There’s something wonderfully comforting about a bowl full of bold flavors and hearty textures, which is exactly why I adore sharing this Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe with you. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out, loaded with vibrant veggies and just the right amount of kick.

A close-up view of a pot filled with thick vegetable and meat stew in a dark reddish-brown broth. The stew shows chunks of light yellow potatoes, bright orange carrot slices, green beans, celery, and bits of ground meat all mixed together. A white ladle with a wooden handle is scooping the stew, showing a mix of these colorful vegetables and meat. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited every time this soup hits the stove because it’s a simple, satisfying dish that feels hearty without being heavy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a reliable weeknight dinner, this soup ticks all the boxes.

Wholesome and Filling: Ground beef and potatoes combine with vibrant vegetables for a meal that sticks with you.
Quick and Easy to Make: It comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute dinners.
Flavor-Packed: A blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili powder adds a smoky, savory depth.
Customizable and Friendly: You can tweak the spice level or swap veggies to suit your family’s taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together like old friends. You want fresh veggies and a good quality ground beef to really let the flavors shine. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single ingredient on hand — there’s flexibility here, which we’ll talk about more later.

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, one medium yellow onion halved with a few diced pieces beside it, three fresh celery stalks with a few diced pieces, four unpeeled garlic cloves, a mound of raw ground beef, four medium Yukon gold potatoes quartered, four peeled orange carrots sliced into rounds, a small white bowl filled with fresh green beans, a small white bowl with bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl with diced fresh tomatoes and juices, a small white bowl containing black-eyed peas, a small white bowl filled with yellow corn kernels, a small white bowl of rich beef broth, a small white bowl with mixed Italian herbs, a small white bowl with smoked paprika powder, and a small white bowl with chili powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing that deepens flavor.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and a little punch when softened.
Celery: Gives a subtle crunch and an aromatic foundation.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, fragrant notes.
Ground beef: The protein star that makes it filling and hearty.
Yukon gold potatoes: They hold their shape well and add creamy texture.
Carrots: Bring sweetness and color to the mix.
Green beans: Add freshness and a slight snap.
Tomato paste and diced tomatoes: Give that rich, tangy undertone every cowboy soup needs.
Black-eyed peas: Earthy flavor with a creamy bite that's perfect here.
Corn: Sweet bursts that lighten the overall flavor.
Beef broth: The savory liquid base that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder: Spice trio for warmth, depth, and a little kick.
Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes: Essential seasonings for balanced taste and heat.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to keep this soup close to the classic, but I also find it’s easy to personalize. Sometimes I add a splash of hot sauce or swap black-eyed peas for kidney beans depending on what I have. You’ll enjoy tailoring it to your family’s preferences just as much as I do.

Vegetarian Version: Try using plant-based ground beef or extra beans and vegetable broth to make it meat-free.
Spice It Up: If you like it fiery, feel free to double the chili powder or toss in additional red pepper flakes.
Seasonal Veggies: Swap in whatever veggies you have on hand — zucchini or bell peppers work wonderfully too.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick vegetable and beef soup showing about five layers of chunky ingredients: orange carrot slices, thick green beans, pale yellow potato wedges, dark brown ground beef chunks, and white beans, all mixed in a rich red broth sprinkled with small green herb bits on top. A woman's hand holding a spoon is diving into the soup on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden surface next to a speckled plate of finely grated cheese and is accented by grey and black striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soften your aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions and celery, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they look soft and translucent. This step is key because those aromatics build the flavor base. Toss in minced garlic last and give it about 1-2 minutes until you really smell that wonderful garlicky smell, but be careful not to let it brown or burn—it can turn bitter fast.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef

Add the ground beef to the pot and use a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pink color disappears and you see browned bits forming. That browning adds incredible richness to your soup. Drain excess fat if there’s too much to keep the broth from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Add the veggies, spices, and broth

Once your beef is browned, stir in potatoes, carrots, green beans, black-eyed peas, corn, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a couple of teaspoons each of salt and pepper. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, then stir everything together. Add up to 2 extra cups of broth depending on how soupy you like it — I usually go for the full 6 cups for a hearty yet drinkable consistency.

Step 4: Simmer and season

Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. When you see those bubbling boils, reduce to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 14-16 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Taste your soup and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. This is an important last step for balancing flavors—don’t rush it.

Step 5: Serve with your favorite toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls and get creative with toppings—think shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Each bite feels like a warm, cozy hug.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips helped me nail this soup perfectly every time, so I’m passing them along. They’ve saved me from watery mush or bland broth—and I know you’ll appreciate them too.

Browning for Flavor: Don’t rush browning the ground beef; those browned bits stick to the pan and add tons of flavor.
Potato Cut Size: Cut your Yukon gold potatoes evenly—about 1-inch cubes—to ensure they cook evenly without falling apart.
Simmer Covered: Keeping the lid on during simmering traps steam, cooking the veggies perfectly while preserving flavor and moisture.
Season at the End: Adjust seasoning after simmering since the flavors meld and intensify; this prevents overseasoning early on.

How to Serve Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, and chopped fresh green onions. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. These simple garnishes really elevate the cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread, warm cornbread, or a handful of seasoned tortilla chips go so well with this soup. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds balance and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, I like to serve this soup in individual mini cast iron skillets or decorative mason jars for a rustic presentation. Adding small ramekins of assorted toppings lets everyone customize their bowl, making it fun and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the soup has cooled, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about four days and the flavors often deepen overnight. Just be sure to reheat gently to preserve texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving some space for expansion. When thawed, it tastes just as delicious as freshly made—perfect for meal prepping or busy weeks.

Reheating

I usually reheat on the stove over medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to heat evenly. If using a microwave, cover the bowl and warm in short intervals, stirring in between. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep it from getting too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.

What’s the best ground beef to use for this cowboy soup?

I recommend using at least 80/20 ground beef because the fat content adds flavor and richness. Leaner options will work but may make the soup less hearty.

Can I substitute the black-eyed peas with another bean?

Yes! Pinto beans, kidney beans, or even cannellini beans can replace black-eyed peas and still give you that creamy, filling texture and taste.

How can I thicken up this soup if it feels too watery?

If the soup is thinner than you like, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash a few potato pieces into the soup or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef Recipe is truly one of those dishes I go back to when I want something reliable, comforting, and simple. It’s like a warm embrace on a chilly day and always manages to bring smiles around our family table. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it as much as I do — it’s a dependable classic that never disappoints.