This hearty Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Imagine coming in from a chilly day to a steaming pot of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, slightly spicy broth packed with corn, beans, and tomatoes.
It’s a robust, one-pot wonder that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor. Honestly, this isn’t just soup; it’s a full meal that will satisfy even the hungriest cowboys at your table.
WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
A One-Pot Wonder for Easy Cleanup
The beauty of this Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes is its incredible simplicity. You’ll brown the meat and build the entire soup in one single pot, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious meal. Furthermore, it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes improvisation, making it perfect for using up whatever veggies you have in your fridge.
A Crowd-Pleasing Family Meal
This Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes is a guaranteed hit with the whole family. It’s packed with familiar, wholesome ingredients that kids and adults alike will love. The hearty combination of protein, starch, and vegetables makes it a complete, balanced dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.
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Cowboy Soup Recipe with Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting cowboy-style soup loaded with potatoes, ground beef, veggies, and bold Southwestern flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced potatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, green onions for topping
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 2. Add diced onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Stir in diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, Rotel, and beef broth.
- 4. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- 6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 7. Serve hot with cheddar cheese and green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- This soup freezes well store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cowboy soup, potatoes, ground beef, hearty soup
HOW TO MAKE COWBOY SOUP WITH POTATOES
Ingredients: The Campfire Lineup
Gather these simple ingredients Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes for a soul-warming meal:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions: Your Step-by-Step Trail Guide
Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until well-browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Add the Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Build the Soup: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Incorporate Everything Else: Add the diced potatoes, corn, pinto beans, and black beans to the pot. Give everything a good stir.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot!
NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
A Balanced and Satisfying Meal
This cowboy soup with potatoes is a well-rounded meal all on its own. The ground beef provides protein, the beans and potatoes offer fiber and complex carbs for lasting energy, and the variety of vegetables contributes essential vitamins. Using low-sodium broth helps you control the salt level.
Easy Adaptations for Your Needs
This Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes is wonderfully adaptable. For a leaner version, you can use ground turkey or chicken. To make it gluten-free, simply ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free. For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
HOW TO SERVE COWBOY SOUP WITH POTATOES
The Perfect Toppings Bar
Take your Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes to the next level with a fun toppings bar! Set out shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips. Let everyone customize their own bowl.
The Best Sidekicks
While this Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes is a meal in itself, it’s fantastic with a side of warm cornbread or crusty garlic bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully to balance the richness.
HOW TO STORE COWBOY SOUP WITH POTATOES
Refrigerating for Later
Once completely cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and become even more delicious the next day.
Freezing for Future Meals
This Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST COWBOY SOUP WITH POTATOES
Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion
- Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush the step of browning the ground beef. Getting a good, deep color on the meat adds a tremendous amount of flavor to the entire soup.
- Dice Potatoes Evenly: Cutting the potatoes into uniform, small cubes ensures they all cook through at the same time.
- Let it Rest: For the best flavor, let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the flavors to fully meld together.
Variation
Feel free to get creative! You can add a cup of frozen green beans, substitute sweet potato for the russet potatoes, or stir in a quarter cup of pearl barley (add an extra cup of broth if using barley).
Notes
The soup will thicken as it sits due to the starch from the potatoes. If you have leftovers, you may want to add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
COWBOY SOUP WITH POTATOES FAQs
Can I make this Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef with the onions and peppers on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
What can I use instead of Rotel?
If you don’t have diced tomatoes with green chiles, you can use a second can of regular diced tomatoes and add a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles separately.
My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?
You can create a quick slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water. Stir this into the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
CONCLUSION
This Cowboy Soup recipe with potatoes is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
So grab your biggest pot, round up these simple ingredients, and get ready to serve up a truly satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Happy cooking!