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Alternative names for this soup:
- Hungry Teenager Soup
- He’s Never Full Soup
- Stick to Your Ribs Soup
- First Dinner Soup
Anyone who’s had a teenager (especially boys) in the house knows how hard it is to keep them full. My son Luke just turned 13 and his appetite is not easy to keep up with. Luke’s always been a big boy; if you’ve followed me for a while you know he was almost 10 pounds at birth! (Read Luke’s birth story here) So while he’s always eaten a healthy amount, lately it’s hit a whole new level.
It’s from that reality that this Cowboy Soup was born. It’s Cowboy Soup because it’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry cowboys. Or teenage boys.
Luke is generally not a big soup guy, but this one is filled with ingredients he loves and it was actually the first soup he gobbled up with zero complaints and gave it high praise.
You’re likely to see more stick-to-your-ribs kind of meals over here in the coming months and years because that’s what we’ll be eating. I need meals that are going to fill this boy up, even if it’s only for an hour. Better than heading directly to the pantry right after dinner when every morsel’s been eaten.
Just like this soup, I’ll keep them balanced and healthy with real-food ingredients. My goal is always to fuel my kids with nutritious meals, and that hasn’t changed. Let’s make some Cowboy Soup!
What Makes This Cowboy Stew the Best Soup
If you love beef soup, this cowboy-style soup will became a new favorite. This hearty stew doesn’t take much prep work, and you can hardly go wrong with its steps, even if you are a first-time soup maker. I promise! Here’s why this tasty soup will instantly become your favorite:
Quick and Easy Preparation: I use the stovetop, but it’s super easy to adjust the recipe and use an Instant Pot pressure cooker or slow cooker. Just brown ground beef on medium-high heat, toss in the remaining ingredients and let the machine do the work. This easy prep saves time, making it perfect for busy days.
Nutritious Ingredients: This soup is packed with pinto beans, green chilies, and mixed vegetables, offering a hearty dose of fiber and vitamins. It’s a complete meal that keeps your family full and nourished.
Versatility: Whether you choose ground turkey or beef, the soup’s flavor is always robust, thanks to the foundational ranch-style beans and diced tomatoes. It’s easy to switch up the protein based on what’s in my fridge.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors in this soup only get better with time, making it ideal for great leftovers. You can store it in freezer-safe containers as a quick meal option for hectic days ahead.
Comfort Food: There’s nothing like a bowl of hot, hearty soup to lift spirits. The smoky flavor can help turn each serving into a comforting experience. You can also elevate the smoky flavor by mixing in green beans or sour cream at the end. These final touches add creaminess and extra nutrients. This stew is a crowd-pleaser in my home, and I feel good knowing I’m making a balanced meal for my loved ones.
Ingredients Needed for this Hearty Cowboy Soup Recipe 
A soup must have hearty ingredients that also satiate the cravings—this easy soup recipe ticks both boxes. You need the following common ingredients to make a hearty soup for family dinners:
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Olive oil: We use a heart-healthy fat to sauté the onion.
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Yellow onion, finely diced: Builds a flavor base.
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Ground beef: Ground beef helps this soup have over 40 grams of protein per serving. I recommend grass-fed beef when possible for highest nutrition content.
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Garlic, minced: Infuses each bite with savory goodness.
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Tomato paste: This adds a deep Unami flavor–don’t skip it!
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Chili powder: Delivers a gentle warmth.
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Ground cumin: Deepens the taste profile.
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Smoked paprika: Supplies a subtle smokey edge.
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Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of every ingredient.
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Beef broth: Keeps the soup hearty.
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Yellow potatoes, cut into chunks: Contributes a comforting starch and makes this soup more balanced and satisfying.
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Frozen peas and carrots: These provide color and nutrients. I use frozen to reduce the amount of prep work!
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Corn kernels: Lends a sweet pop to the soup.
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Pinto beans: Who minds more protein? These also add fiber, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
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Tomato sauce: Creates a thicker base and gives deeper flavor. You can also used diced tomatoes if you prefer.
How to Make the Best Hearty Cowboy Soup
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes or so.
- Add the ground beef and break apart and cook until browned.
- Add the garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt, and stir to combine. Cook for about one minute.
- Add the broth, potatoes, and peas and carrots and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are soft.
- Stir n the corn and carrots, beans, and tomato sauce and cook uncovered another 5 minutes. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I store leftover cowboy soup?
Yes. Let it cool first, and then place it in an airtight container. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick meal.
How do I make it thicker if it seems too thin?
Simmer the soup with the lid off. This step reduces excess liquid and gives a thicker consistency without flour or cornstarch.
Does this soup freeze well?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Make a double batch and freeze half for the future!
I hope you love this Cowboy Soup recipe as much as we do! If you try it (or any of my healthy recipes), please leave a comment and star rating–it’s so helpful! Share a photo of these on Instagram so I can see and I’d love to feature you.
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Cowboy Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cowboy Soup is hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 medium yellow potatoes, cut into chunks
- 10 ounce bag frozen peas and carrots
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes*
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes or so.
- Add the ground beef and break apart and cook until browned.
- Add the garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt, and stir to combine. Cook for about one minute.
- Add the broth, potatoes, and peas and carrots and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are soft.
- Stir n the corn and carrots, beans, and tomato sauce and cook uncovered another 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
*I have made this with both tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and enjoy both. My preference is the tomato sauce as I felt the flavor was deeper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: dinner recipes
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 379
- Sugar: 6.7 grams
- Fat: 7.6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36.8 grams
- Fiber: 7.6 grams
- Protein: 41.3 grams
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How to Give This Cowboy Soup Your Own Twist
Soups and stews are the most forgiving meals because you can add in or take out anything you wish. You can make the following swaps to the classic cowboy soup and still enjoy its rich flavor:
Protein Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey to reduce fat without compromising taste. I ensure to brown ground beef thoroughly to maximize flavor before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Spice Adjustments
If you love a kick, adding hot sauce or adding green chilies will take the heat level up a notch. For a milder version, reduce the spices and add a dollop of sour cream to soothe the palate.
Vegetable Add-Ins
Throw in whatever fresh vegetables you have—like green onions or bell peppers—to boost nutritional content and texture. I love how it makes the soup more colorful and filling. You can also store extra portions in freezer-safe containers if you plan to eat leftovers later in the week.
Broth Options
You can also experiment with different broths. Switching chicken broth for beef or vegetable broth can subtly alter the flavor profile while keeping the soup hearty and delicious.
Cooking Methods
You can also use the sauté function in a pressure cooker to deepen the flavors before you set it to pressure cook to meld all the tasty elements together. The stew thickens if you let it cook a bit longer with the lid partially off.
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