The Rustic Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe You’ll Adore

Cowboy soup in a crockpot brings rugged frontier flavors right to your kitchen table.

Ranch hands would recognize these robust ingredients that pack serious comfort.

Chunky vegetables and tender meat create a meal perfect for chilly evenings.

We love how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Hearty spices and rich broth tell a delicious story of rustic cooking.

Meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike will appreciate this satisfying one-pot wonder.

Grab your ladle and let’s turn humble ingredients into an unforgettable meal.

Storing Cowboy Soup Without Losing Flavor

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air pockets remain.

Pour soup into a pot, warm over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Place soup in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and ensure even heating throughout.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup without a crockpot?

Yes, you can use a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer the ingredients on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from the taco seasoning and green chilies. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild taco seasoning or reducing the green chilies.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap beans based on what you have. Cannellini, great northern, or navy beans work well as substitutes for the kidney, pinto, or black beans.

Bold and Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup

• Boost Protein Power: This hearty soup packs a serious protein punch with ground beef and multiple bean varieties, making it a fantastic meal for muscle recovery and sustained energy.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Crockpot cooking means minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, allowing you to toss ingredients together and let the slow cooker work its magic while you focus on other tasks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Versatile toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions let everyone personalize their bowl, creating a fun and interactive dining experience perfect for families and gatherings.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combining taco and ranch seasonings with a robust mix of vegetables and beans delivers an explosion of southwestern-inspired taste that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients That Build Cowboy Soup Flavor

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich meaty texture to the cowboy soup.

• Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans, Black Beans: A trio of protein-packed legumes that add texture, nutrition, and authentic southwestern character to the soup.

• Onion: Provides a savory and sweet foundational flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic depth to the overall taste profile.
• Corn Kernels: Brings a sweet and fresh element to the hearty soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes a tangy and juicy base for the soup's liquid.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Introduces a spicy and zesty dimension to the recipe.
• Diced Green Chilies: Enhances the soup with a mild and bright pepper flavor.

• Taco Seasoning Mix: Delivers a classic southwestern spice blend to the soup.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Provides a creamy and herbal undertone to the overall flavor.

• Beef Broth: Creates a rich and savory foundation for the cowboy soup.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Helps balance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Classic toppings that add extra flavor, creaminess, and freshness to the finished dish.

Cooking Directions for Cowboy Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until completely browned. Drain away any extra grease for a leaner soup base.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet with beef. Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot Magic

Move the beef, onions, and garlic mixture directly into the crockpot, preparing for a flavor-packed adventure.

Step 4: Layer in Hearty Ingredients

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Diced green chilies
• Taco seasoning mix
• Ranch dressing mix

Step 5: Pour and Blend Liquids

Gently pour beef broth over the ingredients and stir thoroughly, ensuring everything is well combined and coated.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the soup’s overall taste, adjusting according to your preference.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Deliciousness

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Step 8: Serve with Spectacular Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dollop of sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Tips for Ultimate Cowboy Soup Success

• Sear the ground beef on high heat for a deeper, richer taste that adds complexity to the soup's overall profile.
• Swap or adjust bean varieties based on availability or preference, ensuring a balanced protein and texture combination.
• Use low-sodium broth and taco seasoning to control salt intake without sacrificing delicious flavor.
• Portion and freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for quick, convenient meals up to 3 months later.
• Sneak in extra diced bell peppers or zucchini for additional nutrition and subtle flavor enhancement.

Flavor Twists on Classic Cowboy Soup

• Spicy Southwest Cowboy Soup: Replace taco and ranch seasoning with chipotle powder, add diced jalapeños, and include smoked paprika for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Ranch Cowboy Soup: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and maintain the same bean and vegetable mix.
• Lean Protein Cowboy Soup: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium broth and seasoning mixes, and add quinoa for extra protein.
• Mediterranean-Style Cowboy Soup: Incorporate Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil, replace kidney beans with chickpeas, add spinach, and top with crumbled feta cheese.

Perfect Sides to Serve with Cowboy Soup

• Pair with Cornbread Crunch: Serve this hearty cowboy soup alongside warm, buttery cornbread to soak up the rich broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that can stand up to the soup's intense flavors and meaty profile.
• Top with Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, additional shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro to enhance the soup's southwestern character and add layers of texture and freshness.
• Cool with Crisp Beer Pairing: Select a cold Mexican lager like Modelo or Corona to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rustic Cowboy Soup brings robust ranch-style flavors straight from the American Southwest to kitchen tables. Loaded with tender beef, vegetables, and bold seasonings, this one-pot marvel delivers comfort and satisfaction you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, thoroughly draining excess fat.
2. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic with the beef for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Add all beans (kidney, pinto, black), corn kernels, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and seasoning mixes to create a robust flavor profile.
5. Pour beef broth into the crockpot, gently stirring to incorporate all ingredients and ensure even distribution.
6. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Cover crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld together.
8. Once cooking is complete, carefully ladle the soup into serving bowls.
9. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for added texture and freshness.

Notes

• Customize bean varieties by swapping or mixing different types for unique texture and flavor profiles.
• Dial down spiciness by reducing green chilies or using mild taco seasoning for sensitive palates.
• Boost protein content by adding extra ground beef or incorporating diced chicken for variety.
• Transform into a vegetarian version by substituting beef broth with vegetable broth and using plant-based meat alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 244 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg