Name: Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Southwestern
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups whole milk; 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 4 small potatoes, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and 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; 1 (16 oz.) package Velveeta, cubed; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated; Bacon bits

When it comes to cozy, comforting meals with a kick, nothing beats a hearty bowl of this Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold southwestern flavors that make every spoonful pure bliss. Let me take you through why this soup quickly became one of my go-to staples on chilly nights!

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 Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this cowboy soup numerous times, and I’m telling you, it brings everyone together around the table every single time. The rich Velveeta cheese mixed with the savory ground beef and fresh veggies strikes the perfect balance of creamy and spicy that warms you from the inside out.

Comfort Food Classic: This soup is everything you want in a hearty meal after a long day — creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Family Friendly: It serves 8, so it’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything at your local grocery store, no fancy or hard-to-find items needed.
Customizable Spice: Want it hotter? Just tweak the cayenne or throw in extra chili for your own cowboy-level heat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, a quick shopping tip: grab fresh, firm potatoes and a good-quality Velveeta block to really get that creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture. Also, don’t skip the diced green chiles—they add a subtle smoky heat that makes this soup unforgettable.

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

Unsalted Butter: Creates the perfect base for the roux, giving the soup its creamy body without overpowering the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: Works with the butter to thicken the soup so it’s luxuriously smooth and not runny.
Whole Milk: Adds richness and balances the spices with its creamy texture.
Chicken or Beef Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid backbone—choose low-sodium so you can control the seasoning.
Garlic Powder & Cumin: These spices bring warmth and depth, grounding the southwestern taste.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): For that little extra heat that can be dialed up or down based on your mood.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Lean Ground Beef: Adds protein and a savory meatiness that’s hearty and satisfying.
Yellow Onion: Sweetness and an aromatic base that complements the spices beautifully.
Small Potatoes: Chunky, tender bites that soak up all the delicious broth and cheese flavors.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and subtle sweetness to the mix.
Whole Corn Kernels: For little pops of sweetness and texture throughout the soup.
Black Beans: A hearty addition that adds fiber, texture, and southwestern authenticity.
Green Chiles: The secret ingredient to that perfect smoky, mildly spicy undertone.
Velveeta Cheese: For creaminess and that classic cheesy melt that makes this soup irresistible.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkled on top for an added layer of flavor and melty goodness.
Bacon Bits (optional): A smoky crunch to finish off your bowl, although you can also skip these for a vegetarian-friendly topping.

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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 best parts about this Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe is how flexible it is to your taste buds and pantry. Whether you want to dial up the heat, switch up the cheese, or make it lighter, there’s room to customize without losing that satisfying, creamy comfort.

Spicy Upgrade: I love adding a little extra cayenne pepper and a splash of hot sauce for a bold kick that warms you up on chilly nights.
Cheese Swap: If Velveeta isn’t your favorite, I’ve tried mixing cream cheese and sharp cheddar instead — it still gets beautifully creamy but with a tangy twist.
Lighter Version: Using low-fat milk instead of whole milk works well if you're looking to reduce the richness without sacrificing much flavor — just expect a slightly thinner texture.
Vegetarian Topping: Bacon bits add a lovely smoky crunch, but on meat-free nights, crispy fried onions are my go-to garnish for an equally delicious finish.
Seasonal Swaps: Try swapping potatoes for sweet potatoes or add some diced zucchini in warmer months for a fresh change.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese 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: Crafting the Perfect Roux

Start in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat by melting ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and let cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s a beautiful golden brown — this gives your soup that wonderful depth and a slightly nutty aroma. Slowly pour in 2 ½ cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to keep things silky smooth. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, then remove from heat and place in the fridge until you're ready to blend it into your soup.

Step 2: Browning the Ground Beef

Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it's nicely browned all over — about 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder as it cooks to build layers of flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and drain all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from your pot to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.

Step 3: Sautéing the Veggies Until Tender

Add the finely chopped onion, chopped potatoes, and diced red bell pepper to the pot with the reserved fat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and the potatoes become fork-tender. Season this colorful mix with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like a touch of heat. The aroma at this stage really sets the tone for the rest of the soup!

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Stir in 1 can of rinsed and drained whole corn kernels, 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans, and 1 can of green chiles. Return your cooked ground beef back to the pot and pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Crank up the heat to bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Adding That Cheesy Creaminess

Retrieve your refrigerated roux mixture and stir it smoothly into the simmering soup. Then, fold in the cubed 16 ounces of Velveeta cheese. Cover the pot and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the soup gradually thickens and transforms into a rich, velvety bowl of cheesy goodness that's just irresistible.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Your Cowboy Creation

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and generously top each with 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese and optional bacon bits for added indulgence. This hearty, creamy, spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe serves 8 and pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread for dipping. Don’t forget to let it rest 10 minutes if you want it to thicken up a little more — patience pays off deliciously here!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and hearty flavors in your Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe every time.

Make a Smooth Roux: Whisk the butter and flour continuously until golden brown before adding milk. This prevents lumps and builds that rich, creamy texture I love.
Don’t Skip Browning the Beef Well: Let it brown to develop depth of flavor—this really makes the soup taste more robust and savory, and I learned this makes a huge difference through trial and error.
Season Early and Often: Adding spices to the vegetables while they cook layers the flavor. Cumin and cayenne are key to that warm southwestern kick.
Patience with the Cheese: Cover the pot and allow the Velveeta to melt slowly so the soup thickens perfectly. Rushing this step can result in grainy cheese bits instead of silky smoothness.

How to Serve Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese 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

Top your bowl with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits for that irresistible melty and crunchy contrast. For a fresh twist, add chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or some sliced jalapeños if you like an extra spicy kick. Don’t forget a handful of fresh cilantro to brighten things up!

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs perfectly with simple sides like warm cornbread or crusty garlic bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness, or if you want to keep things cozy, serve with tortilla chips for scooping up soup and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy reheat meal during busy weekdays.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the grated cheddar cheese topping until after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or milk if it becomes too thick. Once heated through, stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese and top with bacon bits or your favorite garnishes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Skip the bacon bits or replace with crispy fried onions for a vegetarian-friendly topping.

What if I don’t have Velveeta cheese?

Velveeta gives this soup its creamy, smooth texture, but you can substitute with processed cheese or a combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Just be sure to melt it slowly to avoid clumping.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce while simmering. You can also increase the amount of green chiles or add sliced jalapeños when serving for extra heat.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the roux up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. You can also brown the beef and chop vegetables ahead for quicker assembly on cooking day.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a big pot of Spicy Cowboy Soup with Cheese Recipe—rich, cheesy, and bursting with bold southwestern flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to warm you up and fill your kitchen with amazing aromas. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to enjoy this hearty dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!