It’s a classic chuckwagon-style soup made with ground beef (or stew meat), beans, veggies, and zesty seasonings — everything a hungry cowboy (or anyone!) could want in one pot.
Here’s a tried-and-true, flavor-packed recipe 👇
🥣 Cowboy Soup (Hearty Beef, Bean & Vegetable Stew)
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 35–45 min
🥩 Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or 1 ½ lbs stew meat)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups beef broth
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1½ cups frozen corn)
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 green chile or jalapeño, diced (optional, for a kick)
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp paprika (smoked if you have it)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp oil or butter
👩🍳 Instructions
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Brown the beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
Drain excess grease if needed. -
Add aromatics:
Stir in onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. -
Add veggies & seasoning:
Stir in potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, beans, and green chile.
Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Pour in broth:
Add the beef broth and stir well. Bring to a boil. -
Simmer:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30–35 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and soup thickens slightly. -
Taste & serve:
Adjust salt and spice levels. Serve hot with cornbread, crackers, or warm tortillas.
🤠 Variations
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Spicy Cowboy Soup: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers.
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Veggie-packed version: Add carrots, celery, or green beans.
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Thick & hearty: Stir in a spoonful of instant mashed potatoes or a handful of macaroni near the end.
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Slow cooker: Brown beef and onions first, then cook everything on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
💡 Tip
For authentic cowboy flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke or Worcestershire sauce — it gives that campfire depth! 🔥
Would you like me to share a “Creamy Cowboy Soup” version next — the one made with ranch seasoning and cheese? 🧀🍲
