Cowboy Soup is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal packed with bold flavors, tender vegetables, creamy cheese, and plenty of protein. Because Cowboy Soup is the primary keyword, you’ll see it incorporated naturally throughout this full-length article. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cold weather, or times when you need a satisfying dish that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

My first experience with Cowboy Soup came during a chilly autumn camping trip. A neighbor at the campsite shared a steaming ladle of this thick, cheesy soup from her Dutch oven. The combination of beef, potatoes, peppers, and creamy broth tasted like something slow-cooked all day, even though it came together surprisingly fast. I loved how it warmed everyone around the fire. Since then, Cowboy Soup has become one of my favorite easy meals to make at home, delivering that same comfort with every bowl.

Building Bold Flavor in Cowboy Soup

Starting with a Rich Base

Cowboy Soup begins with a simple roux made from butter and flour. This step creates a creamy foundation that helps thicken the soup later. Cooking the roux until golden gives it a deeper, nuttier flavor. Whisking in whole milk turns it into a smooth mixture that blends easily into the pot. Allowing the roux to chill before adding it later ensures the soup stays stable and creamy from start to finish.

Cooking the Ground Beef

Ground beef adds hearty richness to Cowboy Soup. Browning it in the pot builds flavor right from the start. Leaving a small amount of fat behind helps sauté the vegetables without adding extra oil. Seasoning the beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper strengthens the savory flavor profile. Once browned, setting the meat aside makes space for the vegetables to soften properly.

Layering Vegetables and Seasoning

Softening the Vegetables

Onions, potatoes, and bell peppers create the backbone of Cowboy Soup. Cooking them in the reserved beef fat helps them absorb flavor while releasing their sweetness. The potatoes soften into creamy bites that add extra heartiness to each spoonful. Cooking the vegetables until fork-tender ensures they won’t undercook once the remaining ingredients join the pot.

Adding Corn, Beans, and Chiles

Corn adds natural sweetness and crunch, while black beans increase protein and structure. Green chiles bring gentle heat that complements the spices already in the soup. These additions make Cowboy Soup colorful, flavorful, and satisfying. Once all the vegetables and beans come together, the base takes on a balanced mix of textures that holds up to the creamy broth.

Simmering and Thickening Cowboy Soup

Blending the Broth

Low-sodium beef or chicken broth helps thin the mixture just enough for a smooth simmer. Returning the browned beef to the pot ensures every bite is loaded with hearty protein. Bringing Cowboy Soup to a boil, then simmering, allows flavors to meld while the potatoes continue to soften. This step builds depth and ensures the soup base is well-balanced.

Melting the Cheese

Velveeta creates silky creaminess, while sharp cheddar adds richness and depth. Adding the chilled roux mixture before the cheese ensures the soup thickens evenly. Covering the pot while the cheese melts locks in heat and allows everything to combine smoothly. After about fifteen minutes, the soup transforms into a thick, velvety blend that’s ready to serve.

A hearty, cheesy, one-pot soup loaded with beef, vegetables, beans, and bold Tex-Mex flavors.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cowboy Soup

Calories: 420kcal

Equipment

Stockpot or Dutch oven
Saucepan
whisk
cutting board
knife

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
16 oz Velveeta, cubed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
4 small potatoes, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
13.25 oz corn kernels, rinsed and drained
13.25 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
4 oz green chiles
3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
2.5 cups whole milk
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp cayenne (optional)
Bacon bits (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2–3 minutes until golden. Whisk in milk, season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate the mixture.
In a stockpot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Transfer beef to a plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
Add onion, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook 10–12 minutes until softened and fork-tender.
Season with cumin and cayenne. Add corn, black beans, and green chiles.
Return beef to the pot. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
Stir in the chilled roux mixture. Add Velveeta, cover, and cook 15 minutes until cheese is melted and soup is thick and smooth.
Serve hot topped with grated cheddar and bacon bits.

Notes

Simmer long enough for the potatoes to soften fully and the cheese to melt smoothly.

Nutrition

Serving and Enjoying Cowboy Soup

Ideal Toppings

Cowboy Soup is fantastic straight from the pot, but toppings take it to the next level. Freshly grated cheddar melts quickly over the hot soup, adding extra creaminess. Bacon bits bring smoky crunch, while chopped green onions add brightness. Serving with warm bread or cornbread makes the meal even heartier.

Storage and Reheating

Cowboy Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more satisfying. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If the soup thickens too much after storage, adding a splash of milk or broth brings it back to the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cowboy Soup spicier?
Yes. Add jalapeños, additional cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce.

Can I use different beans?
Absolutely. Pinto or kidney beans work well.

Can I substitute the ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used, though the flavor will be milder.

Does Cowboy Soup freeze well?
Cream-based soups can separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.

Can I lighten the recipe?
Use reduced-fat cheese, light milk, and leaner ground beef for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Cowboy Soup delivers bold flavor, rich creaminess, and satisfying texture in every bowl. Its blend of beef, vegetables, beans, spices, and melted cheese creates a hearty meal that feels both cozy and indulgent. Because it comes together efficiently in one pot, it’s an ideal choice for weeknights or large gatherings. Whether topped with cheddar, bacon, or enjoyed as-is, this soup brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Cowboy Soup