Looking for a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than Crockpot Cowboy Soup! This rich, savory soup is packed with a variety of beans, tomatoes, and ground beef, making it an ideal dish to satisfy your hunger on a cold day or to serve at a family gathering. The best part? It cooks effortlessly in your crockpot, allowing you to spend more time relaxing and less time cooking.
With its robust flavors from taco seasoning, ranch dressing, and a medley of vegetables, this cowboy soup is not just filling, but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this Crockpot Cowboy Soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Cowboy Soup
To make this comforting soup, gather these simple ingredients. They are easy to find and blend together beautifully to create a rich and hearty soup that everyone will love.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for garnish
Why These Ingredients Work
- Ground Beef: The ground beef provides a rich, savory base that makes the soup hearty and filling. It’s the perfect protein to complement the beans and vegetables in the soup.
- Beans: A combination of kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans gives the soup a wonderful texture and extra protein. The variety of beans helps to add depth to the flavor while keeping the soup nutritious.
- Tomatoes and Chilies: The diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced green chilies bring a slight tangy and spicy kick, perfect for balancing the richness of the beef and beans. These ingredients form the heart of the soup’s base.
- Taco Seasoning & Ranch Dressing Mix: These two seasoning packets add a tangy, zesty flavor profile that makes the soup irresistible. The ranch dressing mix adds a creamy, herby note, while the taco seasoning infuses the soup with familiar, flavorful spices.
- Beef Broth: The beef broth serves as the liquid base, helping to blend all the ingredients together and infusing the soup with deep, savory flavor.
- Toppings: The shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions are perfect finishing touches, adding extra creaminess, richness, and freshness to the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crockpot Cowboy Soup
Making this Crockpot Cowboy Soup is simple and requires just a few steps to assemble. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, so all you need to do is prep the ingredients and let the crockpot work its magic.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to ensure the soup isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will bring out the flavors of the onion and garlic and add depth to the soup.
Step 3: Transfer to the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture into the crockpot. Be sure to scrape up any bits of beef and onion left in the skillet, as they are full of flavor and will enhance the soup.
Step 4: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Chilies
To the crockpot, add the following ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
These ingredients will form the base of the soup, providing the right balance of vegetables, beans, and spices.
Step 5: Add the Seasonings and Beef Broth
Next, stir in the taco seasoning mix and ranch dressing mix to season the soup. These seasoning packets will create a flavorful, well-seasoned broth. Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients.
Step 6: Season with Salt and Pepper
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, depending on how flavorful the broth already is. You can also add more taco seasoning or ranch dressing mix for an extra punch of flavor if you prefer.
Step 7: Cook the Soup
Cover the crockpot and cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and makes the soup rich and hearty. By the time it’s done, the beans will be tender, and the soup will be full of bold, savory flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. We recommend adding shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Cowboy Soup
- Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier soup, add jalapeños or more diced green chilies to the mix. For a milder version, omit the green chilies or use a mild taco seasoning.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to increase the nutritional value of the soup.
- Leftovers: This soup is perfect for leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cowboy Soup
- Effortless to make: The crockpot does all the work, so you can spend your day doing other things while your soup simmers to perfection.
- Rich and hearty: Packed with ground beef, beans, and veggies, this soup is a filling meal that will satisfy your hunger.
- Perfect for a crowd: This recipe makes a large batch, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.
- Versatile toppings: Customize your bowl with different toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Cowboy Soup is the perfect meal for busy days when you need a hearty and comforting dish that requires minimal effort. The combination of seasoned beef, beans, and tomatoes creates a flavorful, filling soup that will leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you serve it for dinner or take it to a potluck, this cowboy soup is sure to please everyone. Try it today and enjoy the savory goodness of this slow-cooked favorite!