Crockpot Cowboy Soup

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This Crockpot Cowboy Soup recipe sounds like the ultimate comfort food! It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. Here’s a quick recap of the recipe with some tips, variations, and storage instructions to make it even better:

Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/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)
  • 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
  • Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

  1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (2-3 minutes).

  1. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer beef, onion, and garlic to the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and green chilies (if using).

  1. Season: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

  1. Add Broth: Pour in broth and stir.
  2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

  1. Serve: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions if desired. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.

Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Soup

  1. Brown the Meat Well:
  • Browning the ground beef adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
  1. Customize the Heat:
  • Adjust the chili powder and green chilies to your spice preference. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
  1. Use Homemade Broth:
  • If possible, use homemade beef or vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
  1. Add Vegetables:
  • Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery for extra nutrition and texture.
  1. Don’t Overcook:
  • If cooking on high, check the soup after 3 hours to prevent the beans from becoming mushy.
  1. Thicken the Soup:
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  1. Prep Ahead:
  • Brown the meat and chop the vegetables the night before to save time.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Cowboy Soup:
  • Skip the ground beef and use extra beans or lentils. Add diced zucchini or mushrooms for heartiness.
  1. Spicy Cowboy Soup:
  • Add 1-2 diced jalapeños, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
  1. Cheesy Cowboy Soup:
  • Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  1. Tex-Mex Cowboy Soup:
  • Add 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon coriander, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
  1. Creamy Cowboy Soup:
  • Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes for a creamy twist.
  1. Pumpkin Cowboy Soup:
  • Add 1 cup pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired twist. It adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
  1. BBQ Cowboy Soup:
  • Add 1/4 cup BBQ sauce and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  1. Italian Cowboy Soup:
  • Replace the chili powder and cumin with Italian seasoning and add 1 cup cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes.

How to Store

  1. Refrigerating:
  • Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  1. Freezing:
  • Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
  • Thawing: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  1. Reheating:
  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.

  • Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping.

  • Top with avocado slices, cilantro, or crumbled tortilla chips for added texture.

  • Pair with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.

This Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family. Let me know if you’d like more tips or variations! 😊

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