Hearty One-Pot Cowboy Soup Recipe

Get ready to whip up a comforting classic! This cowboy soup is a rustic, hearty meal packed with robust flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Featuring ground beef, vegetables, and a savory broth, it is incredibly easy to make. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees a delicious, satisfying dinner with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup

You will quickly discover why this cowboy soup is a family favorite! It brings together incredible flavor with remarkable convenience.

• Quick and Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with protein and vegetables, it is a complete meal in itself.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your pantry and preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it great for lunches.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: A robust and flavorful dish everyone at your table will enjoy.

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Hearty One‑Pot Cowboy Soup

A rustic, comforting one‑pot cowboy soup loaded with ground beef, vegetables, potatoes, beans, and savory seasonings — a hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 15 oz can sweet corn, drained
• 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• chopped parsley or cilantro (garnish)

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp Knife
• stirring spoon
• can opener

Method

 

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium‑high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the peeled and diced potatoes, sweet corn, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium‑high heat.
5. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the chili powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and ground cumin. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all seasonings.
6. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.

Notes

This hearty one‑pot cowboy soup combines ground beef, vegetables, beans, and bold seasonings in a savory broth — perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. It’s versatile and customizable; you can substitute ground turkey or add extra vegetables. The soup also reheats well and makes excellent leftovers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cowboy soup. Each component plays a vital role in building this dish’s rich, savory character.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
• 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 15 ounce can sweet corn, drained
• 1 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained
• 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For the ground beef, try ground turkey or sausage as lean alternatives. Feel free to swap pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, but sweet potatoes offer a delicious twist. Adjust the chili powder and Cajun seasoning to make this cowboy soup as mild or spicy as you prefer. Fresh parsley or cilantro add a bright finish, but dried herbs like oregano or thyme can also work.

Equipment

Making this hearty cowboy soup requires just a few basic kitchen tools. You likely already have these essentials readily available.

• Large Dutch oven or pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Stirring spoon
• Can opener

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your amazing cowboy soup. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious meal every time.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until cooked through. Ensure no pink remains. 1 pound ground beef.
2. Drain any excess fat from the pot. This step keeps your cowboy soup from becoming greasy.
3. Add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. 1 medium onion, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, 1/2 cup green bell pepper.
4. Add the diced potatoes, sweet corn, beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato sauce. Mix everything well to combine the ingredients. 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes, 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, 1 15 ounce can sweet corn, 1 15 ounce can pinto beans, 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce.
5. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. 3 cups beef broth.
6. Reduce heat to a simmer, then add the chili powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and Cajun seasoning. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all the flavors into the cowboy soup. 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon cumin.
7. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on potato size.
8. Taste the cowboy soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch more spice.
9. Serve the cowboy soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish. Enjoy your homemade, hearty meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Maximize the flavor of your cowboy soup with these expert tips. These small adjustments can make a big difference in your final dish.

• Browning Beef for Flavor: Do not overcrowd the pot when browning the ground beef. Cook it in batches if necessary to get a nice sear, which adds depth. This browning process is often attributed to the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that creates distinctive flavors and colors in food.
• Perfect Potato Tenderness: Cut potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking. Test a piece for tenderness before removing from heat.
• Adjusting Soup Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water. If it is too thin, simmer uncovered for an extra few minutes.
• Boosting Umami Flavors: A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste added with the aromatics can deepen the savory notes.
• Correcting Over-Seasoning: If you accidentally over-salt, add a raw, peeled potato cut in half to the simmering soup for 15 minutes. It will absorb some excess salt.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile cowboy soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Plus, it stores exceptionally well!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious cowboy soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or fluffy cornbread for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a cool, creamy contrast. Shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs are also fantastic garnishes.

Storage Instructions

Allow any leftover cowboy soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This soup is also freezer-friendly. Freeze in individual portions for quick, future meals. It maintains quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free option.
• Protein Swap: Experiment with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced smoked sausage for different flavor profiles in your cowboy soup.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and texture by adding other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or diced carrots during the simmering stage.

Nutrition Information

This hearty cowboy soup provides a robust, balanced meal packed with goodness. While specific nutritional values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, this dish generally offers significant health benefits. It is a great source of protein from the ground beef and beans, which helps with muscle maintenance and satiety. The variety of vegetables contributes essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including Vitamin C from bell peppers and potassium from potatoes. Enjoy this flavorful and nourishing meal that supports a healthy diet.

FAQ

You have questions about this fantastic cowboy soup, and we have the answers! Read on for quick tips.

Conclusion

This Hearty One-Pot Cowboy Soup is more than just a meal; it is a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. Its rich flavors, simple preparation, and hearty ingredients make it an instant favorite for any occasion. Whether you are a beginner cook or a busy parent, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. Give this delicious cowboy soup a try tonight, and prepare to add it to your regular meal rotation. We would love to hear how you enjoyed your homemade creation!

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