Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 25 reviews

If you’re craving a warm, filling, and downright delicious bowl of comfort, you’ve got to try my Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that just hugs you from the inside out—rich, cheesy, packed with veggies, and loaded with bold flavors. Trust me, once you make this soup, it’ll be your go-to for cozy nights and hungry crowds alike!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Layered Flavors: The combination of cumin, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne gives each bite a deep, smoky warmth that really sings.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Velveeta and sharp cheddar melt into a creamy, dreamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
  • Hearty & Filling: With potatoes, beans, and ground beef, this soup doubles as a full meal, perfect for chilly evenings.
  • Hands-Off Simplicity: Once you sauté and stir, the soup simmers gently while you relax, making it surprisingly easy for something so rich.
Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese, hearty beef and cheese soup, comforting cowboy soup recipe, cheesy ground beef soup, easy filling soup recipes - A thick creamy soup is shown being held in a ladle above a white bowl filled with the same soup. The soup is light beige in color with visible pieces of orange carrot, yellow corn kernels, small bits of brown meat, and pale green celery throughout. The ladle is silver with a long handle, and the background includes part of a red pot and a white cloth with thin gray stripes, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how the ingredients in this Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe balance out: creamy, meaty, fresh, and a little spicy. Each one has a role that brings the whole pot together perfectly. When you shop, look for fresh veggies and don’t skimp on good cheese—it really makes the difference.

Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese, hearty beef and cheese soup, comforting cowboy soup recipe, cheesy ground beef soup, easy filling soup recipes - Flat lay of raw lean ground beef shaped naturally, cubed velveeta cheese, grated sharp cheddar cheese piled gently, a whole yellow onion halved to show finely chopped pieces next to it, four small whole potatoes with skin, diced red bell pepper, a small white bowl of rinsed whole corn kernels, a small white bowl of rinsed black beans, a small white bowl of green chiles, a small white bowl with golden melted butter, a small white bowl with pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with creamy whole milk, a sprinkle of ground cumin and garlic powder presented as tiny piles, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Lean ground beef: Provides rich protein and a meaty base; I prefer lean to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.
  • Velveeta: Melts smoothly to give that ultra-creamy texture I crave in cowboy soup.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds depth and a nice tang that balances the velveeta’s creaminess.
  • Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and aroma, building savory layers.
  • Potatoes: Bulk up the soup with satisfying heartiness and soak up those spices.
  • Red bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Corn kernels: The natural sweetness of corn pops in every bite.
  • Black beans: Boost fiber and provide a nice earthy contrast.
  • Green chiles: Give just enough heat without overpowering.
  • Chicken or beef broth: The savory liquid base binds everything.
  • Whole milk and flour (for roux): Make the soup luxuriously creamy and silky.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the roux and balance to the seasonings.
  • Garlic powder, cumin, cayenne: These spices add complexity and a subtle smoky heat.
  • Bacon bits (optional): For a crunchy, smoky finish if you want to go all out.
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep going back to this Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or what you’re craving. Feel free to switch up the veggies or add a little extra spice depending on your mood!

  • Variation: I once added diced jalapeños for a smoky, spicy kick that my family loved — just be sure to tone the cayenne down a bit.
  • Dietary Mods: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to lighten it up without losing flavor.
  • Seasonal Changes: In summer, I’ll toss in fresh corn and tomatoes instead of canned to brighten the soup.
  • Cheese Swap: If you’re not a Velveeta fan, try Monterey Jack for a milder twist that still melts beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Make a silky roux for that creamy base

Start by melting your butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, then whisk in the flour. This little roux cooks for 2-3 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown, which really develops the flavor. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until smooth—no lumps allowed! Season lightly with salt and pepper, then take it off the heat and pop it in the fridge while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef perfectly

Heat a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Break it up with your spoon or spatula and cook until nicely browned but not dried out. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder as it cooks—that seasoning really builds the base flavor for your soup. When done, transfer the beef to a plate and leave just a couple tablespoons of fat in the pot.

Step 3: Sauté the veggies until tender and fragrant

Add chopped onion, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the pot with the reserved fat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10-12 minutes until everything is softened and your kitchen smells amazing. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy. Then stir in the corn, black beans, and green chiles—this is where the cowboy flavor really starts coming together.

Step 4: Bring it all together and simmer

Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the chicken or beef broth. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This melds the flavors wonderfully and your potatoes soften perfectly without turning mushy.

Step 5: Add the roux and melt in the cheese

Stir in the chilled roux you prepared earlier, then add the cubed Velveeta. Cover the pot again and cook for about 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts into the soup and the texture becomes thick, smooth, and indulgent. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve it up!

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle on extra sharp cheddar and bacon bits if you’re using them, and dig in while it’s warm and cozy. This soup is the ultimate comfort food MVP!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Roux: It’s the magic behind the creamy texture, so take your time cooking it to a golden brown for flavor and smoothness.
  • Brown Beef Well: Browning builds flavor—avoid rushing and stir enough to break it apart but not so much that it stews.
  • Patience with Simmering: Low and slow helps all the ingredients marry flavors and prevents potatoes from falling apart.
  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded, which often has additives.

How to Serve Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese, hearty beef and cheese soup, comforting cowboy soup recipe, cheesy ground beef soup, easy filling soup recipes - A close-up of a spoon full of thick creamy soup showing chunks of soft yellow potatoes, small orange carrot pieces, golden corn kernels, and small bits of crispy brown bacon mixed with tender cooked ground meat, all coated in a smooth light beige soup base. The spoon is held above a white marbled surface with a large red pot filled with the same soup slightly out of focus in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a handful of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits—they add texture and a smoky pop of flavor. Sometimes I’ll throw on a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh contrast. A dollop of sour cream is also a nice creamy finish if you want to go all out!

Side Dishes

Rustic cornbread or a warm, crusty baguette pairs beautifully for dipping. Occasionally, I’ll serve this with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bring this cowboy soup to the table in mini cast iron skillets or small bowls nestled in bread bowls. It makes the presentation feel extra cozy and fun for guests. Garnishing with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of chili powder really ups the wow factor too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cowboy soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When freezing, I usually hold off on adding extra cheese toppings, but you can freeze the soup itself without any trouble.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit of extra broth or milk to restore that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving too long at once, which can cause the cheese to separate.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can keep all the other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version.

  2. What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from clumping?

    Make sure to add the cheese slowly while the soup is warm and stir gently but continuously. Using freshly grated sharp cheddar rather than pre-shredded helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping.

  3. Can I use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

    You can, but whole milk gives the creamiest, richest texture. If you use skim or low-fat, the soup will still be tasty but might be less thick and creamy.

  4. How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust it?

    It has a gentle warmth from cumin and optional cayenne—you can easily leave out the cayenne or add more depending on your heat tolerance. The green chiles add a mild pepper flavor without major heat.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s so comforting and satisfying—plus, it fits so perfectly into those busy nights when you want something homemade without fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. From the first rich spoonful to the last bite of cheesy goodness, it truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try and share it with your favorite folks—you won’t be disappointed!

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Hearty Cowboy Soup with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Cowboy Soup featuring ground beef, potatoes, beans, and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting meal that serves 8.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 small potatoes, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
  • 1 (13.25 oz.) can whole corn kernels, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (13.25 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4 oz.) can green chiles
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
  • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, optional
  • bacon bits, optional

Dairy and Roux Ingredients

  • 1 (16 oz.) package velveeta, cubed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Roux and Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter, then whisk in flour and cook the roux for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Gradually whisk in whole milk, season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the pot with reserved fat. Cook for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are softened and fork tender. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and cayenne if using.
  4. Add Beans, Corn, and Chiles: Stir in rinsed corn, black beans, and green chiles, mixing everything well.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Pour in chicken or beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Incorporate the Roux and Cheese: Stir in the refrigerated roux mixture until fully combined. Add cubed Velveeta cheese, cover the pot, and cook for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and soup is thick and smooth.
  7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated cheddar cheese and bacon bits if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty Cowboy Soup!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
  • Use low-fat milk as a lighter alternative, but it may reduce creaminess.
  • Bacon bits add a smoky flavor but can be omitted for a milder soup.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner version.
  • This soup thickens as it cools; reheat gently with extra broth or milk if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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