Cowboy soup is a rich, comforting, and hearty meal packed with ground beef, potatoes, beans, vegetables, and bold flavors. It’s the perfect slow cooker recipe for a cozy dinner or a meal prep option that gets better with time.

This Crockpot Cowboy Soup is easy to make with pantry staples and can be customized based on what you have on hand. Let’s dive into this delicious, satisfying dish that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Meat & Protein

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (4 oz) can green chilies (optional for spice)

Broth & Seasoning

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Additions

• 1 cup elbow macaroni (for a heartier soup)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for serving)
• Sour cream & chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is soft.
2. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

3. Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add in potatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Optional Pasta Addition

7. If using elbow macaroni, stir it in 30 minutes before serving and cook until tender.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

8. Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
9. Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal!

Cooking Tips & Variations

✔ Make it Spicy: Add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or extra chili powder.

✔ Use Different Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.

✔ Add More Veggies: Try bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients.

✔ Thicken the Soup: Mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

✔ Slow Cooker Alternative: Cook in a large pot on the stovetop for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

✔ Meal Prep & Freezing:

• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the beef on Sauté mode, add the ingredients, and pressure cook on High for 15 minutes, followed by a quick release.

2. What’s the best way to reheat Cowboy Soup?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the cheese and sour cream toppings.

4. Is Cowboy Soup keto-friendly?

To make it low-carb, skip the potatoes, corn, and beans, and add more beef and low-carb veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

5. What’s the best side dish for Cowboy Soup?

Serve with cornbread, garlic bread, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup

✔ Easy to make – Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
✔ Hearty & Filling – Loaded with protein, fiber, and veggies.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Freezes and reheats beautifully.

This Crockpot Cowboy Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, flavorful, and nourishing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy, easy meal, this slow cooker soup is sure to be a hit!