Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe

Warm Up with Our Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe Today

Comfort warms the soul on chilly nights with this crockpot cowboy soup that delivers bold southwestern flavors.

Ranch hands and hungry families have long cherished these robust ingredients simmering together.

Rustic and packed with protein, the soup brings a hearty meal to your table in just a few simple steps.

Ground beef and colorful vegetables create a satisfying one-pot wonder that feeds a crowd effortlessly.

Each spoonful bursts with rich, smoky seasonings that transport you to open ranch lands.

Tender chunks of meat and vegetables mingle in a savory broth that promises pure satisfaction.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will devour.

What Makes Cowboy Soup So Hearty

  • Nutritious One-Pot Dish: Packed with protein from ground beef, mixed vegetables, and beans, this soup delivers a complete, balanced meal in a single dish.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: Hearty, mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a perfect crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will love.
  • Slow Cooker Magic: Hands-off cooking method allows ingredients to simmer and develop rich, deep flavors while you go about your day, making meal preparation stress-free.

Ingredients for Crockpot Cowboy Soup

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and filling base for the cowboy soup.
Potatoes:
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and smooth potatoes that add heartiness to the dish.
Vegetables:
  • Mixed Vegetables, Sweet Corn, Green Beans: Colorful and nutritious veggies that bring freshness and texture.
  • Petite Diced Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes that add a bright, tangy flavor.
Seasonings and Liquid:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
  • Sugar: A subtle sweetener to balance the savory flavors.
  • Tomato Soup: A rich and creamy liquid that ties all the ingredients together.

Making Cowboy Soup in the Crockpot

Step 1: Prep Potatoes

Wash and peel those golden Yukon potatoes.

Chop them into bite-sized cubes that’ll cook evenly and melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Brown Beef

Fire up a skillet and toss in the ground beef.

Cook it until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Grab your trusty crockpot and start layering the deliciousness:
  • Cooked ground beef
  • Potato cubes
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Sweet corn
  • Tomato soup
  • Petite diced tomatoes
  • Green beans

Step 4: Boost the Flavor

Sprinkle in some seasoning magic:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Sugar (just a touch to round out the flavors)

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Give everything a good stir to mix all those incredible ingredients.

Pop the lid on and let your crockpot work its magic.

Cook on low for 2-3 hours until those potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have mingled.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle this hearty cowboy soup into big bowls.

Pair with a thick slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Dig in and enjoy the rustic, home-cooked goodness!

Tips for Thick & Tasty Cowboy Soup

  • Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Remove excess fat from ground beef after browning to prevent a greasy soup and maintain a cleaner flavor profile.
  • Feel free to swap or add different frozen vegetables based on personal preference or what's available in your pantry.
  • The small amount of sugar helps neutralize the acidity of tomatoes and creates a more rounded, harmonious taste in the soup.
  • Can easily adjust cooking time – if you need it done faster, switch to high heat setting and reduce time to 1-1.5 hours while checking potato tenderness.

Reheating Cowboy Soup the Right Way

  • Transfer leftover cowboy soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick, bringing it back to its original consistency.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

What Goes Well with Cowboy Soup

  • Pair Perfectly with Cowboy Soup
  • Rustic Cornbread Companion: Crumble warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside the soup for a traditional Southern touch that soaks up the rich broth and complements the hearty flavors.
  • Wine Wonderland: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah, which offers robust notes that stand up to the soup's bold meat and vegetable profile, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
  • Crisp Cheddar Sidekick: Sprinkle sharp aged cheddar cheese on top of the soup or serve crispy cheddar cheese crackers on the side to add a tangy, salty crunch that elevates the overall taste experience.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to introduce a bright, green element that cuts through the soup's richness and adds a layer of fresh complexity.

Flavor Options for Cowboy Soup

  • Vegetarian Cowboy Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced extra-firm tofu for a protein-packed meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free tomato soup and ensure all canned vegetables are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Substitute regular canned vegetables with no-salt-added varieties and skip added salt, using herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor enhancement.
  • Keto-Friendly Modification: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, use low-carb tomato sauce instead of soup, and increase protein content with additional ground beef or sausage.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Cowboy Soup?

The key ingredients are ground beef, Yukon Gold potatoes, mixed vegetables, sweet corn, tomato soup, petite diced tomatoes, green beans, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar for flavor balance.

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, the soup is packed with protein from ground beef and a variety of vegetables, providing a balanced and filling meal with essential nutrients and vitamins.

  • Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Absolutely! You can simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally until potatoes are tender.

  • Can I freeze Cowboy Soup for later?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

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Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cowboy soup delivers a robust western-style meal packed with ground beef, vegetables, and rich flavors simmering slowly in a crockpot. Hungry souls will savor this comforting one-pot wonder that brings ranch-style warmth straight to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cans mixed vegetables, undrained
  • 1 can sweet corn, undrained
  • 1 can cut green beans, undrained
  • 1 can petite diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 can condensed tomato soup
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 dash pepper

Instructions

  1. Dice Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure consistent cooking and texture throughout the soup.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown ground beef, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain away excess rendered fat to prevent greasiness.
  3. Transfer the browned meat into the crockpot, creating the protein base for the rustic soup.
  4. Layer the cubed potatoes directly over the ground beef, creating the first vegetable foundation.
  5. Pour in undrained mixed vegetables, sweet corn, petite diced tomatoes, and green beans, allowing their natural juices to enhance the soup’s depth.
  6. Incorporate tomato soup as the liquid binding agent, which will provide richness and velvety consistency.
  7. Sprinkle salt and black pepper strategically, balancing the seasoning with a subtle hint of sugar to round out the flavor profile.
  8. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of components throughout the crockpot.
  9. Cover and set the slow cooker to low, allowing the soup to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 hours until potatoes reach perfect tenderness.
  10. Once cooking is complete, ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, presenting a comforting one-pot meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Notes

  • Potato Perfection: Choose Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during slow cooking.
  • Fat Management: Thoroughly drain ground beef to prevent excess grease in the final soup, ensuring a cleaner, lighter dish.
  • Veggie Versatility: Swap canned vegetables with fresh or frozen options for a more vibrant and nutritional profile.
  • Salt-Smart Seasoning: Adjust salt carefully since canned vegetables and tomato soup already contain sodium, preventing an overly salty result.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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