Name: Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 (16 oz.) package Velveeta, cubed; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated; Bacon bits, optional; 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; 2 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you're craving a bowl of comfort that hits all the right notes—rich, hearty, and just a little cheesy—you'll want to try this Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe. It’s that perfect meal for cozy evenings or feeding a hungry crowd with bold flavors and creamy goodness.

A close-up view of a spoon filled with creamy soup showing three visible layers of ingredients: small orange carrot pieces, yellow corn kernels, and tiny bits of brown meat, all mixed into a thick beige broth. Below, a white bowl holds the same soup with a smooth, creamy surface and small colorful bits scattered throughout. The background shows a red pot and a white marbled surface with a checkered cloth partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this cowboy soup—it’s like a big, warm hug in a bowl, blending tender ground beef, creamy Velveeta, and sharp cheddar with heaps of veggies and a touch of spice. Every spoonful feels like a little celebration of hearty, cheesy comfort food.

Hearty & Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and corn, it’s a satisfying meal that sticks with you.
Cheesy Creaminess: The combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar creates a luscious, velvety texture you’ll crave.
Flavorful Spice Blend: Cumin, garlic powder, and optional cayenne add just the right kick without overpowering.
Feeds a Crowd: Makes 8 generous servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, focus on fresh veggies and quality cheese for the best flavor and texture. Ground beef should be lean to keep it hearty without too much grease, and grabbing low-sodium broth lets you control the saltiness easily.

Flat lay of a small mound of lean ground beef, a stack of yellow Velveeta cheese cubes, a small pile of grated sharp cheddar cheese, one whole yellow onion, four small chopped potatoes, one diced red bell pepper, a small white bowl of whole corn kernels, a small white bowl of black beans, a small white bowl of chopped green chiles, a small white bowl of light golden unsalted butter, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of low-sodium broth, a small white bowl of ground cumin powder, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of cayenne powder, clean whole brown eggs with shells, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed 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, savory flavor with just enough fat to keep the soup tasty but not greasy.
Velveeta cheese: Melts smoothly to create a creamy sauce base unlike any other cheese.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a punch of tangy depth to balance the creaminess perfectly.
Yellow onion: Builds a flavorful foundation when sautéed with the other veggies.
Potatoes: Give the soup heartiness and a satisfying bite that’s essential for a cowboy-style soup.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to brighten every spoonful.
Corn kernels: Bring a touch of natural sweetness and a pleasant pop in texture.
Black beans: Boost fiber and protein, making it a well-rounded meal.
Green chiles: Offer a mild heat and smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Chicken or beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps simmer all the ingredients together.
Whole milk: Helps create the luscious, creamy base when combined with the roux.
All-purpose flour: Used to make the roux, which thickens the soup into a smooth, velvety consistency.
Unsalted butter: Combines with flour to create that golden roux foundation.
Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering.
Cumin: Provides warm, earthy undertones classic to cowboy cuisine.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds just the right amount of heat if you like a bit of spice.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Adjust seasoning to taste for the perfect balance.
Bacon bits (optional): Sprinkle on top for smoky crunch that takes it over the edge.

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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

The beauty of the Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe is how easily it can be tweaked to suit your preferences or what's in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist and make this hearty soup truly your own!

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped out the ground beef for hearty mushrooms and added extra beans in place of meat. The texture is just as satisfying and the flavor still shines with the cheesy, creamy base.
Spice It Up: When I want a little extra kick, I increase the cayenne pepper to a full teaspoon and add a dash of smoked paprika. It adds smoky warmth that perfectly complements the cheddar’s sharpness.
Low-Sodium Version: Using low-sodium broth and reducing added salt helps to control sodium levels without sacrificing flavor. I boost seasoning with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Seasonal Twist: In cooler months, I like tossing in some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a subtle sweetness and richer texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe

A creamy soup fills a white bowl, showing a thick, smooth yellow base mixed with small pieces of brown meat, orange carrot bits, and yellow corn kernels. On top, there are small strips of crispy bacon adding a dark reddish-brown color and crunchy texture. Next to the bowl is a larger pot, also with the same creamy soup inside, placed on a white marbled surface with a beige and white checkered cloth partially under the pot. The whole scene is bright with a warm feeling, focusing on the rich creamy soup and its toppings photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make a Velvety Roux Base

I start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, I whisk in the flour and cook this roux for 2-3 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown—this process really builds depth of flavor. Then, whisking in the whole milk slowly is key to keeping the mixture smooth and creamy with no lumps. I season lightly with salt and pepper, then set it aside in the fridge so it’s ready for the final rich, cheesy step.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef to Perfection

Next, I heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, I generously season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a savory kick. I transfer the beef to a plate and carefully drain most of the fat, leaving just 2 tablespoons in the pot to keep things flavorful.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables Until Tender

In the remaining fat, I toss in the finely chopped onion, potatoes, and diced red bell pepper. Cooking these for 10-12 minutes softens them beautifully—watch for that fork-tender stage. I then season with salt, pepper, cumin, and, if I’m feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne for warmth. The aroma at this point is just incredible.

Step 4: Add the Beans, Corn, and Chiles

Once the veggies are ready, I stir in the rinsed and drained corn, black beans, and the green chiles. This colorful mix brings texture and loads of southwestern flavor, making the soup hearty and filling.

Step 5: Simmer to Develop Flavors

Returning the browned beef to the pot, I pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Then, lowering the heat to let it simmer gently for 15 minutes lets all those bold flavors meld together perfectly, making the soup truly comforting and rich.

Step 6: Make It Creamy with Cheese and Roux

Here’s the most indulgent step: stirring in the chilled roux, followed by the cubed Velveeta. Covering the pot and cooking for an additional 15 minutes while stirring occasionally melts the cheese completely and thickens the soup into a smooth, creamy delight you’re going to love.

Step 7: Serve with a Sharp Cheddar Finish

The final touch is ladling the soup into bowls, then topping each serving generously with grated sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits if you like. The cheese melts slightly on top, adding that extra layer of savory comfort. Serve this piping hot and enjoy every rich, cheesy, and hearty spoonful!

Top Tip

Getting that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor in your Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe is easier than you think, especially with a few simple tricks up your sleeve.

Make a Smooth Roux: Take your time cooking the roux until it turns a golden brown—that nutty flavor really elevates the soup’s richness.
Don’t Rush Sautéing Veggies: Softening the onions, potatoes, and bell pepper thoroughly helps develop the deep, savory base you want for this hearty soup.
Keep the Roux Chilled: Adding the cold roux and Velveeta cheese gradually makes all the difference in achieving that dreamy creamy consistency without lumps.
Drain Most of the Beef Fat: Leaving just about 2 tablespoons adds flavor without making the soup greasy, a key step I learned after a few trial runs!

How to Serve Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe

A white pot filled with a mix of diced orange carrots, pale green celery, and white onions covers the bottom layer, topped by two layers of raw ground meat, one side dark red and the other pinkish brown. A teal spatula with a wooden handle rests inside the pot on the right side, and the pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

This soup shines with simple yet flavorful toppings. Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese on top right before serving for an ooey-gooey finish. Crispy bacon bits add a lovely crunch and smoky contrast. For a fresh pop, chopped cilantro or sliced green onions work beautifully, brightening the creamy, hearty flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cowboy Soup with classic comfort sides like warm cornbread or flaky buttermilk biscuits. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps balance the richness, and for extra heartiness, try some toasted garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy this comfort food again without any loss of flavor or texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind the potatoes and cheese may change texture slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the cheese melt evenly back into the soup. Avoid high heat to keep the texture creamy and smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and bacon bits, then add extra beans or a meat substitute like cooked lentils or diced mushrooms for added protein and texture.

What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?

While Velveeta provides that signature creamy melt, you can substitute with processed cheeses or a blend of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly less smooth.

How spicy is the soup with cayenne pepper?

The recipe calls for a ½ teaspoon of cayenne, which adds a subtle warmth but isn’t overpowering. You can adjust it or omit it entirely to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I prepare this soup in advance for a crowd?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, gently reheat on the stovetop. Just be sure to stir occasionally so the cheese stays creamy and the soup doesn’t separate.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cowboy Soup with Cheddar Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day — hearty, cheesy, and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re serving family or friends, it’s bound to become a favorite for its comforting familiarity and satisfying richness. Grab your favorite bowl, a good spoon, and savor every creamy, flavorful bite!