When you need a hot, hearty dinner that feeds a crowd and warms the soul, Cowboy Soup delivers every time. Made with ground beef, canned veggies, and a few spice rack staples, this one-pot recipe is the definition of easy comfort food. It’s budget-friendly, loaded with flavor, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to feed your family fast—but without sacrificing taste.
Why I Love This Recipe
This soup is rustic, simple, and endlessly customizable. I love how it uses pantry ingredients and minimal prep to create something deeply flavorful and filling. The combo of ground beef, pinto beans, corn, tomatoes, and potatoes makes it chunky and satisfying, while the Rotel adds a little zesty kick. It’s also perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced potatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Ground Meat Options: Swap in ground turkey, sausage, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Add Spice: For more heat, use hot Rotel or stir in a dash of cayenne.
- No canned potatoes? Dice and parboil fresh potatoes before adding.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped bell pepper, green beans, or even a handful of kale at the end.
👨🍳 How to Make It
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, diced potatoes, Rotel, and beef broth directly to the pot—do not drain the cans.
- Stir in chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors have blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve piping hot with cornbread or crackers.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the need for draining excess grease.
- This soup is freezer-friendly—just cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- For a smoky flavor, add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a few dashes of liquid smoke.
- Like it thicker? Simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this cowboy favorite with:
- A warm slice of cornbread or buttery biscuits
- A side of These Easy Turkey Wings for a hearty meal combo
- Game night snacks like This Beer Cheese Dip
- Spice lovers? Pair it with hot sauce or jalapeño cornbread
For a Southern dinner vibe, add This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage on the side.
🧊 Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months—great for quick lunches!
🥘 More Recipes You’ll Love
If this cowboy soup hit the spot, check out these other rustic and crowd-pleasing recipes:
- This One Pan Breakfast Bake – perfect for feeding a full table in the morning
- This Dorito Casserole – bold, cheesy, and fun
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage – a quick, Southern-flavored dinner
📝 Final Thoughts
Hearty Cowboy Soup is the ultimate answer to chilly nights, busy schedules, and hungry bellies. It’s comforting, colorful, and brimming with flavor—plus it’s made almost entirely from pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a true roundup winner.
👉 Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and show off your bowl! Let us know your favorite cowboy-style add-ins, and follow for more hearty, home-cooked favorites.
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