Name: Cowboy Soup: A Hearty Tex-Mex Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 90/10); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 28-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained; 1 14.5-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, do not drain; 2 15-ounce cans ranch beans or seasoned pinto beans, do not drain; 2 15-ounce cans whole kernel corn, drained (or 3 cups fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels); 10 ounce package frozen mixed vegetables; 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 86 reviews

This Cowboy Soup: A Hearty Tex-Mex Hamburger Soup Recipe is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender Yukon gold potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and a spicy Tex-Mex flair that makes every spoonful a delicious adventure. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this soup balances rich flavors with simple ingredients to create a warming meal that truly satisfies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small white bowls and glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The largest glass bowl at the top left holds raw ground beef, which is red with a rough texture. To the right, a white bowl with finely chopped white onions sits next to another white bowl filled with bright yellow corn kernels. Below the onions, there is a white bowl with light yellow cubed potatoes and next to it a white bowl filled with brown pinto beans. Two white bowls near the bottom middle have bright red diced tomatoes, one with a smooth texture and the other with visible green chili pieces. On the bottom left, a white bowl contains a mix of chopped green beans, carrots, and corn. On the right side, small glass bowls contain dark red chili powder, white salt and black pepper mix, brown ground cumin, light minced garlic, and clear oil. A glass measuring cup filled with dark brown broth is at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze because each one is a straightforward pantry staple, yet together they build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make Cowboy Soup shine. From the savory ground beef to the bright fire-roasted tomatoes, every component plays an essential role in this dish.

Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle, fruity richness that starts the flavor base.
Ground beef (90/10): The main protein, providing heartiness and that classic hamburger flavor everyone loves.
Yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
Garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic warmth for a perfect Tex-Mex punch.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes (28 oz can), drained: Lends smoky, roasted flavor and vibrant red color.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (14.5 oz can), undrained: Kicks up the heat with tangy, spicy bite.
Ranch beans or seasoned pinto beans (2 cans, undrained): Adds creamy texture and earthy taste with a hint of seasoning.
Whole kernel corn (2 cans, drained) or fresh/frozen corn (3 cups): For sweet bursts and a nice pop of bright yellow.
Frozen mixed vegetables (10 oz): Adds color, nutrition, and more veggie goodness without fuss.
Yukon gold potatoes (4 medium), peeled and diced: Provides a buttery, soft bite that thickens and enriches the soup.
Beef broth (4 cups): The flavorful cooking liquid that ties all ingredients together.
Chili powder (2 teaspoons): The Tex-Mex spice star that brings warmth and depth.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and a subtle smoky twist.
Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity and brightens the soup.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A mild heat to round out the spices.
Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.

How to Make Cowboy Soup: A Hearty Tex-Mex Hamburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating olive oil in your large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, stirring as you cook until the beef loses its pink hue and the onion softens to golden sweetness. This step builds the savory foundation. If there’s excess fat, gently drain it off to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds. This quick sizzle unlocks its aromatic magic without burning, ensuring that warm garlicky flavor permeates the entire pot.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes, Beans, Corn, Vegetables, and Potatoes

Now comes the colorful mix-in phase: stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained Rotel, ranch beans, drained corn, frozen mixed veggies, and diced Yukon gold potatoes. This medley creates layers of taste and texture — from smoky and spicy to hearty and sweet.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Season

Cover everything with the beef broth, then sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all those flavors beautifully before turning the heat up to bring your soup to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup bubble away for 20 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and all the flavors have mingled into a rich, hearty broth. The slow simmer is key for melding that classic Cowboy Soup taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley on top before ladling this robust Tex-Mex soup into bowls. Serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping—the perfect way to soak up every last flavorful drop.

How to Serve Cowboy Soup: A Hearty Tex-Mex Hamburger Soup Recipe

The image shows a metal pot filled with a colorful stew, featuring layers of different ingredients. The base layer is a rich, reddish broth with a smooth texture. Floating in the broth are chunks of yellow potatoes and small orange carrot pieces, adding solid texture and color. There are bright yellow corn kernels and green beans spread evenly throughout, giving a fresh look. Small red beans and diced tomatoes, some slightly charred, are mixed with crumbled brown ground meat, all blending together. The stew looks thick and hearty, with a metal ladle scooping up a portion that clearly shows the layers and textures against the white marbled texture surface beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While parsley adds a fresh note, consider offering shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños on the side. These toppings bring creaminess, extra richness, or a spicy kick, letting everyone customize their bowl perfectly.

Side Dishes

This soup shines best with simple sides like warm cornbread, buttery garlic bread, or even tortilla chips. These accompaniments complement the hearty soup and add texture contrast to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Cowboy Soup inside bread bowls or topped with crispy fried onions or avocado slices. These ideas turn a comforting soup into a memorable dining experience and are sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your cowboy soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. It will maintain the best quality for up to 3 months, ready for those times you crave a quick, hearty meal.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much in storage. Microwave reheating works well too, just be sure to cover and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beans for this soup?

Absolutely! While ranch or seasoned pinto beans give great flavor, you can swap in black beans, kidney beans, or your favorite variety for a twist. Just keep them canned and undrained for best texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Cowboy Soup: A Hearty Tex-Mex Hamburger Soup Recipe?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein or extra beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and feel free to add extra spices to keep the bold Tex-Mex flavors alive.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Brown the beef and onion first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.

What can I do if the soup is too spicy?

Add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream to mellow the heat. Serving alongside bread or rice can also help balance the spice if it feels too bold.

How thick or soupy is this recipe supposed to be?

This Cowboy Soup: A Hearty Tex-Mex Hamburger Soup Recipe strikes a happy medium—thick enough to be hearty and filling but still soupy and spoonable. Adjust broth amounts to your personal preference for thickness.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Cowboy Soup: A Hearty Tex-Mex Hamburger Soup Recipe as your next cozy meal choice. It’s simple enough to whip up any night yet special enough to gather a crowd. Full of bold flavors, colorful veggies, and that unbeatable homemade comfort factor, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and watch how fast it becomes your trusted go-to for warm, satisfying dinners.