There’s something magical about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a hearty soup simmering away in your kitchen. Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a true comfort food that wraps you up like a cozy blanket, packed with bold flavors, tender bites, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s like the culinary version of your favorite Western movie full of character, hearty moments, and a little bit of spice. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cowboy Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or indulging in comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home to a warm bowl of hearty soup that’s been doing all the work while you were out.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like beans, ground beef, and canned tomatoes. No fancy ingredients, just good, honest flavor that doesn’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Toss everything into your crockpot, and let it work its magic. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this one’s foolproof.
Customizable: Prefer it spicier? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Want more veggies? Toss in corn, bell peppers, or anything you love. This soup is your blank canvas.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s hearty, flavorful, and undeniably satisfying.
Ingredients in Crockpot Cowboy Soup
Here’s the magic of this soup—it’s made with simple ingredients that deliver big, bold flavors.
Ground Beef: The foundation of this dish. Ground beef adds a rich, hearty flavor that makes every bite satisfying.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These bring a pop of tanginess and just the right amount of heat.
Potatoes: Tender, hearty, and perfect for soaking up all those amazing flavors.
Beans: A mix of kidney beans and pinto beans adds creaminess, texture, and protein.
Beef Broth: The base of the soup, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
Taco Seasoning: The secret weapon for bold, smoky, and slightly spicy notes.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Brown the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the soup.
Prepare the Crockpot: Add diced tomatoes, beans, potatoes, taco seasoning, and beef broth to your crockpot. Mix everything together gently.
Combine and Cook: Add the browned beef to the crockpot and stir everything until combined. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Taste and Adjust: Once the cooking is done, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional spices if needed.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: About 7 hours
How to Serve Crockpot Cowboy Soup
This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level:
Crusty Bread: Perfect for dunking and soaking up all the delicious broth.
Cornbread: A Southern classic that’s slightly sweet and wonderfully complements the soup’s bold flavors.
Fresh Salad: A light, crisp side dish balances the richness of the soup.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle grated cheddar on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Dice your veggies and brown the beef the night before to save time in the morning.
Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Spice it Up: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce if you’re in the mood for more heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap the beef for ground turkey or use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and makes for a lighter option.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A2: Sure! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q3: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
A3: Yes! Simmer everything on low heat in a large pot for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
Q4: How long can I store leftovers?
A4: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables?
A5: Of course! Corn, bell peppers, and zucchini all make great additions.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A6: Reheat in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Q7: Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
A7: Yes! Homemade seasoning works perfectly and allows you to control the spice level.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely. Use a larger crockpot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Q9: Can I make this spicy?
A9: Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Q10: Can I skip the potatoes?
A10: Sure! You can use sweet potatoes, rice, or pasta as an alternative.
Enjoy your Crockpot Cowboy Soup, and don’t forget to share this recipe with anyone who loves a good, hearty bowl of comfort!
Print
Crockpot Cowboy Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup is packed with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients like beans, beef, and veggies. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch. Let your crockpot do the work, and enjoy a flavorful bowl topped with your favorite garnishes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
- Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic to your crockpot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, taco seasoning mix, and ranch dressing mix.
- Add Broth and Seasoning:
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Soup:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot Cowboy Soup into bowls.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add diced potatoes or carrots for an extra hearty twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg