This Cowboy Soup recipe is simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Made with ground beef, vegetables, and smoky seasonings, it’s an affordable, comforting meal with a rustic, campfire-style taste.
Known by some as Cowboy Stew or Cowboy Soup, this one-pot dish brings together beef, beans, potatoes, and bright vegetables for a filling Tex‑Mex inspired bowl that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Originally imagined as the kind of stick-to-your-ribs meal a cowboy might make over a campfire, this soup combines ground beef, beans, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes in a savory broth. It works well cooked in a Dutch oven, slow-simmered in a crock pot, or prepared quickly in an Instant Pot. The smoked paprika is a small but important ingredient that adds a distinct smoky depth.
Recipe Ingredients:
Gather the following ingredients for Cowboy Hamburger Soup:
- Ground beef
- Onion (diced)
- Red bell pepper (diced)
- Green bell pepper (diced)
- Potatoes (peeled and diced)
- Diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Sweet corn (drained)
- Pinto beans (drained) — ranch-style or your favorite beans
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Chili powder
- Garlic salt
- Smoked paprika
- Cajun seasoning
- Ground cumin
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Olive oil (optional for sautéing)
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Lean or 80/20 both work; drain excess fat if necessary. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Beans: Pinto beans are traditional, but kidney, black, or chili beans are fine alternatives.
- Potatoes: Russets are used here, but white potatoes or sweet potatoes (cut small) can be used.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient; fire-roasted or Rotel add extra flavor.
- Vegetables: Add green beans, chiles, or frozen mixed vegetables if desired.
How to Make Cowboy Soup Step-by-Step:
Follow these simple steps for a hearty soup the whole family will enjoy. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
STEP 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
STEP 2: Add the diced onion and red and green bell peppers. Sauté with the beef until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
STEP 3: Stir in diced potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), sweet corn, pinto beans, and tomato sauce.
STEP 4: Pour in beef broth and add chili powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.
STEP 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
STEP 6: Taste and adjust seasonings. Add hot sauce for more heat if you like. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Pro Tip:
For deeper flavor, let the soup simmer an additional 10–15 minutes after the potatoes are tender so the ingredients meld. A touch more ground cumin deepens the smoky, savory profile.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Additions and Substitutions
Additions:
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese before serving for richness.
- Use frozen or canned vegetables to vary the mix.
- Top bowls with sour cream or extra fresh herbs.
Substitutions:
- Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or sliced sausage.
- Beans: Try black, kidney, or navy beans.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth works if you prefer a lighter base.
- Convenience: Pre-cut vegetables or frozen mixes save prep time.
FAQs about this Hamburger Soup
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours for an easy hands-off meal.
How can I thicken this into a stew?
Mash some potatoes or beans into the broth, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker, stew-like consistency.
Why is it called Cowboy Soup?
The name reflects a simple, hearty one-pot meal that would be practical for cowboys cooking over a campfire—using basic, filling ingredients like beef, beans, and potatoes.
Cowboy Soup vs. Cowboy Stew?
Cowboy Soup is brothier; Cowboy Stew is thicker and heartier. They share the same core ingredients but differ mainly in consistency.
What to Serve with Cowboy Soup
This soup makes a satisfying main course. Serve with cornbread, warm biscuits, or Johnny cakes for a classic, cozy meal.
Cowboy Soup
Vicky Hadley ~ Little Chef Within
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
Ingredients
- 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 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 for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, corn, beans, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and add chili powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer about 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot garnished with parsley or cilantro.
Notes
Pro tip: Let the soup simmer an extra 10–15 minutes after the potatoes are tender to deepen the flavors. Add a touch more cumin for extra warmth.
Nutrition
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