Crockpot Cowboy Soup

Looking for a hearty, comforting soup that’s as easy as it is delicious? Look no further than this Crockpot Cowboy Soup! Imagine a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, beans, and corn, all simmered together to create a cozy, flavorful bowl of goodness. This soup is everything you crave on a chilly evening: it’s filling, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Trust me, your whole family will love it—plus, the slow-cooked magic means you can set it and forget it while the flavors come together perfectly.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cowboy Soup

• One-Pot Wonder: This soup is made entirely in the Crockpot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy the cozy vibes.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and vegetables, this soup is a meal in a bowl. It’ll fill you up and keep you satisfied!
• Set-It-And-Forget-It: Throw everything in the Crockpot, let it simmer, and let the magic happen. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for busy days or lazy weekends.
• Customizable: Add or swap ingredients to make it your own. Want a spicier kick? Toss in some jalapeños or chili flakes. Prefer a vegetarian version? Just skip the ground beef and load up on extra beans and veggies.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge and makes for easy meals throughout the week. It’s even better the next day after all those flavors have had time to meld.

Ingredients

Let’s get into the simple ingredients that come together to make this hearty soup a crowd-pleaser.

For the Soup:

• Ground Beef: A savory base for the soup that gives it a meaty, satisfying texture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Onion: A classic aromatic that brings savory depth to the soup.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to infusing the soup with flavor.
• Carrots: These add a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.
• Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes or diced russets for their creamy texture once cooked. They help thicken up the soup a bit too.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: A must for that rich tomato base. Look for a variety with no added sugar for a cleaner flavor.
• Corn: A pop of sweetness and texture that makes this soup feel like a true cowboy classic.
• Black Beans & Kidney Beans: For extra protein and heartiness, these beans give the soup a wonderful texture and flavor.
• Beef Broth: The base liquid that brings everything together and adds a savory richness to the soup.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a little salt and pepper for that perfect balance of savory and spice.

Instructions

Now, let’s walk through how easy it is to get this Crockpot Cowboy Soup going:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef to the Crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Beans

To the Crockpot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, corn, black beans, and kidney beans. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes

Add the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes (with juices) to the Crockpot. Give everything a good stir to mix the liquids with the veggies and meat.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to make sure all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Step 5: Cook on Low

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender, and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or even some chopped green onions. It’s delicious as-is, or served with a side of crusty bread for dipping!

Nutrition Facts

Note: These values are approximate and based on standard ingredients.

Servings: About 6-8
Calories per serving: 300-350 calories (1 bowl)

How to Serve Crockpot Cowboy Soup

This hearty soup is the perfect comfort meal, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or some buttery dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into that flavorful broth.
• Cheese: Top your soup with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for an extra creamy finish.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips for a bit of crunch.
• Salad: A simple side salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, throw in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking.
• Slow Cooker Liner: Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup—trust me, it’s a game changer!
• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll last for up to 3 months.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add extra beans, like pinto or black-eyed peas, for a hearty vegetarian option.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Just brown it before adding it to the Crockpot.

Q2: Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot?
A2: Yes! You can sauté the ground beef and veggies in the Instant Pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Quick and easy!

Q3: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This soup actually gets better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q4: Can I add more veggies?
A4: Definitely! Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more flavor and nutrients.

Q5: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A5: Yes, frozen vegetables will work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them first before adding them to the soup.

Q6: How can I thicken the soup?
A6: If you like your soup thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher after cooking, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Q7: Can I use a different type of beans?
A7: Absolutely! Pinto beans, garbanzo beans, or even navy beans would work well in this soup. Use what you have on hand!

Q8: Is this soup spicy?
A8: It has a mild level of spice from the chili powder, but if you want to kick it up, add some cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce to taste.

Q9: Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
A9: Yes, you can. Brown the beef in a pot, then add all the ingredients and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the potatoes are tender.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd, just double the ingredients and make sure your Crockpot is large enough to hold everything.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Cowboy Soup is the kind of meal that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s hearty, flavorful, and so simple to make—just toss everything in your Crockpot and let it work its magic. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping for a cozy night in, this soup is a winner. Get ready to indulge in the deliciousness—you won’t be able to stop at just one bowl!

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