Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold day. It’s typically made with a variety of vegetables, beans, ground beef, and seasonings, all slow-cooked in a crockpot for maximum flavor. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies (optional for added heat)
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to your crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced green chilies (if using).
- Season: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Add Broth: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. You can adjust the amount of broth based on your preferred soup consistency.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Serve: Once the soup is done, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve your Crockpot Cowboy Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, jalapeños, or different types of beans. It’s a versatile dish that you can make your own!