Name: Creamy Cowboy Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion diced; 1 green bell pepper diced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 can 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained; 1 can 15 ounces corn drained or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn; 1 can 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed; 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream or half and half; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro plus extra for topping; Optional toppings extra shredded cheddar sliced green onions crushed tortilla chips cilantro sour cream

There’s something about a big, steaming bowl of creamy soup that just makes everything feel right, especially on busy weeknights when you want comfort without a lot of fuss. This Creamy Cowboy Soup is loaded with smoky ground beef, sweet corn, black beans, and melty cheddar all swimming in a rich, velvety broth.

It tastes like a cross between a cozy chowder and your favorite chili—hearty enough to count as a full meal, but still simple enough to throw together in one pot. Grab some crusty bread or a basket of tortilla chips and you’ve got a down-home dinner that feels like it cooked all day.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cowboy Soup

This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in the weeknight rotation. It’s fast, uses affordable pantry staples, and satisfies even the hungriest crew.

One-pot and weeknight friendly. Everything simmers in a single pot, so cleanup is minimal and dinner feels easy.
Family-approved flavor. Mild spice, creamy broth, and plenty of meat and cheese make this a hit with kids and adults.
Flexible pantry ingredients. Swap beans, use frozen corn, or adjust the spice level with what you have on hand.
Great for meal prep. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

What Kind of Meat Works Best in Creamy Cowboy Soup?

Ground beef is the classic choice here—it gives the soup that hearty, cowboy-style flavor and pairs beautifully with the smoky spices and cheddar. I like using an 85% lean ground beef so there’s enough richness without being overly greasy.

You can absolutely swap in ground sausage, half beef and half sausage, or even ground turkey if you want to lighten things up a bit. Just make sure to brown the meat well so you build lots of flavor in the bottom of the pot before adding the creamy base.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cowboy Soup

This recipe leans on simple ingredients you can find in any American grocery store, with a few pantry staples that bring big, bold flavor to every spoonful.

Olive oil – Helps the beef brown evenly and keeps everything from sticking to the pot.
Ground beef – The hearty, savory base that makes the soup filling enough for a full meal.
Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and cooks with the beef.
Green bell pepper – Brings a little crunch and a fresh pepper flavor that balances the richness.
Garlic – Infuses the broth with a warm, savory aroma that makes the soup irresistible.
Chili powder – Gives the soup that cozy, chili-style flavor without overwhelming heat.
Ground cumin – Adds a subtle smokiness and earthy background note.
Smoked paprika – Deepens the smoky flavor and enhances the color of the broth.
Dried oregano – Adds an herby layer that keeps the soup from tasting flat.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle kick if you like a bit of spice.
Kosher salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus.
Chicken broth – Forms the savory base that everything simmers in.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel) – Add tang, gentle heat, and extra body to the broth.
Corn kernels – A touch of sweetness that plays so nicely with the smoky meat and spices.
Black beans – Make the soup extra hearty and add a creamy, earthy bite.
Cream cheese – Melts into the broth to make it silky and rich without feeling heavy.
Heavy cream or half-and-half – Rounds everything out into a luscious, velvety soup.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Melts into the pot and on top of each bowl for extra cheesy goodness.
Fresh cilantro – Brightens the creamy soup with fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Optional toppings (tortilla chips, green onion, extra cheese, sour cream) – Let everyone dress up their bowl just how they like it.

How To Make the Creamy Cowboy Soup

Once your chopping is done, this soup comes together quickly on the stovetop. You’ll brown the meat, build flavor with aromatics and spices, then finish everything with a creamy, cheesy swirl.

Step 1 – Brown the Beef

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is well browned with crispy bits in places. If there’s a lot of excess grease, spoon off most of it, leaving just a little for flavor.

Step 2 – Soften the Veggies

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper straight into the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly golden around the edges. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3 – Toast the Spices

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the meat and veggies, and let them toast for about 1 minute. This quick step wakes up the spices and makes the soup taste deeper and richer.

Step 4 – Add the Broth, Tomatoes, Corn, and Beans

Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and black beans. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors can mingle.

Step 5 – Melt in the Cream Cheese

Drop the cubed cream cheese into the hot soup and stir until it melts completely into the broth. It may look a little separated at first, but keep stirring and it will smooth out into a creamy base.

Step 6 – Finish with Cream and Cheddar

Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and add most of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a handful for topping. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is thick and velvety. Avoid letting it come to a hard boil at this stage so the dairy stays smooth.

Step 7 – Add Fresh Cilantro and Serve

Stir in the chopped cilantro and taste the soup, adjusting the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the Creamy Cowboy Soup into bowls and top with extra cheddar, tortilla chips, green onion, sour cream, or more cilantro—whatever makes it feel like your perfect bowl.

Serving and Storing Creamy Cowboy Soup

This Creamy Cowboy Soup is hearty enough to be the main event, no sides required—though a slice of buttered Texas toast never hurts. As written, the recipe serves about 6 people, especially if you pair it with bread, salad, or chips.

If you’re feeding a smaller household, you can still make the full batch. The flavors only get better as it rests, making this a great option for lunches and quick heat-and-eat dinners.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

You can also freeze this soup, though the dairy can separate slightly after thawing. If you plan ahead, freeze the soup before adding the cream and cheese, then stir those in fresh after reheating for the best texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Cowboy Soup?

Warm Cornbread or Corn Muffins

A square of sweet, buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy, cheesy broth.

Crispy Tortilla Chips

Set a bowl of sturdy tortilla chips on the table so everyone can scoop the soup like a chunky dip or crumble a few on top for crunch.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.

Garlic Bread or Texas Toast

Thick, garlicky toast is ideal for dunking and turns this into a true stick-to-your-ribs dinner.

Baked Potatoes

Serve smaller bowls of soup alongside baked potatoes for an extra-filling meal—spoon a little over the potato as a creamy topping.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Pair this soup with grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort combo; the melty sandwich mirrors the cheddar in the soup.

Southwest-Style Toppings Board

Set out bowls of sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, avocado, lime wedges, and extra cilantro so everyone can customize their cowboy bowl.

Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If this Creamy Cowboy Soup becomes a favorite at your house, you’ll love exploring more comforting bowls like these:

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a cheesy veggie-forward classic that feels like your favorite café lunch.
A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup when you’re craving something rustic, brothy, and loaded with beans and greens.
Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup for a smoky, stick-to-your-ribs option packed with sausage and tender potatoes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup when you want set-it-and-forget-it ease with plenty of Tex-Mex flair.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Creamy Cowboy Soup to your favorite soup or dinner board on Pinterest so you can find it fast on your next chilly night.

When you make it, I’d love to hear how you customize your bowl. Did you go heavier on the spice, add extra beans, or swap in sausage? Maybe you topped it with jalapeños and crunchy tortilla strips?

Drop your tweaks and questions in the comments so we can all trade ideas and keep dinner interesting.

For even more cozy soups, easy dinners, and family-friendly comfort food, check out my Nora Nosh Pinterest boards where I share new recipes and tasty inspiration all week long.