In your search for the perfect, warm and delicious soup that will complete your dinner, this is perfect. Among the rich ingredients, ground beef, vegetables, beans, and potatoes adorn the soup laden with flavor and so easy to make. Simply drop everything into the crockpot and let it simmer while you go about your day. It works well for the really busy nights of the week or when you need to cook for a crowd with some good comfort food. I promise you that Crockpot Cowboy Soup will very soon become a family favorite. Go ahead and start cooking!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- Ground beef (1 lb)
- Olive oil (1 tbsp)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Potatoes (3 medium, diced)
- Carrots (2, peeled and sliced)
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Canned diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 oz each)
- Canned whole kernel corn (1 can, 15 oz, drained)
- Canned kidney beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- Canned pinto beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz)
- Beef broth (4 cups)
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 ½ cups)
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
- Chili powder (1 tsp)
- Paprika (1 tsp)
- Ground cumin (1 tsp)
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Black pepper (½ tsp)
- Bay leaves (2)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, kidney beans, pinto beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. Enjoy this hearty and delicious soup!
Serving and Storage Tips
You could accompany this soup with a slice of cornbread, a piece of fresh-built bread, or a green salad to make a meal.
Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3 days.
You can freeze the cooled soup by shifting it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Keep it for a maximum of 3 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight and thereafter reheat either in the microwave or on your stovetop.
Helpful Notes
In addition to this, one can also opt to spike up with chopped jalapeños or with a pinch of red pepper flakes; perfect for the spicier version.
For a lean version, minced turkey may be substituted for the beef, and chicken.
You could even add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to boost the level of nutrients as well as flavor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Ree Drummond suggests that a splash of hot sauce might wake up the flavor.
Continually, Chef Gordon Ramsay instructs the use of cilantro and parsley, which are fresh herbs for garnishing, to provide a blast of freshness.
Ina Garten suggests either homemade beef stock, or if that’s not an option, then prepared beef stock will do fine, resulting in a richer and more flavorful soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different kinds of beans?
You can use any beans you like-black beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans.
How do I make the soup gluten-free?
Ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free, e.g., Worcestershire sauce and canned goods.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
You bet. Turn on the “Sauté” function to brown the beef and then switch to “Soup or “Manual” mode to cook it for 15 minutes on high pressure for a natural release.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can make these substitutions: soy sauce will work, as well as soy sauce with a splash of vinegar.
Can I add pasta or rice to this recipe?
Yes, pasta or rice can be added to the recipe by cooking them before the 30-minute mark on low heat. Or, it can be served over rice.
What will prevent the potatoes from becoming all mushy?
Cut your potatoes into larger chunks; that will cook on low and not break down too much.
Could it be possible to make this soup a vegetarian recipe?
Omit the ground beef and a half-cup of diced tomatoes and replace the vegetable broth with beef broth. You can increase the white beans or lentils for your protein.
What should I do to make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, mature some potatoes by mashing them with a fork or mix with the cornstarch slurry (that is 1 tbsp mixed with cornstarch and 2 tbsp in water) and cook it on high for 10 minutes more.
Can I double this?
Of course you can double this if you have a large slow cooker.
And how do you suggest reheating the leftovers without compromising the taste?
For gentle reheating, put it on the stovetop over moderate heat; stir occasionally, or use the microwave with brief intervals.
Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup is good for that hearty, warm meal that is perfect for a day like this one.
