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Cowboy Soup is a hearty, old-fashioned one-pot meal made with ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and vegetables simmered together in a savory, bold broth. This Cowboy Soup recipe is similar to a hearty Hamburger Soup, but with extra vegetables and even more flavor. If you’re craving something even heartier, try my chunky Cowboy Stew — or if you want the thickest, coziest bowl, my Hamburger Stew is the one.
What makes this Cowboy Soup so good is how much flavor you get in one pot. Smoked sausage and chili spices give the broth that big, bold taste, while beans, potatoes, and veggies make it hearty enough to be dinner all by itself. And even though it tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon, it’s on the table in about 40 minutes — totally weeknight-friendly. The broth is rich and savory, packed with tender vegetables, hearty beans, and smoky sausage in every spoonful. And even though it tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon, it’s on the table in about 40 minutes — totally weeknight-friendly. If you’re in a soup mood, don’t miss my Vegetable Beef Soup next.
What Is Cowboy Soup?
Cowboy Soup is a hearty ground beef and vegetable soup made with beans, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, and pantry-friendly seasonings simmered together in one pot. It’s often compared to Hamburger Soup, but cowboy soup usually contains more vegetables and a slightly bolder broth.
Some people also compare it to Cowboy Stew, which is thicker and closer to chili. Cowboy Soup stays brothier and more spoonable, making it perfect when you want a comforting soup instead of a thick stew.
✨Before You Start ✨
✨ Brown the sausage well: Those crispy edges deepen the broth’s smoky flavor.
✨ Better Than Bouillon boost: Dissolving it in boiling water adds an extra layer of beefy richness.
✨ Use what you have: This recipe is versatile—swap veggies or proteins based on your pantry.
✨ Make it lighter: Try ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner soup.
✨ Feeds a crowd: With 8 generous servings, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Cowboy Soup Ingredients + Key Notes
- Smoked sausage – Browning first builds a smoky, savory base.
- Ground beef – Classic cowboy flavor; swap turkey for a lighter version.
- Ranch Style beans – Bring Tex-Mex flair and hearty texture.
- Rotel tomatoes – Adds a little kick and tang.
- Potato + mixed vegetables – Make the soup hearty and balanced.
- Better Than Bouillon + beef broth – Layers of deep, rich flavor.
- Spices – Chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika tie it all together.
🥣 How to Make Cowboy Soup
This is a cozy one-pot soup that builds big flavor as it simmers.
Brown the meats.
Brown the smoked sausage first, then brown the ground beef in the same pot (don’t wipe it out — that flavor matters).
Add the seasonings + liquids.
Stir in the spices, then add Rotel, Ranch Style beans, broth, and Better Than Bouillon.
Add veggies + simmer.
Add potatoes and mixed vegetables, then let it gently simmer until the potatoes are tender and the soup is thickened slightly.
Finish + serve.
Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot with your favorite toppings.
⭐ Pro Tips
⭐ Go bold with seasoning
Taste and adjust—this soup shines with a generous hand on spices.
⭐ Use low-sodium broth
This keeps the flavors balanced since the sausage and bouillon already add salt.
⭐ Dice potatoes evenly
That way, they cook through at the same time.
Easy Cowboy Soup Variations
Make it milder: Use diced tomatoes instead of Rotel and reduce the chili powder slightly.
Make it spicier: Add jalapeños, extra Rotel, or a pinch of cayenne.
Bean swaps: Pinto, kidney, or black beans all work well.
Extra hearty: Stir in cooked macaroni or small pasta near the end.
Substitutions + Additions
Celery: Add about 1 cup chopped celery for extra flavor and texture.
Beans: Swap the Ranch Style beans for pinto, kidney, or black beans — or add an extra can (rinsed and drained) for more bulk and fiber.
No Rotel? Use a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain). If you still want a little kick, add a 4-ounce can of green chilies.
More veggies: Bell pepper, zucchini, or green beans are all great here if you want to stretch the soup.
What to Serve With Cowboy Soup
Cowboy Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side, something warm for dipping, and a sweet finish turns it into the coziest kind of dinner.
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips are all so good here.
Fresh + Crisp Sides
Balance that rich, savory broth with Southwest Salad, super refreshing Pineapple Coleslaw, or my sweet-and-savory Carrot Salad.
Comforting Sides
If you want something extra cozy on the side, go with Cheesy Crockpot Potatoes, classic Candied Carrots, or tender Southern Green Beans.
Cozy Breads
A skillet of authentic Southern Cornbread, slightly spicy Jalapeño Cornbread, or sweet, cake-like Bisquick cornbread is perfect for dipping in that broth.
Sweet Finishes
End on a cozy note with my super moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a warm Peach Cobbler, or a slice of my delicious Buttermilk Pie or Sugar Cream Pie
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
✦ What makes cowboy soup different from hamburger soup?
Cowboy soup usually includes more vegetables and often smoked sausage, which gives it a bolder, heartier flavor than classic hamburger soup.
✦ Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and ground beef with the onions and peppers first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, adding the frozen veggies during the last 30 minutes.
✦ Is Cowboy Soup spicy?
As written, the soup has a gentle kick from the Rotel and chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. If you’re cooking for kids or sensitive eaters, swap the Rotel for plain diced tomatoes and skip the red pepper flakes.
✦ Can I freeze Cowboy Soup?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
✦ What can I use instead of Ranch Style beans?
Pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans work beautifully. You can also add an extra can for more bulk and protein.
✦ Can I make this recipe lighter?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will be lighter, but still delicious and hearty.
Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
Once cooked and cooled, Cowboy Soup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
Freezing
Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead
This soup is a great make-ahead option! The flavors deepen as it sits, so you can cook it the day before, refrigerate overnight, and reheat when ready to serve.
More Cozy Soup Recipes
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Beer Cheese Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Swamp Soup
- Pinto Bean Soup
- Crack Potato Soup
Tried This Recipe?
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Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 15 ounces smoked sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 large red or green bell pepper chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 heaping tablespoon beef flavor Better Than Bouillon dissolved in 1/2 cup boiling water
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel, undrained
- 2 (15-ounce) cans Ranch Style beans, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 large baking potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (12-ounce) pack frozen mixed vegetables,
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, add 1 tablespoon oil and brown sliced sausage over medium heat. Brown on both sides. Transfer sausage to a paper towel lined plate. Leave drippings in the pot.
- Add ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until there's no longer any pink in the beef and the vegetables are tender. Remove and discard excess oil.
- Add dissolved Better Than Bouillon, 4 cups beef broth, browned sausage, Rotel, Ranch style beans, corn, potatoes, chili powder, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a medium simmer, adjust heat to maintain for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are almost done.
- Add the thawed vegetables. Adjust seasonings as needed. When potatoes are tender and the vegetables are heated through, serve.
Notes
- Brown It! The trick to achieving a deep smoky flavor in our soup is to brown the sausage well. The crispy edges will create a very flavorful broth.
- Add More! This recipe is very versatile. Add your favorite veggies or other items in your kitchen that appeal to you.
- Lighten Up! You may also use ground turkey instead of ground beef. Just know that the soup will be lighter in flavor.
I made this it was so good thank you for your recipe !
Hi Billy! Im so happy you enjoyed this Cowboy soup! Thanks you for leaving a comment and the 5 star rating!
I made this it was so good thank you for your recipe
We loved this as much as we love your cowboy stew!
Oh thank you Shayne! That makes be so happy to hear. Thanks so much for leaving a comment and the 5 star rating!