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Cowboy Soup

Cowboy soup is a hearty one pot ground beef soup simmered until the potatoes turn tender. This easy soup recipe is packed with pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and smoky Rotel ranch seasoning for a thick, comforting bowl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cowboy soup base
  • 1.5 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic minced
  • 3 potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes
  • 3 cup beef broth
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 salt to taste
  • 1 black pepper to taste
  • 0.25 cup shredded cheddar for serving
  • 0.25 cup green onions for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Brown the beef
  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Build the smoky, ranch broth
  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, ranch seasoning, cumin, and chili powder, then add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the diced potatoes.
Simmer until tender
  1. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the broth tastes well-seasoned. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve
  1. Ladle the cowboy soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar and green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

For best flavor, let the soup stand 5–10 minutes after simmering so it thickens slightly. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave until hot. Freezing is yes—cool completely, freeze in portions up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat. For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef (90% or higher) and skim any extra fat after browning.