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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 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.
Serving Suggestion
Pair this comforting soup with warm cornbread or crusty bread for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Enjoy!
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Calories: 302 kcal
Ingredients
- Protein: 1 lb ground beef
- Aromatics: 1 onion (chopped), 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- Broth & Beans: 4 cups beef broth, 1 can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
- Veggies: 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained), 2 cups chopped potatoes, 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup frozen corn
- Seasonings: 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper to taste
Directions
- Optional Prep: Line your crockpot with a plastic liner for easy cleanup.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add Ingredients: Into the crockpot, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, potatoes, green chilies, mixed vegetables, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook:
- On low for 2-3 hours for a slow, rich flavor.
- Or on high for 1-2 hours for a quicker meal.
Longer cooking times enhance the flavors. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the Cowboy Soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Veggie Options: You can substitute fresh vegetables for frozen, but if doing so, add an extra can or two of beef stock to maintain the right consistency. If using canned vegetables, additional liquid isn’t needed as they contribute their own flavorful juices.
- Topping Ideas: Customize your soup with tortilla chips, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a Southwestern twist.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 1526mg
- Potassium: 1307mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 23g
- Calcium: 102mg
Enjoy this warm, hearty Cowboy Soup that brings the spirit of the Wild West to your table!
