Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup for Easy Dinners (Print Version)

Simple Crockpot Cowboy Soup recipe. A hearty, flavorful weeknight meal with ground beef, beans, and veggies. So satisfying!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
02 - 1 large onion, chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted if possible)
05 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
06 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
07 - 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
08 - 1 (4 oz) can mild green chiles, undrained
09 - 4 cups beef broth

→ Flavor Boosters

10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
14 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

15 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
16 - Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
17 - Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish

→ Optional Extras

18 - 1 tsp liquid smoke (for extra smoky flavor)
19 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, grab your biggest skillet and get that ground beef nice and browned over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s all gloriously brown, drain off any excess fat—honestly, this step is crucial for a non-greasy soup. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The smell at this point? Oh, it’s just heavenly, promising good things to come for your Crockpot Cowboy Soup!
02 - Now for the easy part! Carefully transfer your browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your trusty slow cooker. Add in the drained diced tomatoes, the rinsed kidney and black beans (don’t forget that rinse!), the corn, the green chiles, and pour in all that rich beef broth. This is where everything starts to mingle, and you can already imagine the flavors developing. I always give it a good stir here, making sure everything is evenly distributed. Don't worry if it looks a bit crowded, it all settles down.
03 - This is where the magic happens, flavor-wise! Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add a good pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Seriously, don't skimp on the spices here; they're what give this Crockpot Cowboy Soup its signature bold taste. Give it another thorough stir to ensure all those glorious spices are mixed in. I sometimes find myself taking a deep breath just to savor the aroma!
04 - Pop the lid on your slow cooker. You’ve got options now: cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go for the low and slow method if I have the time; it just lets all those flavors deepen and meld together beautifully. There's something so satisfying about the house filling with the smell of dinner cooking without you doing much at all. Just let it do its thing, no peeking allowed for the first few hours!
05 - Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid. Give your Crockpot Cowboy Soup a good stir. You’ll see how all the ingredients have softened and the broth has thickened slightly. This is your moment to taste and adjust the seasonings. Does it need a little more salt? A dash more chili powder? Trust your instincts here! I always grab a spoonful and let it cool just a bit before tasting, to avoid a burnt tongue, oops!
06 - Ladle your steaming hot Crockpot Cowboy Soup into bowls. This is where you can get creative with your favorite toppings. I love a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It just looks so inviting, and the textures are fantastic. It’s truly a comforting meal that comes together with minimal fuss, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

# Notes:

01 - Always drain the fat from your ground beef; it makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture of your soup.
02 - Storage in airtight glass containers for 3-4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.
03 - Ground turkey or pinto beans are good substitutes if you're out of beef or kidney beans; I’ve tried both with decent results.
04 - Serve with warm cornbread and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate comfort meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
03 - cutting board
04 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g

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