Cowboy Soup is a quick and easy hearty soup that will be a hit with the whole family. Packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s the ultimate one-pot comfort meal.
This cozy bowl of goodness comes together fast and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Every spoonful is brimming with warmth, spice, and classic cowboy charm.
What You’ll Need for a Rockin’ Cowboy Soup
- Lean ground beef – Brings rich, savory depth and hearty texture, anchoring the soup with cowboy-approved protein.
- Pinto beans – Earthy, creamy, and fiber-rich, these beans round out the stew with substance and southwestern flair.
- Rotel tomatoes – A kick of heat and acidity, these spiced tomatoes brighten the broth and amp up the flavor.
- Chicken broth – Forms the soul-warming base of the soup with a light, savory backdrop for bolder ingredients.
- Mixed frozen vegetables – A colorful medley that boosts nutrition and adds texture in every bite.
- Frozen corn – Sweet pops of flavor that balance the spices and bring sunny charm to the mix.
- White onion & garlic – The aromatic duo that builds savory depth right from the start.
- Chili powder & cumin – These warming spices give the soup its signature smoky-sweet western essence.
- Fresh lime juice & cilantro – A fresh finish that lifts and brightens the rich, spiced stew.
How to Make Cowboy Soup in a Flash
Start by sautéing onions in olive oil until softened and fragrant. Toss in the garlic and ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the beans, chili powder, and cumin until everything is well coated and aromatic. Add the Rotel tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring it all to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a while, covered, so the flavors meld. Stir in the frozen vegetables and corn, and simmer again until tender.
Finish the soup with a squeeze of lime and a handful of chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, or avocado.
Tips, Twists & Tasty Variations
Cowboy Soup is wonderfully flexible and ideal for using up what you have on hand. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different protein profile. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and double up on beans—black beans or kidney beans work beautifully.
Feel free to turn up the heat with extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Rotel tomatoes come in various spice levels, so you can customize the intensity right from the can. Want it thicker? Stir in a handful of instant rice or cooked pasta for extra heartiness.
Storing Leftovers the Cowboy Way
To keep Cowboy Soup fresh, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in resealable freezer bags or containers for up to three months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt adjusted to taste
- 2 cans 284 ml each Rotel tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lime juiced
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups no-salt chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 large white onion diced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 540 ml can pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 500 g lean ground beef
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, until translucent and tender.
- Incorporate minced garlic and ground beef, cooking while stirring until the meat is thoroughly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in the pinto beans, chili powder, and cumin, stirring well to ensure even distribution. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and corn to the pot. Cover again and continue simmering for another 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley and fresh lime juice. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Serve hot, accompanied by any of the optional toppings listed below.
Optional Toppings
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Pickled jalapenos
- Avocado or guacamole
Notes
To customize, substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely and add extra beans. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth as needed.
