Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup offers a satisfying blend of smoky and spicy flavors. It’s easy to make and ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for 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, along with the 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.
- Step 5: 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 is 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
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding cream and cheese.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the heat.
- Use coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream for a subtle coconut flavor.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Cowboy Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze Creamy Cowboy Soup?
You can freeze the soup before adding the cream and cheese for best texture. After thawing, reheat and then stir in the cream and cheese to keep it creamy and fresh.
Print
Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cowboy Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and a rich creamy base, it blends smoky spices with creamy cheddar cheese for a satisfying southwestern-inspired soup that’s easy to make and sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey or meat alternative)
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 large Onion (yellow or white)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 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)
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned with juice)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
Spices & 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)
Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (fresh preferred)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook and break apart with a wooden spoon for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from being oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, black beans, and diced potatoes. Then add the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to monitor tenderness of the potatoes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Once potatoes are tender, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until cheese melts completely and soup becomes creamy and rich.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, extra cheddar cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips if desired. Serve hot for a cozy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a different protein option.
- Use vegetable broth and coconut milk to make the recipe dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust chili powder quantity to control the soup’s spiciness.
- For extra texture, add diced bell peppers or jalapeños along with the onions.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Top with sour cream or avocado slices for added creaminess and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cowboy soup, creamy soup, ground beef soup, southwestern soup, hearty soup, easy dinner recipe, cheesy soup, weeknight meal

