Quick n Easy Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe
Crockpot cowboy soup is made using simple ingredients like ground beef, pinto beans, and mixed vegetables. Everything is slow cooked in a rich flavorful broth. Pair this hearty soup with your favorite cornbread recipe and enjoy on a cool chilly evening.
time to pull out the slow cooker and make this comforting cowboy soup. This recipe has been my go to lately because it’s extremely easy to make and requires little prep work. Plus I’ve been using crock pot liners which make clean up a breeze. Set it and forget about it for 2-3 hours until it’s done. It doesn’t get easier than that.
WHAT IS COWBOY SOUP?
Cowboy soup, is inspired by the American West and Southwest, areas with a rich history of cattle ranching and cowboy culture. The exact origin of cowboy soup is not known but it’s thought to have developed as a hearty and practical meal for cowboys and ranchers working in the demanding conditions of the American frontier.
In the early days, hungry cowboys often had limited access to fresh ingredients and relied on shelf-stable or easily transportable foods like beans, dried meats, and canned goods. They would slow cook these ingredients over an open fire or in a simple chuckwagon-style kitchen.
Over the years, cowboy soup has changed and evolved with different regions adding their own touch to the recipe. This is why you’ll see slightly different ingredients between recipes. Cowboy soup usually features beef, vegetables, beans, and of course delicious seasonings. It’s a popular comfort food that is still enjoyed today.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Easy Preparation: Like I was saying earlier, this is so easy to make because the slow cooker does all the work. After you’ve ground the lean ground beef you add the remaining ingredients and let cook. Plus it only has to cook on low for 2-3 hours making it easy to prep a few hours before dinner instead of first thing in the morning.
Hearty and Filling: The ingredients are simple but hearty. They are sure to warm you on a cold winter day. The combination of potatoes, beans, and beef with other seasonings will keep you full for hours.
Perfect for Gatherings: Think game day, family dinner, or a pot luck. This recipe makes enough to feed 5-6 and it is always a hit with guests.
Budget-Friendly: The recipe list is simple and extremely affordable. Ground beef, potatoes, beans, and frozen vegetables are easy to find and won’t break the bank. It’s practical and cost effective. Who doesn’t love saving money?
Leftovers Are Delicious: This soup is absolutely delicious the next day. The vegetables and broth continue to absorb the broth making them even more rich and flavorful.
Customize Toppings: The toppings mentioned above are totally optional. Feel free to customize these using only the ones you want or none at all. If you have a get together, I suggest having little bowls set out with different toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl.
Slow Cooker Liners: If you’ve never used a slow cooker liner, you’re missing out. It makes clean up so easy! They also prevent any food from sticking to the sides of the crock pot.
WHAT IS COWBOY SOUP MADE OF?
The most common ingredients found in cowboy soup are beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables with beef broth.
DO I HAVE TO USE A SLOW COOKER?
No, you don’t have to use a slow cooker to slowly cook this soup. You can use a large pot or dutch oven. Place the soup over medium heat and cover. Bring to a slow simmer and cook for 1-2 hours.
HOW DO I STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER COWBOY SOUP?
Before storing, allow the soup to cool. Once cooled, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer term storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw before reheating. To reheat, place the soup in a microwave safe container. Refrigerate for 30 second increments stirring in between until fully heated through.
CAN YOU PUT RAW BEEF IN THE SLOW COOKER?
Yes. You can put raw beef in the slow cooker but I don’t recommend putting ground beef in with all the other ingredients without browning first. If you put raw ground beef in with all the ingredients it’ll be quite a while before it’s coked. You’ll also have to stir frequently to ensure it breaks up evenly. This will result in very fine textured beef and excess fat in the soup. That’s why I recommend you brown the beef before adding.
Crockpot cowboy soup is made using simple ingredients like ground beef, pinto beans, and mixed vegetables. Everything is slow cooked in a rich flavorful broth. Pair this hearty soup with your favorite cornbread recipe and enjoy on a cool chilly evening.
PREP TIME: 20minutes
COOK TIME: 2hours
SERVINGS: 6 Servings
INGREDIENTS:
⭐1 lb ground beef
⭐1 onion chopped
⭐4 garlic cloves minced
⭐4 cups beef broth
⭐1 can pinto beans rinsed and drained
⭐1 14 oz can diced tomatoes drained
⭐2 cups chopped potatoes
⭐1 4 oz can diced green chilis
⭐1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
⭐1 cup frozen corn
⭐2 teaspoons chili powder
⭐1 teaspoon cumin
⭐salt and pepper to taste to taste
Optional Garnish
⭐shredded cheese, hot sauce, sour cream, chopped green onion
INSTRUCTIONS:
⭐(Optional) Line your crock pot with a plastic liner for easy clean up.
⭐Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
⭐Once all the beef is browned, drain any excess grease. Place the ground meat into the crock pot.
⭐Add chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, pinto beans, tomatoes, potatoes, green chiles, frozen mixed vegetables, frozen corn, cumin, chili pepper, salt and pepper to the crock pot.
⭐Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will meld together.
⭐Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
⭐Serve the hearty crockpot cowboy soup topped with shredded cheese, hot sauce, a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CROCKPOT COWBOY SOUP
⭐Cornbread: This classic Southern side dish is a perfect accompaniment to cowboy soup. It’s slightly sweet and crumbly, which contrasts nicely with the savory soup. Use it to dip excess broth for a delicious combination.
⭐Rice: Serve the soup over cooked white or brown rice to make it a heartier meal. Stir it in at the end or place the rice in the bowl before adding the soup.
⭐Sliced Avocado: Fresh avocado slices or guacamole add creaminess and a cool contrast to the spicy soup.
⭐Shredded Cheese: Try different types of shredded cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. Stir it in for a gooey cheesy addition to the soup.
⭐Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can provide a creamy, cooling element to the meal.
⭐Pickled Jalapenos: If you love extra heat and tanginess try stirring in pickled jalapenos at the end.
⭐Biscuits: Flaky biscuits, especially cheddar and jalapeno biscuits, can be a tasty accompaniment. Use it the same way you would with cornbread and use it to dip and soak up extra broth.