Gather ’round the campfire, partners! There’s no better way to warm up after a long day of ridin’ the range than with a big ol’ bowl of hearty cowboy soup. And we’ve got just the thing for you – 20 delicious and filling soup recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
From classic beef and potato soups to spicy Tex-Mex masterpieces, these recipes are perfect for campfire cooking or cozying up by the fire at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or just lookin’ for a new twist on an old favorite, we’ve got you covered with our collection of cowboy soup recipes.
In this article, we’ll be divin’ into some of the most popular and beloved cowboy soups out there – from slow-cooked stews to quick and easy one-pot wonders. So grab your favorite spoon, pull up a chair, and get ready to dig in!
Spicy Texas Cowboy Stew with Beef and Beans
This hearty stew is a classic Texan dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a rugged cowboy’s fuel-up. With tender beef, creamy beans, and a kick of spice, this stew will warm your belly and your spirit.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef cubes (chuck or round)
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 1 hour, or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Slow-Cooked Cowboy Chili with Cornbread Topping
Get ready for a hearty and flavorful meal with this slow-cooked cowboy chili, topped with a crispy cornbread crumble. Perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
For the chili:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the cornbread topping:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Mix cornbread ingredients together; drop by spoonfuls onto the chili.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Rustic Cowboy Vegetable Soup with Smoked Sausage
Savor the flavors of the Wild West with this hearty vegetable soup, packed with smoked sausage and a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a warming lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Classic Cowboy Beef and Potato Soup
This hearty soup is a staple of the American West, perfect for warming up on a chilly day after a long ride. With tender chunks of beef, creamy potatoes, and a rich broth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Southwestern Cowboy Soup with Black Beans and Corn
Experience the bold flavors of the Southwest with this hearty soup, perfect for a cowboy’s hearty appetite!
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can corn, drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in cumin, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans, corn, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Smoky Cowboy Soup with Bacon and Pinto Beans
This hearty soup combines the smokiness of bacon with the comfort of pinto beans, perfect for a chilly day. A blend of spices adds depth to this cowboy-approved recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
5. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Easy Cowboy Hamburger Soup with Elbow Macaroni
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavorful beef, veggies, and elbow macaroni.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
5. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hearty Cowboy Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Warm up with this comforting, cowboy-approved soup that’s packed with juicy chicken, tender dumplings, and a rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup biscuit or dumpling mix
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken, carrots, celery, and onion in a little oil until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the garlic, flour, thyme, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually stir in the broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the biscuit or dumpling mix. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Campfire Cowboy Soup with Ground Turkey and Rice
Savor the flavors of the Wild West with this hearty campfire soup, perfect for a cozy gathering around the fire.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and dried oregano.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Zesty Cowboy Tortilla Soup with Avocado
This hearty soup combines the flavors of the American West with a creamy and zesty twist. Tender tortillas, rich chicken broth, and a hint of lime juice come together to create a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 ripe avocado, diced (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add tortillas, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until tortillas are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with diced avocado.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cowboy Minestrone with Italian Sausage and Pasta
Get ready for a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness that combines the flavors of Italy with a touch of cowboy spirit! This recipe is a creative twist on traditional minestrone, featuring spicy Italian sausage and tender pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or elbow macaroni)
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, vegetable broth, oregano, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and add to the pot with the minestrone.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Cowboy Taco Soup with Ground Beef
Get ready to ride into flavor town with this hearty and comforting soup that combines the bold flavors of ground beef, cheese, and spices. This Cheesy Cowboy Taco Soup is a twist on traditional taco soup that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, corn kernels, and shredded cheese.
5. Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer soup for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pot Cowboy Bean Soup with Ham Hock
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of tender beans, rich ham flavor, and comforting spices, all cooked to perfection in one pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 (6-ounce) boneless ham hock
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine ham hock, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and soaked beans.
3. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the pot and bake for 6 hours or cook on high heat for 8-10 hours in a slow cooker.
5. Remove ham hock from pot and let it cool. Shred the meat and return it to the soup.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6 hours (baked) or 8-10 hours (slow cooked)
Bold Cowboy Soup with Jalapeños and Cheddar
This hearty soup is a spicy twist on classic cowboy comfort food, packed with bold flavors from jalapeños and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a chilly day or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 jalapeños, diced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeños; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions (optional).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Homestyle Cowboy Tomato Soup with Ground Beef
Warm up with a hearty bowl of comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. This creamy tomato soup is packed with flavor and features ground beef for added depth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add butter, onion, and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Rustic Cowboy Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage
Rustic Cowboy Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage: A hearty and comforting soup that combines the rich flavors of smoked sausage and lentils, perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the smoked sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Quick Cowboy White Bean Soup with Bacon
A hearty and comforting soup that’s ready in under an hour, perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day. This recipe combines the creamy texture of white beans with the smoky flavor of bacon, all in one delicious pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the soaked navy beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Cowboy Chipotle Soup with Pulled Pork
This hearty soup combines the bold flavors of chipotle peppers and pulled pork, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal. The spicy kick from the chipotles is balanced by the richness of the pork and the tanginess of the lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
2. Sear the pork in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, then transfer it to a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
3. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, chicken broth, heavy cream, and lime juice to the slow cooker or Dutch oven.
4. Simmer the soup for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Cowboy Corn Chowder with Roasted Peppers
A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day on the range or a family dinner. This cowboy-approved recipe combines tender corn, rich chowder, and sweet roasted peppers.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized red bell peppers
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1/2 cup of corn kernels
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups of chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers for 30-40 minutes, or until charred.
3. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until softened.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, corn kernels, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Add the roasted red bell peppers to the pot, along with 2 cups of chicken broth.
6. Simmer the chowder for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Loaded Cowboy Baked Potato Soup with Cheese
Get ready to saddle up and enjoy a hearty bowl of comfort food! This creamy soup is loaded with baked potato goodness, topped with melted cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Ingredients:
– 2 large baking potatoes
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)
– Sour cream (1/4 cup)
– Chopped chives (1 tablespoon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Bake potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
4. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add broth and cream, whisking constantly.
6. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
7. Mash baked potatoes and stir into the soup.
8. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
9. Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to rustle up some hearty cowboy soup recipes perfect for campfire feasts! From classic beef and potato soup to spicy Texas cowboy stew, we’ve gathered 20 mouth-watering recipes that’ll keep you warm and full. Try slow-cooked chili with cornbread topping, rustic vegetable soup with smoked sausage, or cheesy taco soup with ground beef. Whether you’re a city slicker or a true blue cowboy, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So grab your apron and get cooking up some cowboy goodness!