Take a culinary adventure through the heartlands with Crockpot Cowboy Soup, a hearty blend of ground beef, vegetables, beans, and spices. This rustic dish captures the rugged charm of the American West and Southwest, delivering comfort in every bite.
This recipe is a game-changer
- Effortless Preparation: Brown the beef, then let your slow cooker do the rest! Perfect for busy evenings, this soup comes together with minimal effort.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable staples like ground beef, beans, potatoes, and frozen veggies, it’s a cost-effective way to feed a crowd.
- Even Better as Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
- Protein: 1 lb lean ground beef
- Aromatics: 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Broth: 4 cups beef broth
- Legumes: 1 can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- Veggies: 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 medium potatoes (diced), 1 small can diced green chilies, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup frozen corn
- Seasonings: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until evenly browned. Drain excess fat for a lighter soup.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Place the browned beef in your slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the onion, garlic, beef broth, pinto beans, tomatoes, potatoes, green chilies, frozen mixed vegetables, corn, and seasonings. Mix gently.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours. Longer cooking times allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, sample the soup and tweak the seasonings as desired.
Pro Tips
- Prep in Advance: Chop vegetables and open canned ingredients ahead of time for quicker assembly.
- Rich Flavor Boost: Use homemade beef broth for an enhanced taste.
- Customize Toppings: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or tortilla chips for added flavor.
- Simplify Cleanup: Use slow cooker liners to make post-meal cleanup a breeze.
FAQs
What Defines Cowboy Soup?
This hearty soup features beef, beans, tomatoes, corn, and vegetables in a rich broth, inspired by rustic cowboy fare.
Can I Make This Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Use a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, simmering the soup until the vegetables are tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I Add Raw Beef Directly?
You can, but browning it first ensures a better texture and reduces grease in the soup.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories302
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
7g
11%
- Saturated Fat 2g 10%
- Cholesterol 35mg 12%
- Sodium 1526mg 64%
- Potassium 1307mg 38%
- Protein 23g 46%
- Sugars 10%
- Protein 23%
- Calcium 102%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.