Cowboy Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for the coziest, heartiest bowl of comfort with a true Texas attitude, you need to try Cowboy Soup. This recipe is packed with bold flavors, tender potatoes, savory beef, and a spicy kick—perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cowboy Soup comes together with basic, familiar ingredients, but every component brings its own delicious personality to the pot. Here’s what you need and why each one matters to the final bowl of comfort!

• Lean ground beef (2 lbs, 96/4): Provides hearty flavor and protein without excess grease, keeping the soup rich but not heavy.
• Olive oil (1 Tbsp.): Gives the beef a silky sear and helps the aromatics release all their savory notes.
• Onion (½ medium, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness that deepens the broth as it cooks.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with unmistakable warmth and aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
• Russet potatoes (1 lb., chopped): These give the soup body and satisfying bite; they also absorb all the spicy, beefy broth.
• Rotel (10 oz. can): A blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies—this is where that signature Texan tang and mild heat come from!
• Ranch Style Beans (15 oz.): Beans in savory sauce add depth, creaminess, and earthiness, beefing up both texture and flavor.
• Frozen mixed vegetables (12 oz.): Colorful and convenient, they provide a pop of sweetness and all the veggie goodness you love.
• Jalapeño (1, optional, seeded & chopped): If you like a gentle kick, this is your star! Adjust to your heat preference.
• Beef broth (5 cups): The soul of the soup, bringing everything together in a robust, savory base.
• Chili powder (2 tsp.): Adds iconic chili warmth and subtle smokiness.
• Ground cumin (2 tsp.): Gives the dish an unmistakable Tex-Mex flavor.
• Salt (½ tsp.) & pepper (¼ tsp.): Simple seasonings that balance all the flavors in the bowl.

Variations

The magic of Cowboy Soup is that it welcomes all sorts of little tweaks and adjustments. Feel free to make it your own, swap out veggies, add extra heat, or suit any dietary preference—nothing’s off-limits!

• Spicy Southwest Twist: Use chipotle powder in place of chili powder for a smoky, fiery kick, or add a few dashes of hot sauce before serving.
• Veggie-Forward Version: Swap half the beef for extra beans and another bag of mixed veggies for a lighter, plant-forward bowl.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a chunkier, lower-carb soup that’s still super satisfying.
• Cheesy Cowboy Soup: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a melty, ultra-comforting finish that’s perfect for cheese lovers.

How to Make Cowboy Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Set your Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, swirl in the olive oil, then add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it sizzle until almost cooked through and there’s no more pink showing. At this point, you already begin smelling those wonderful savory notes—it’s the start of flavor central! If you see extra grease, you can carefully drain it off for a lighter soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic straight into the pot with your browned beef. Let them cook, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and turn translucent—about 2-3 minutes. This is when your kitchen really starts to smell like home, and you’ll see the flavors deepen as everything mingles together.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Now, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the beef mixture is evenly coated. This brief moment of toasting draws out the fragrant oils in your spices, creating an irresistible base for your Cowboy Soup.

Step 4: Stir in Remaining Ingredients & Simmer

Tip in the chopped potatoes, Rotel, Ranch Style Beans, frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, and chopped jalapeño if you’re using it. Stir it all up, crank the heat, and bring everything to a lively boil. As soon as it’s bubbling, turn the heat down, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your potatoes are fork-tender and the kitchen smells irresistible.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once the potatoes are perfect, give everything one last taste—adjust salt or pepper if you’d like—and ladle Cowboy Soup into your favorite bowls. It’s best served piping hot, scooped up with crusty bread or crackers to soak up every drop!

How to Serve Cowboy Soup

Garnishes

All the best Cowboy Soup bowls deserve a finishing touch! Sprinkle sliced green onions, shredded cheddar, or fresh cilantro on top, and add sliced jalapeños for those who like things bold. A dollop of sour cream cools the heat and brings creaminess.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats a warm, soft piece of cornbread or a crusty chunk of baguette served alongside. Tortilla chips, saltines, or Texas toast are also perfect for dipping and scooping up every drop of Cowboy Soup goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or weeknight fun, serve Cowboy Soup in hearty mugs topped with cheese and jalapeños, or ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls. For a “build-your-own” bar, set out bowls of toppings for everyone to customize their own creations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Cool your Cowboy Soup to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making weeknight lunches an absolute treat!

Freezing

Cowboy Soup freezes beautifully! Divide into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat whenever you need a quick, filling meal.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works great, too—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each. Add a splash of broth if your soup gets too thick.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love warming up to a bowl of Cowboy Soup—bold, comforting, and endlessly customizable! Give it a try the next time you need a little taste of Texas in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to add this to your cozy-night favorites.

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