This cowboy soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those evenings when you crave something truly satisfying. It is rich, hearty, and packed with incredible flavor, making it ideal for chilly weather or any busy weeknight.
Using lean ground beef provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients while keeping the dish flavorful. Learn more about the benefits of cooking with lean ground beef.
Featuring ground beef, potatoes, beans, and a creamy, cheesy broth, this cowboy soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to create a meal that warms you from the inside out!
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this cowboy soup recipe for many reasons. It is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners and busy parents alike. Every spoonful is packed with savory, satisfying flavors that truly hit the spot. You can also customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Best of all, it is largely a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup after dinner. This hearty, wholesome soup makes a family-friendly dinner everyone will request again and again.
Hearty Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 2–3 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove beef, reserving 2 tbsp of fat in the pot.
- Add onion, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 10–12 minutes until softened. Stir in cumin and cayenne.
- Add corn, black beans, and green chiles, stirring to combine. Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Pour in chicken or beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the prepared roux, then add Velveeta cubes. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cheese melts and soup thickens.
- Stir in grated cheddar cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot topped with bacon bits and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (16 oz.) package Velveeta, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 small potatoes, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
- 1 (13.25 oz.) can whole corn kernels, rinsed and drained
- 1 (13.25 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 oz.) can green chiles
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, optional
- Bacon bits, optional
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Feel free to substitute lean ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a mild Italian sausage for the ground beef in this cowboy soup recipe. Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work wonderfully, but you can also use sweet potatoes or red potatoes for a different flavor profile. Cheese: While Velveeta creates that classic creamy texture, you can use more sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a pepper jack for a bit of spice. Vegetables: Enhance your cowboy soup by adding diced carrots, celery, or a handful of fresh spinach at the end. Broth: Use either beef broth for a richer flavor or chicken broth for a slightly milder base, both work well. Spices: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste; omit it entirely for a mild soup or increase it for extra heat.
The roux, a mixture of butter and flour, is key for thickening the soup and creating its luxurious, creamy consistency. Discover more about the culinary purpose of a roux.
Roux: The roux made from butter and flour helps thicken the soup, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
Equipment
Gather a few essential tools before you start cooking this fantastic cowboy soup. You will need a large Dutch oven or stockpot for cooking the main soup. A whisk is crucial for preparing the roux to ensure it is smooth. Have a cutting board and a sharp knife ready for preparing your vegetables. Finally, measuring cups and spoons will ensure precise ingredient quantities.
Instructions
Start by preparing the roux. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Season the roux with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove it from the heat and refrigerate until you are ready to use it for your cowboy soup recipe.
Next, brown the ground beef. Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Season the cooked beef generously with kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and garlic powder. Transfer the browned beef to a separate plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
Add the onion, chopped potatoes, and diced red bell pepper to the Dutch oven. Sauté these vegetables for 10-12 minutes, or until they are softened and fork-tender. Season the cooking vegetables with more salt and pepper, along with the cumin and optional cayenne pepper. Stir in the rinsed and drained corn kernels, black beans, and the can of green chiles.
Return the browned ground beef to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the 3 cups of low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup gently simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Finally, thicken and enrich your cowboy soup. Stir in the chilled roux mixture from the refrigerator. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the pot. Cover the Dutch oven again and continue to cook for another 15 minutes, or until all the cheese has completely melted and the soup has thickened to a smooth, creamy consistency. Serve this hearty cowboy soup recipe hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese and optional bacon bits. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Soup
Achieve the perfect creamy texture by making sure your roux is smooth and lump-free before adding it to the soup. Properly brown the ground beef until it develops a deep color; this step adds significant depth of flavor to your cowboy soup. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still retain a bit of texture. Always taste and adjust your seasoning, especially salt and spice levels, as you go. For an even richer flavor, grate fresh sharp cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded options.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious cowboy soup with warm cornbread or a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. Garnish individual bowls generously with extra sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a delightful tang and creaminess. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a bright, fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store any leftover cowboy soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing: This cowboy soup recipe freezes remarkably well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thawing & Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Variations
Spicy Version: For those who love heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers. Vegetarian: Transform this into a vegetarian cowboy soup by using plant-based ground crumbles and vegetable broth. Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny dash of liquid smoke can add a wonderful campfire-like aroma. Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end for an even richer and creamier soup. Loaded Soup: Feel free to load your soup with even more toppings like diced avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition Information
This hearty cowboy soup provides a satisfying meal packed with essential nutrients. It offers a good source of protein from the ground beef and beneficial fiber from the beans and vegetables. While specific values vary, you can expect a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in each serving.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I freeze cowboy soup?
A: Yes, this cowboy soup recipe freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Q: How can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, and dairy-free milk. You can also swap the Velveeta for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and omit the cheddar.
Q: What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
A: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully here, as they hold their shape well and absorb the flavors. Red potatoes are another great option for your cowboy soup recipe.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: While designed for the stovetop, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients (except the roux and Velveeta) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the roux and Velveeta for the last 30 minutes.
Q: How can I make my cowboy soup spicier?
A: To increase the heat, add extra cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the vegetables.
Conclusion
This hearty cowboy soup recipe is more than just a meal; it is a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. With its rich flavors, simple preparation, and satisfying ingredients, it truly embodies the spirit of easy, delicious home cooking. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the pure joy of a truly amazing and wholesome family dinner. Gather your loved ones, share a bowl, and savor every spoonful of this incredible, easy-to-make soup!
