off cooking.

What can I substitute for beans?

If you’re not a fan of beans, diced potatoes or extra vegetables like zucchini or corn work great as hearty additions to this soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, provided you use gluten-free beef broth and check that canned beans and spices are labeled gluten-free, this soup is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

Hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for warming up any day. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own spin, this soup delivers comforting nostalgia with every bite. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite in your recipe lineup!

Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef

Print Recipe

Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef is a rich and comforting one-pot soup packed with savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, beans, and bold southwestern spices. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or meal prep, this soup offers layers of flavor and texture that warm you up and satisfy the whole family.

Author: Lucas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soups & Stews
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southwestern American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

1 lb ground beef
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Canned Goods

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)

Spices and Seasonings

2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onion, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften and release their aromas, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to toast the spices and enhance their flavors. Then add the diced tomatoes and combine evenly.
Pour in Broth and Beans: Add the beef broth along with the drained kidney beans and black beans. Stir to blend all ingredients and bring the soup to a simmer.
Simmer and Develop Flavors: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, allowing all ingredients to meld and flavors to deepen.

Notes

Use fresh vegetables for optimal flavor and texture; frozen vegetables can be used but may slightly affect taste.
Adjust spices gradually to your preferred heat level.
Drain and rinse canned beans well to avoid excess saltiness and thickening.
Let the soup rest for a few hours or overnight for enhanced flavors.
Serve with crunchy toppings like crispy tortilla strips or crushed crackers for added texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: cowboy soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup, southwestern soup, one pot meal, comforting soup