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Easy Homemade Cowboy Soup

Easy Homemade Cowboy Soup

This easy homemade cowboy soup is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with tender ground beef, vegetables, and warming spices. A comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed)
  • 1 pound ground beef chuck (80/20)
  • 1-1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion (1 large onion)
  • 1-1/2 cups finely diced carrots (4 carrots)
  • 1 large red bell pepper (finely diced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 (32-ounce) carton beef broth (4 cups)
  • 2 cups diced gold potatoes (unpeeled is fine!)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas (drained & rinsed)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (optional, for topping)
  • Freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Crusty buttered bread (optional, for serving)

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Brown the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes before crumbling and cooking until deeply browned. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon, cover loosely with foil, and set aside. This searing step is key for developing rich flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics
  1. Aim to leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot (drain excess or add more olive oil if needed). Add the diced onion, carrots, and red bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 7–10 minutes. This process caramelizes the vegetables, enhancing their sweetness and depth.
Bloom Spices & Tomato Paste
  1. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, beef bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and paprika. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly, about 2–3 minutes. Cooking the spices and tomato paste in this way deepens their flavor.
Thicken the Base
  1. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the crushed tomatoes (they may sputter!) and cook for another minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
Simmer the Potatoes
  1. Add the diced potatoes and bay leaves to the pot, stirring well. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir every 4–5 minutes to prevent sticking.
Combine and Finish
  1. Once the potatoes are tender, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas and frozen corn. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Let the soup simmer gently until everything is heated through. Stir in the red wine vinegar to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is your chance to perfect the salt and pepper balance.
Serve
  1. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Ladle the hot cowboy soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired. Serve immediately with crusty buttered bread for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 27gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal, perfect for a comforting dinner. Customize with your favorite vegetables or beans. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping!
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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