If you are looking for a comforting, rich, and flavor-packed dish that combines the warmth of a classic stew with a creamy, indulgent twist, this Creamy Cowboy Soup recipe is a perfect choice.

This one-pot wonder brings together robust ingredients like ground beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, all simmered in a creamy, cheesy broth infused with smoky paprika and chili powder.

Table of Contents

It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a casual weekend dinner to cozy up with family or friends.

Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe

George Law

This hearty Creamy Cowboy Soup blends ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and smoky Tex-Mex spices in a rich, cheesy broth. A one-pot comfort food perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Tex-Mex

Servings 6 bowls

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

Dutch oven or large pot
wooden spoon
cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
ladle

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
15 oz can whole kernel corn, drained
15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
optional toppings: green onions, crushed tortilla chips, jalapeños

Instructions

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced potatoes. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and flavors are blended.
Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with green onions, extra cheese, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess. For dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Keyword cowboy soup, creamy beef soup, easy one-pot dinner, tex-mex soup

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe

Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup makes this Creamy Cowboy Soup perfect for busy home cooks.
Rich, Comforting Flavors: The combination of smoky spices and creamy cheese creates a satisfying bowl.
Versatile and Family-Friendly: Great for family dinners, leftovers, and even potlucks.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables to keep you full and satisfied.
Customizable: Options to make it spicy, dairy-free, or slow cooker-friendly.

Ingredients Creamy Cowboy Soup You’ll Need

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings and Add-ins

Sliced green onions
Extra shredded cheese
Crushed tortilla chips
For more spice: diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes
Dairy-free: coconut milk instead of heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, building a lovely base for your soup.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, drained corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced potatoes. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This slow simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated, transforming the soup into a creamy, luscious comfort food classic.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls. Top with green onions, extra cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch and fresh taste. Serve hot.

Prep and Cook Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls of hearty Soup

Tips for Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Creamy Cowboy Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring in a splash of broth to loosen the texture if necessary.
For freezing, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions and Garnish Ideas

Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for extra freshness.
Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the heartiness.
Variations to Customize Your Creamy Cowboy Soup
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes in Step 3.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a rich vegan option.
Slow Cooker Method: Brown beef first, then combine all ingredients (except dairy and cheese) in crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cream and cheese before serving.

Cultural Note: A Tex-Mex Classic

This Creamy Cowboy Soup is inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine, blending flavors from traditional Mexican and American Southwestern cooking. The use of smoked paprika and chili powder gives it that signature smoky, slightly spicy Tex-Mex flavor that’s both bold and comforting.