The Best Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Hearty crockpot cowboy soup promises a rustic culinary adventure straight from ranch kitchens.

Cozy aromas will soon fill your home with warmth and comfort.

Cowboys knew how to craft satisfying meals from simple ingredients.

Robust flavors blend perfectly in this one-pot wonder that feeds hungry souls.

Meat, vegetables, and rich seasonings create a magical combination you can’t resist.

Beans and ground beef simmer slowly, developing deep, mouthwatering notes.

This recipe invites you to experience a delicious taste of western-style cooking that will become an instant family favorite.

Cowboy Soup From the Crockpot That’s Filling and Flavorful

• Hearty Comfort Guaranteed: Packed with protein-rich beans, tender ground beef, and a medley of vegetables, this cowboy soup delivers a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of taco and ranch seasoning creates a zesty, bold taste that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a basic soup into a memorable dining experience.
• Flexible Cooking Convenience: Designed for slow cookers, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, giving you freedom to tackle other tasks while a delicious meal simmers to perfection.

Crockpot Cowboy Soup: Ingredient Mix

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base for the hearty soup, choose lean ground beef for less fat.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancers that provide depth to the meat's taste.

• Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans, Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and nutrition, use canned or pre-cooked beans.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and crunchy vegetable that brings color and freshness to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Juicy base that adds moisture and tangy flavor, choose no-salt-added varieties for better control.
• Diced Green Chilies: Mild heat and southwestern flavor, adds subtle spiciness.

• Taco Seasoning Mix: Signature southwestern spice blend for authentic cowboy soup flavor.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Creamy, herbal seasoning that adds complexity to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Liquid foundation that helps blend all flavors, use low-sodium for health-conscious cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for final flavor adjustment.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Optional toppings that add richness, creaminess, and fresh bite.

Simmering Crockpot Cowboy Soup to Comforting Perfection

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, cooking until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain off any excess grease.

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them dance around the beef for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and glassy.

Step 2: Gather and Dump the Delicious Ingredients

Slide the beef mixture into your trusty crockpot.

Now it’s time to load up the flavor train!

• 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 3: Liquid Magic

Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

Make sure all the ingredients are getting cozy together.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Snap on the crockpot lid and let the magic happen.

If you’re patient, cook on low for 6-8 hours.

In a hurry?

The high setting works in 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Dress and Impress

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Crown your creation with a shower of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.

Dinner is served!

Cowboy Soup Crockpot Tips That Fill You Right Up

• Cook ground beef on medium-high heat until completely browned, ensuring no pink remains for optimal flavor and food safety.
• Mix different beans like kidney, pinto, and black beans for added texture, protein variety, and nutritional complexity.
• Combine taco and ranch seasoning mixes to create a rich, layered flavor profile that elevates the entire soup's taste.
• Use the crockpot's low setting for 6-8 hours to allow ingredients to meld together, developing deeper, more intense flavors.
• Customize your soup with fresh garnishes like sharp cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and crisp green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

Store Crockpot Cowboy Soup

• Store leftover Cowboy Soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and maintain the soup's delicious texture.

Cowboy Soup Matches

• Hearty Ranch Pairing: Buttermilk ranch dressing complements the soup's robust flavor, adding a creamy tangy layer that perfectly balances the rich beef and beans.
• Southwestern Beverage Match: Mexican cerveza (beer) like Modelo or Corona cuts through the soup's spiciness, offering a crisp refreshing contrast that elevates each bite.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Warm cornbread or jalapeño cheddar biscuits provide a delightful textural contrast, soaking up the savory broth and adding a delicious carbohydrate element to the meal.
• Bold Wine Selection: Zinfandel or Malbec wines bring deep fruity notes that harmonize with the soup's hearty southwestern profile, creating a sophisticated dining experience.

Cowboy Soup in a Crockpot with Hearty Mixes

• Low-Sodium Version: Replace regular taco and ranch seasoning mixes with homemade salt-free blends using dried herbs like oregano, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce overall salt content.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Add extra beans like cannellini or great northern beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure taco and ranch seasoning mixes are certified gluten-free. Verify all canned ingredients are gluten-free certified. Replace wheat-based seasonings with gluten-free alternatives to make the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Include additional green chilies and consider topping with hot sauce for extra kick.

FAQs

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from the green chilies and taco seasoning. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the green chilies.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a complete vegetarian version.

• Do I need to pre-cook the beans?

No, use canned beans which are already cooked. Drain and rinse them before adding to the crockpot to reduce sodium.

• How can I make this soup more hearty?

Add diced potatoes or use a heartier ground meat like ground chuck. You can also increase the bean variety for more protein and texture.

Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup delivers a robust western-style meal packed with ground beef, vegetables, and zesty spices. Rich flavors merge seamlessly in this one-pot wonder that warms souls and satisfies hunger with each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn kernels, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 ounces/284 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat foundation by thoroughly browning ground beef in a sizzling skillet until no pink remains. Eliminate excess oil through careful draining.
2. Enhance the meat’s flavor profile by incorporating finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
3. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into a spacious crockpot, creating a robust protein base for the hearty soup.
4. Layer the remaining ingredients systematically: kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, vibrant corn kernels, zesty diced tomatoes, fiery green chilies, and complementary seasoning mixes.
5. Introduce beef broth to the ingredient ensemble, gently stirring to ensure uniform distribution and seamless integration of flavors.
6. Modulate the seasoning with strategic salt and pepper adjustments, tailoring the taste to personal preference.
7. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the soup to simmer slowly, developing deep, complex flavors over 6-8 hours on low temperature or 3-4 hours on high setting.
8. When cooking concludes, unleash the soup’s full potential by garnishing with sharp cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and delicate chopped green onions.
9. Serve piping hot, presenting a rustic cowboy-inspired culinary experience in each comforting bowl.

Notes

• Customize the meat by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Dial down the heat by using mild taco seasoning or reducing green chilies if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
• Enhance the soup’s nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during the cooking process.
• Make it vegetarian-friendly by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg