Hearty cowboy soup made with ground beef, mixed vegetables and creamy potatoes in a tomato-based broth. This cozy, easy soup comes together in under 45 minutes and makes a satisfying weeknight meal.
This cowboy hamburger soup is comforting, nutritious and simple to prepare. It combines ground beef, two types of beans, frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes and tender potatoes in a savory, rustic broth. It’s family-friendly and relies mainly on pantry staples like canned beans, canned tomatoes, spices and beef broth.
Serve topped with sour cream, shredded cheese and chives for extra richness and texture.
Ingredients
The ingredient list might look long, but most items are pantry staples and frozen vegetables. Below are the amounts used for an 8-serving pot.
- 1 pound ground beef (ground chuck, lean ground beef or hamburger meat)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
- 12 oz honey gold potatoes, small diced (any gold potato works)
- 32 oz beef broth, reduced sodium recommended
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas, green beans, lima beans)
- 1 chipotle in adobo, minced (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
How to Make Cowboy Soup
Follow these straightforward steps to build deep flavor quickly.
Brown the ground beef
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until fully browned.
- Drain all but about a tablespoon of fat. The remaining fat adds flavor.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt and sugar to the pot.
- Cook while stirring for 1–2 minutes until the aromatics are fragrant.
Add the remaining ingredients and simmer
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel, drained beans, diced potatoes, frozen mixed veggies, minced chipotle (if using), Worcestershire sauce and beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Stir in the tomato paste at the end to deepen the tomato flavor and thicken the broth slightly.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with shredded cheese and sour cream.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot: these heat evenly and prevent hot spots while browning and simmering.
- Don’t skip the simmer: slow simmering melds flavors and allows the potatoes to cook through without falling apart.
- Scale carefully: the recipe can be doubled, but you’ll need a very large pot or to cook in batches.
Variations
- Protein swap: use ground turkey or ground sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
- Different vegetables: any frozen vegetable blend works—choose your favorites or what’s in your freezer.
- Adjust heat: add more chipotle or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice, or omit the chipotle for milder flavor.
- Toppings: shredded cheese and sour cream are classic; crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, diced avocado, cilantro, red onion or pickled jalapeños are also excellent.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate
- Cool the soup and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or reheat the entire pot on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Freeze
- This soup freezes well. Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 4 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
FAQs
Cowboy soup is a Tex-Mex style, no-fuss soup that typically features ground beef, beans, vegetables, spices and potatoes in a tomato-based broth. Recipes vary by cook but all share the same hearty, pantry-friendly approach.
Can I make cowboy soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the ground beef and cook the onion and spices first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low until the potatoes are tender—usually a few hours.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free beef broth and checking labels on canned products. Some broths and seasonings may contain gluten.
More Soup Recipes
- Panera Turkey Chili Recipe
- Easy Homestyle Chili
- Gluten Free Potato Soup
- Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Recipe Summary
- Prep time: 15 mins
- Cook time: 30 mins
- Total time: 45 mins
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 220 kcal
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Tried this recipe? Leave a note about how it turned out and any tweaks you made. Enjoy a warm, filling bowl of cowboy hamburger soup on chilly nights.