Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with ground beef, vegetables, and rich flavors. This easy-to-make soup brings together a satisfying blend of smoky spices and creamy cheddar for the perfect cozy meal.

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Extra shredded cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Crushed tortilla chips (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Step 2: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced potatoes. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Step 4: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions, extra cheese, or crushed tortilla chips if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to change up the protein.
- Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Cowboy Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Note that the cream may separate slightly after freezing, so stir well when reheating.
PrintCreamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, beans, corn, potatoes, and a blend of smoky spices, finished with creamy cheese and heavy cream for richness. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day, this one-pot soup offers a delightful mix of textures and southwestern flavors with easy preparation in a Dutch oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
Ingredients
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Broth & Vegetables
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy & Garnishes
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Extra shredded cheese (for garnish)
- Crushed tortilla chips (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned. Drain any excess grease for a leaner soup base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook together for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant, enhancing the soup’s flavor foundation.
- Build the Soup Base: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, drained corn, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced potatoes. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and all the ingredients have melded together.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to melt the cheese fully and create a creamy, luscious texture.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the warm, creamy soup into bowls. Garnish generously with sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips to add fresh, cheesy, and crunchy elements. Serve immediately for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter soup.
- Adjust the chili powder and green chilies according to your preferred spice level.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or mash some potatoes before adding cream.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop.
- To make the soup dairy-free, omit the heavy cream and cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Keywords: Creamy cowboy soup, beef soup, southwestern soup, hearty soup, easy weeknight dinner, creamy beef and bean soup

