Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich creamy flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is flavorful, filling, and easy to make any night of the week.

Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey or meat alternative)
- 1 large Onion (yellow or white for best flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned with juice)
- 1 cup Corn (canned or frozen)
- 15 oz Black Beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 2 medium Potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet, diced small)
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (fresh cheese preferred)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, corn, black beans, and potato cubes. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 4: Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Step 6: Ladle the Creamy Cowboy Soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, extra cheese, or tortilla chips if desired. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream to make the soup dairy-free without losing creaminess.
- Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- For added texture, stir in some cooked rice or quinoa before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating can help maintain the soup’s creamy consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze Creamy Cowboy Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup before adding the cream and cheese. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add cream and cheese when reheating.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free alternative. Omit or replace the cheese with a vegan cheese option.
PrintCreamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
A hearty and creamy Cowboy Soup packed with ground beef, vegetables, and bold southwestern spices, finished with rich cream and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey or meat alternative)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (fresh cheese preferred)
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 large Onion (yellow or white for best flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned with juice)
- 1 cup Corn (canned or frozen)
- 15 oz Black Beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 2 medium Potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet, diced small)
Liquids
- 4 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Liquids, Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, black beans, and potato cubes, along with the spices: smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and rich.
- Serve: Ladle the Creamy Cowboy Soup into bowls, garnishing with sliced green onions, extra cheese, or tortilla chips as desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative to make it lighter or vegetarian.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the cheddar or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Adjust chili powder to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Rinsing canned beans reduces sodium content.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For extra texture, garnish with fresh cilantro or crushed tortilla chips.
Keywords: Cowboy Soup, creamy soup, ground beef soup, southwestern soup, hearty soup, comfort food, easy dinner

