A Deliciously Tasty Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe
Are you looking for a warm, comforting dish that is easy to make and tastes great? Crockpot Cowboy Soup is the perfect recipe! This hearty soup combines potatoes, vegetables, beans, and beef in one delicious pot of soup.
It’s full of flavor, filling, and perfect for a cold winter night. The dish originated in the American West and is still a favorite today. Here’s how to make it for your family.
What is Cowboy Soup?
Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup made from potatoes, vegetables, beans, and ground beef. It’s an easy-to-make one-pot meal that can be prepared in the slow cooker or stovetop. The soup is loaded with flavor thanks to the combination of spices, including chili powder and garlic powder.
This dish originated in the American West and quickly became a classic. It’s often served with a sprinkle of cheese, sour cream, or cilantro, adding a nice flavor and texture to the soup.
Crockpot Cowboy Soup Ingredient List
Making crockpot cowboy soup isn’t difficult because all ingredients can be found at the grocery store. Some main ingredients can’t be substituted and will be needed to make the soup correctly. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need
Here are the ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
- Shredded cheese
- sour cream
- chopped green onions for garnish
Garnishes & Sides:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro
- Chopped Tortilla chips or Fritos
Alternatives & Substitutions
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you don’t want to use beef.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans or mushrooms.
- You can also replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes or squash if desired.
Kitchenware & Cookware
- slow cooker or Dutch oven
- cutting board
- knife
- measuring cup and spoon
Crockpot Cowboy Soup Cooking Instructions
Here are the steps to making crockpot cowboy soup:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned about 5 minutes. You’ll need to stir and break up the meat as it cooks. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Add in the Vegetables
Drain off the fat and add the onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and black beans to the pot. Sautee until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. You’ll know when they are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 3: Mix Spices
Mix chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Add the spices to the pot and mix everything. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the pot.
Step 4: Add Beef Broth & Simmer
Pour in the beef broth, cover, and let it cook for 25 minutes over medium-low heat or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. You may need to add more broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the cowboy soup in individual bowls with your desired garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. You can also add some Fritos or tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For a complete meal, serve the cowboy soup with warm crusty bread or cornbread. It’s also delicious served over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. If you want sides, try serving it with a green salad or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Pair it with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing glass of white wine.
My favorite is serving the soup with warm, buttery cornbread and a cold glass of sweet iced tea. It’s a delicious way to have a home-cooked meal in no time.
Crockpot Cowboy Soup FAQs
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken is an easy substitution. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with more beans or mushrooms. Others have found that a combination of ground turkey and beans works well. However, you won’t get the same flavor as ground beef.
Is Cowboy Soup spicy?
The chili powder adds flavor but doesn’t make it overly spicy. Feel free to add more chili powder to taste. For those of you who do enjoy spicy dishes, you can add in some hot sauce or jalapenos for extra heat. I find that a few drops of hot sauce does the trick.
Can I make Cowboy Soup in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Follow the exact instructions above but cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, and then serve. You may find that the potatoes are a bit too soft this way, so you can cook them ahead of time and add them in near the end. Other adjustments you may want to make are reducing the broth, as the Instant Pot will release some steam and make it soupier.
How long does Crockpot Cowboy Soup last in the refrigerator?
The soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The recipe provides around 6-8 servings, so you should have enough leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Can I freeze Crockpot Cowboy Soup?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the soup in the refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed before reheating. The texture may change after freezing, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made in your slow cooker or Dutch oven. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a filling meal that the whole family will love.
The soup is easy to customize with your favorite spices, beans, and toppings. Plus, it reheats well so that you can enjoy it for days. So next time you’re craving delicious comfort food, give this Crockpot Cowboy Soup recipe a try! Enjoy!
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